The Hong Kong film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actor and martial arts action director Yuen Cheung Yan, who passed away at the age of 69 at the beginning of 2026.

According to reports, Yuen Cheung Yan widely recognized for his iconic role as the “Beggar King” in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle died after a prolonged illness at Queen Elizabeth Hospital. His funeral is scheduled to be held on February 1 at the Universal Funeral Parlour. News of his passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans and industry colleagues.

While many audiences remember Yuen Cheung Yan primarily as an actor, his contributions behind the scenes were equally significant. He came from a prestigious martial arts family, being the son of renowned action director Yuen Siu Tien and the younger brother of internationally acclaimed action choreographer Yuen Woo Ping, who has worked on numerous major Hollywood productions.

Yuen Cheung Yan began his career in the late 1960s, training in martial arts and working on film sets under Shaw Brothers Studio. During the golden era of Hong Kong martial arts cinema, he took on various roles, including stunt performer, supporting actor, and action director. His long-standing dedication to the craft made him a familiar and respected presence in Asian cinema.

To the public, Yuen Cheung Yan was especially known for portraying eccentric, mysterious characters who left a lasting impression despite limited screen time. Among his most notable performances was the beggar master who teaches the legendary “Buddha Palm” technique in King of Beggars (The Legend of Beggar So), as well as the memorable Beggar King in Kung Fu Hustle.

Though often cast in supporting roles, Yuen Cheung Yan’s characters frequently played pivotal parts in driving the story forward. His natural acting style, combined with solid martial arts skills and subtle comedic timing, earned him a reputation as a rare “golden supporting actor.” Many viewers have noted that even without lengthy dialogue, his performances remained unforgettable years later.

Yuen Cheung Yan’s passing marks the end of a remarkable career devoted to martial arts cinema. For fans of classic Hong Kong action films, he will always be remembered as the humble yet powerful Beggar King an irreplaceable symbol of a bygone era in kung fu cinema.

Sources: saostar