> # Yuan Xiangren from ‘Kung Fu Hustle’ has passed away.
According to HK01, actor, director, and martial arts choreographer Yuan Xiangren passed away on the first day of 2026. Prior to that, he was widely known to audiences for his supporting role in Stephen Chow’s ‘Kung Fu Hustle’.
Báo Thanh niên•02/01/2026
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Actor and martial arts choreographer Yuan Xiangren
PHOTO: HK01
Hong Kong news outlets revealed that Mr. Yuan Xiangren passed away on January 1st at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Hong Kong, at the age of 68. His wife posted an obituary, confirming that the funeral will be held on February 1st at the WorldFuneral Home, and that everyone is welcome to pay their respects. The family did not disclose the cause of Mr. Yuan’s death.
The news of actor Yuan Xiangren’s passing has left many fans shocked and saddened. On social media, many fans posted messages of remembrance and gratitude to the late artist, recalling the impressive roles of this martial arts star and bidding him farewell.
Yuen Cheung-yan’s memorable role in Kung Fu Hustle. His life was intertwined with the golden age of Hong Kong martial arts films.
PHOTO: SCREENSHOT
Born in 1957 into a family with a martial arts tradition, Yuen Cheung-yan studied martial arts from a young age before entering the film industry as a stuntman. He is the son of the famous actor and martial arts choreographer Yuen Siu-tin, and the younger brother of director and martial arts choreographer Yuen Woo-ping . According to Sohu , during the 1970s and 1980s, he and his older brother established their own film company, “Yuen Family Film Crew.” In 1991, Yuen Cheung-yan served as the martial arts choreographer for the film Once Upon a Time in China and won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography. HK01 reports that he also followed his brother Yuen Woo-ping to Hollywood, participating in martial arts choreography for many famous films.
Besides his role as a martial arts choreographer, this artist also takes on the roles of director and supporting actor in comedies and martial arts films, impressing many viewers with works such as: Meteor Butterfly Sword, The Mysterious Gate of the Hidden World, King of Beggars, Tai Chi Master Zhang Sanfeng … In particular, many viewers remember Yuan Xiangren for his role as the mysterious old beggar holding the secret manual of the Tathagata Divine Palm in Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle . The character’s line: “I see you have extraordinary potential, a rare martial arts prodigy among thousands” left a deep impression on many viewers.
Towards the end of his life, the veteran artist lived a private life but continued to be active in the arts. In 2025, he participated in the projects “Red Wedding Dress” and"Flavorful Food Truck ".
