Chen Kuan-tai, a martial artist, actor and director, has passed away at the age of 80. According to reports from Hong Kong, the legendary Shaw Brothers star reportedly died following a suspected brain hemorrhage.
Also known to many fans as “Brother Tai,” Chen leaves behind an extraordinary career spanning more than five decades. After establishing himself as a skilled martial artist and winning the light heavyweight championship at the Southeast Asian National Martial Arts Competition in 1969, he entered the film industry and went on to become one of Hong Kong cinema’s most recognizable kung fu stars.
Chen rose to international fame after starring in Chang Cheh’s The Boxer from Shantung in 1972, which established him as one of Shaw Brothers’ biggest action stars. He went on to appear in countless classics, including The Blood Brothers, Heroes Two, The Teahouse, The Flying Guillotine, Crippled Avengers, Executioners from Shaolin, and Killer Constable, while also working as a director and action filmmaker throughout his remarkable career.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.
Watch Interviews, Trailers and footage from some of Chen Kuan-tai’s most memorable performances:
RIP to a legendary OG and one of my favorite Shaw Actors.