Hwang Jang Lee, the legendary Korean martial artist and actor best known for his memorable roles in some of Hong Kong cinema’s greatest kung fu classics, has passed away at the age of 81. The circumstances surrounding his death have not been publicly disclosed.
Born on December 21, 1944, Hwang became one of the most recognizable villains in martial arts cinema and one of the genre’s greatest superkickers. Often nicknamed the “King of the Leg Fighters” and “Thunderleg,” Hwang possessed extraordinary kicking ability that made him a formidable opponent for some of martial arts cinema’s biggest stars.
Hwang began studying Taekwondo at the age of 14 and eventually achieved ninth-dan grandmaster status in both Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. Before entering the film industry, he served as a martial arts instructor for the South Korean and South Vietnamese armies during the Vietnam War.
His film career took off in 1976 when Hong Kong producer Ng See-yuen cast him as the villainous Silver Fox in The Secret Rivals. He quickly established himself as one of the most formidable screen villains of the era, appearing in numerous martial arts productions throughout the late 1970s and 1980s.
Among his most memorable performances were Sheng Kuan in Jackie Chan’s Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow and Thunderleg in Drunken Master, both released in 1978. The two classics helped launch Chan to international stardom, with Hwang proving to be the perfect nemesis for his unorthodox fighting style.
Other notable titles in his filmography also includes 1977’s The Invincible Armour, 1979’s Buddha Assassinator, 1981’s Game of Death II, 1982’s Ninja in the Dragon’s Den and 1986’s Millionaires’ Express.
Hwang also stepped behind the camera, making his 1981 directorial debut with Hitman in the Hand of Buddha, in which he also starred.
In 2014, City on Fire’s Paul Bramhall had the opportunity to sit down with Hwang for an exclusive interview during the martial arts legend’s visit to the UK. The conversation offered fans a rare opportunity to hear from the man behind some of kung fu cinema’s most unforgettable villains.
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
