The martial arts cinema world feels a little quieter today. On January 14, 2026, we lost one of the true titans of the golden era: Bruce Leung Siu-lung. For those who grew up on the “Three Dragons” of Hong Kong—Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Bruce Leung—his passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in action history.
Long before modern audiences knew him, Leung was a household name across Asia. In the 1970s and 80s, his authentic, hard-hitting style made him an icon. While many were labeled “Bruceploitation” actors after Bruce Lee’s death, Leung stood apart with genuine mastery in Goju-ryu Karate and Wing Chun. His portrayal of Chen Zhen in the 1981 series The Legendary Fok wasn’t just a role; it was a cultural phenomenon that defined the character for a generation.
For many international fans, Bruce Leung’s “second spring” came in 2004 when Stephen Chow coaxed him out of a long retirement for “Kung Fu Hustle”. As the Fire Cloud Evil God (or “The Beast”), he gave us one of the most unforgettable villains in cinema history. Watching him catch a bullet between two fingers—dressed in a simple tank top and slippers—was a masterclass in how to command the screen with pure presence.