Biography
It's obvious, that when director Chang Cheh chose him to work in his films -- he saw something in him, that had star-quality written all over it. This Non-Martial-artist, was asked to be an extra, when he commented on how easy it [acting] looked (and he does make it look easy). Yet, having no formal training as a martial-artist or an actor, seemed to have worked in his favor. He was molded by the likes of Liu Chia-Liang at Shaw Brothers and later by Samo Hung at Golden Harvest. With two director/choreographers like those, how could he go wrong?
Where Liu initially molded him, Samo (for the most part) was more instrumental in his development as an actor/fighter. With his work at Golden Harvest, he (also) began to experiment with Comedy, which, he wasn't too bad at. Through Hung, he achieved leading roles, picked up more acting skills, and got to explore his range, even more.
Films like Warriors 2, helped pave the way for such classics as, The Victim, Dreadnaught, and many others. Also known as Beardy (because he usually sported a beard) - this set him apart from other stars, as beards were often associated with Villains and he wore one, regardless of the roles he played.
Where Liu initially molded him, Samo (for the most part) was more instrumental in his development as an actor/fighter. With his work at Golden Harvest, he (also) began to experiment with Comedy, which, he wasn't too bad at. Through Hung, he achieved leading roles, picked up more acting skills, and got to explore his range, even more.
Films like Warriors 2, helped pave the way for such classics as, The Victim, Dreadnaught, and many others. Also known as Beardy (because he usually sported a beard) - this set him apart from other stars, as beards were often associated with Villains and he wore one, regardless of the roles he played.
I feel that he became a much more complete (and solid) actor, from his time spent with Samo and his crew. His additional work with Independent companies, added other hits to his resume' - (Cantonen Iron Kung Fu, 60 Second Assassin, Thundering Mantis, 2 On The Road) -- that only increased his star potential. Yet, he returned to Shaw studios and brought us excellent hits like - New Tales Of The Flying Fox and Secret Service Of The Imperial Court. For someone, who didn't really know how to fight, his transition made it look easy (yet) we must remember, that a number of actors [during the early 70's] didn't know how to fight.
Not being an actual martial-artist, meant little, as their were working in the world of "Make Believe" and only had to make it, look real. With his look and acting skills, he had no problem sustaining work, throughout the genre's run. Films like 2 Great Cavaliers, Shaolin King Boxer, and Iron Monkey '77 -- are examples of small (but pivotal) roles, he would take on his way up the ladder, to success. Working at both major studios helped him learn the business, so when he went the "Independent" route, he was able to keep his career on track, at a time when many actors couldn't find work. When he became a fan-favorite, it didn't really matter whether he played the hero or the villain (because when he appeared on the screen), they knew they'd get their money's worth.