Biography
Rumored to have been taught Shaolin kung-fu by a Monk (?) at the age of 10, this muscular actor started his film career at Raymond Chow's Golden Harvest studios. He was said to be a master of about (10) different styles of Martial Arts, including - Kung-fu, Karate, and Thai-Boxing. He was known to work entirely too much. He was quoted as saying that he had worked on (12) different films at the same time. His role in The Skyhawk, was one of his better films without frequent co-star, Angela Mao. He had appeared with her in a number of films including: Lady Kung Fu, Deadly China Doll, The Tournament and When Tae Kwon Do Strikes; films where the emphasis was on her -- not him.
Leaving the studio, he made the Shaw Brothers film - Marco Polo (aka The 4 Assassins) in Taiwan. Even here, his character was killed off quickly, so that director Chang Cheh could concentrate on, the regular stars in his stable - Fu Sheng and new star Chi Kuan-Chun. It was obvious to him, that he wasn't being taken seriously as he would forever be a "Co-star" in Chang's films (the director already had his own stable of actors). He (eventually) started working with various Independent studios. Much of his best work (after leaving Golden Harvest), has been thanks to master director, Joseph Kuo.He signed with Kuo's film company, where he got a lot more screen-time and leading roles centered on him. He became a star, with the release of 18 Bronzemen.
I think the sequel, Return Of The 18 Bronzemen (a much better film), really showed off his skills. Films like Shaolin Traitor, The 8 Masters, The Blazing Temples and The Traitorious -- gave him ample roles, to show us his prowess in the arts and his star really begin to rise. As he was paired with Angela Mao at Golden Harvest, Kuo paired him with Polly Shang-Kuan, where their chemistry seemed a lot better, than his work with Mao. Shaolin Death Squads, Shaolin Traitor, and Mysterious Heroes were some of their best films together; showcasing both actor's skill and acting abilities. As a career-change, he began playing villains and with good success.
In the film Born Invincible, he was excellent, in what some have called - the best role of his career. Though, he wasn't as evil, as I would have liked him to be in The Legendary Strike, he still managed to put in a good performance. His roles as a villain seemed to increase his range as an actor as well (especially, in the film - Rage Of The Dragon with Dragon Lee). He has played in some memorable classics and some equally, entertaining films. Given the movie, his presence can be excellent, as he's at his best when he's able to showcase his skills. The film Revenge Of The Patriots could have been much better, if he had a much bigger part. I actually like him in Fatal Flying Guillotines, going up against screen veteran, Chen Sing. Here, he got to be the leading man, that he was always meant to be (and it showed).