Chiang Sheng
???
???
|
Biography
Known as "Cutie-Pie" to his fans, he was one of a number of Taiwanese stuntmen, to follow director Chang Cheh back to Shaw Bros' in the mid 70's. As a kid he was expelled from school for smoking in the principal's office, but his childhood would also introduce him to a few of his life-long friends Lu Feng, Robet Tai, and Kuo Chui. As kids attending Opera School in Taiwan, they received as much hardships during their training, as their Hong Kong counterparts (such as Jackie Chan and Samo Hung).
Usually, the mediator of the group, he showed excellent martial-arts and weaponry skills. But, it was his skills as an Acrobat that captivated his fans most. I remember a scene from Crippled Avengers where he was playing with a metal ring. Even with this ring around his body and from a low squatting position, he performed a forward-flip, coming to the same low position. The metal ring looked as though it would constrict his movement, yet, he could still perform the stunt, that's just how versatile he was. His acrobatic skills definitely rivaled those of people such as Hsiao Ho, Meng Yuen-Men, and Yuen Biao.
Working with director Chang afforded him many things, the best being a chance to learn about cameras and filmmaking, as he served as an assistant to the director on many occasions. He was the assistant-director on such films as 10 Tigers Of Kwangtung, 2 Champions Of Death, Sword Stained with Royal Blood, House Of Traps, and others. He also flew solo in the action-packed movie, 5 Fighters From Shaolin working with fellow classmates Jack Long and William Yen.
When director Chang decided on an ensemble film, he was one of the first to help with the film (it would be one of his last performances working with him). He died in 1991, of a Heart-attack [rumored] brought on by excessive drinking. His friend Cheng Tien-Chi, supposedly found his body after having been dead for (3) days. As a performer, he was one of the most well-liked members of their group. He had fans around the world, astounded with his physical abilities and comedic timing. As it stood, his presence was needed, more so, than that of Lo Mang or Sun Chien, in order to make their group work.