Martial Arts Icon Bruce Leung Passes Away at Age 77
The entertainment world mourns the loss of a legendary figure. Bruce Leung, the celebrated Hong Kong martial artist and actor best known for his role as the Beast in Stephen Chow's classic film Kung Fu Hustle, has died. He was 77 years old.
Details of His Passing and Funeral Arrangements
Bruce Leung, also known by his Chinese name Leung Siu-lung, passed away on January 14, 2026. His family has not disclosed the specific cause of death. They are currently handling all funeral preparations with care and respect.
A formal farewell ceremony for the late actor is scheduled to take place on January 26. The event will be held in the Longgang district of Shenzhen, China, where friends, family, and fans can pay their final respects.
Mysterious Final Message from His Douyin Account
Following his death, a poignant message appeared on Bruce Leung's Douyin account. Douyin is the Chinese version of the popular TikTok platform. The post seemed to be written by the actor himself, offering a cryptic and heartfelt goodbye to his followers.
"I've gone to a very, very faraway place to make a film. Please forgive me for leaving without saying goodbye. Just think of it as me having gone to a very distant place to shoot a movie. I had intended to keep it a secret, so my close disciple continued posting videos as usual. I like having a bit of mystery. Live well on my behalf. Love is always here. Remember that I love you all," the message read.
Hollywood Tributes Pour In from Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow
News of Bruce Leung's death prompted an immediate outpouring of grief from across the film industry. Fellow martial arts superstar Jackie Chan shared a deeply emotional tribute on his Weibo account. He expressed his initial disbelief and praised Leung's incredible talent.
"For a moment, I couldn't - and didn't want to - believe it," Jackie Chan wrote. "He was always a kung fu master proficient in many forms of traditional martial arts and able to express his own distinctive style in each one. He applied everything he had learnt over a lifetime to film and television, becoming an outstanding action director. At the same time, as an actor, he brought to life so many classic roles that were deeply loved by audiences and greatly admired by us fellow professionals as well."
Chan concluded his message with a poetic and personal note: "Brother Leung, it's snowing in Beijing. The sky is gloomy, and I'm thinking of you."
Kung Fu Hustle director Stephen Chow also honored his former colleague. He posted a simple yet powerful message on his Instagram story, writing: "Forever remembering Mr Leung Siu-lung."
A Storied Career in Martial Arts Cinema
Bruce Leung enjoyed a long and distinguished career in action films. He first gained prominence in the 1970s with roles in martial arts movies like The Dragon Lives Again (1977) and Magnificent Bodyguards (1978), where he acted alongside a young Jackie Chan.
However, it was his role in 2004's Kung Fu Hustle that introduced him to a massive new global audience. His portrayal of the fearsome and powerful villain known as the Beast became an iconic part of modern comedy-action cinema. The film's success marked a major career resurgence for the veteran actor.
Fans and critics alike admired his unique fighting style and his ability to convey both menace and depth on screen. His passing marks the end of an era for Hong Kong's martial arts film legacy.
