Chinese Legend Actors Star in Popular Films

Kapanlagi.com - The Chinese and Hong Kong film industry would not be complete without the big names that have existed since the 80s to the 2000s. They are not just ordinary actors, but icons that have shaped the face of Asian cinema—from martial arts action, absurd comedy, to charismatic drama.

Some of them have even successfully penetrated Hollywood and are widely known globally. Let's take a look at which legendary actors have starred in popular films and made their names eternal until now.

1. Jackie Chan

Jackie Chan in the Film Rush Hour (imdb.com)

Born on April 7, 1954, Jackie Chan is known as one of the most influential action film icons in the world. His acrobatic fighting style, physical comedy, and stunt scenes without body doubles have been his trademarks throughout his decades-long career. He even has a star on the Hong Kong Avenue of Stars and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

One of his popular films that gained worldwide recognition is Rush Hour (1998), which expanded his popularity in the international market. With over 100 films throughout his career, Jackie Chan was also the second highest-paid actor in the world in 2016 according to Forbes.

2. Stephen Chow

Stephen Chow in the Movie Shaolin Soccer (imdb.com)

Born June 22, 1962, Stephen Chow is known as the king of Hong Kong comedy with his distinctive absurd and clever mo lei tau style. He started his career at TVB before eventually dominating the box office in the 1990s and becoming one of the most influential comedians in Asia.

The film Shaolin Soccer (2001) became an international hit and won many awards, including Best Picture at the Hong Kong Film Awards. He also achieved great success with Kung Fu Hustle (2004), which won various awards including a BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language.

3. Jet Li

Jet Li in the Movie The Expendables (imdb.com)

Jet Li, born April 26, 1963, is a former national wushu champion who later became a world-class action movie star. His debut in Shaolin Temple (1982) instantly propelled him to fame as a martial arts actor.

He is widely known through the series Once Upon a Time in China, where he portrayed the legendary character Wong Fei-hung. Jet Li also found success in Hollywood with films like Romeo Must Die (2000) and The Expendables (2010), reinforcing his status as an international action star.

4. Andy Lau

Andy Lau in the film Infernal Affairs (imdb.com)

Born September 27, 1961, Andy Lau is one of the most successful actors and singers in Hong Kong. Since the mid-1980s, he has starred in over 120 films while remaining active as a Cantopop singer.

Andy Lau is known as one of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' alongside Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung, and Leon Lai. One of his globally popular films is Infernal Affairs (2002), which was later adapted into the Hollywood film The Departed.

5. Leon Lai Ming

Leon Lai and Maggie Cheung in Comrades: Almost a Love Story (imdb.com)

Leon Lai, born December 11, 1966, is also among the 'Four Heavenly Kings' of Cantopop. In addition to his success as a singer, he is also active as an actor and film director.

One of his famous films is Comrades: Almost a Love Story (1996), which became a classic romantic drama and received widespread acclaim. Leon Lai is also known for his active involvement in social and community activities.

6. Donnie Yen

Donnie Yen in Ip Man Series (imdb.com)

Donnie Yen was born on July 27, 1963, and is known as one of the most influential action stars from Hong Kong. He masters various martial arts and often serves as the fight choreographer in his own films.

His fame grew internationally through the film Ip Man (2008), which became one of the most successful martial arts films at the box office. He has also appeared in international productions such as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016) and the live-action Mulan (2020).

7. Chow Yun Fat

Chow Yun Fat in the Film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (imdb.com)

Born on May 18, 1955, Chow Yun Fat initially gained fame through the TV series The Bund before eventually becoming a film icon. His major breakthrough came with the film A Better Tomorrow (1986) directed by John Woo, which solidified his image as a gangster film star.

He is also known for the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000), which was a huge international success and won various awards. His charisma as a cool and authoritative figure earned him the title of one of the most iconic actors from Asia.

(kpl/chi)