Jackie Chan reveals death of iconic martial arts actor was kept secret for two years-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

It’s been revealed that Corey Yuen died two years ago (Picture: Lions Gate/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

One of the most influential figures in martial arts cinema died in 2022 – and it’s only just been publicly revealed. 

Corey Yuen, an actor, action choreographer, and director who played a pivotal role in shaping the martial arts film industry, passed away in 2022 of COVID-19, as confirmed by the Federation of Hong Kong Filmmakers. 

Yuen – who was born on February 15, 1951, in Hong Kong as Ying Gang-ming – passed away after a lengthy battle with the virus at the age of 71.

 His death was initially kept private at the request of his family, but the news was eventually revealed by fellow action star Jackie Chan on Chinese social media, sparking a wave of tributes from the film community.

Yuen’s legacy is deeply intertwined with some of the most iconic names in martial arts cinema. 

A contemporary of Jackie Chan, Yuen was part of the esteemed group known as the Seven Little Fortunes or The Lucky Seven, which also included Sammo Hung, Yuen Wah, Yuen Qiu, and Yuen Biao. 

Corey Yuen (right) was instrumental in shaping modern martial arts cinema (Picture: Getty Images)

This group, all of whom trained together at the Peking Opera School, became instrumental in the golden age of Hong Kong cinema from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.

Yuen began his career as an actor, appearing in influential films such as Zu Warriors From the Magic Mountain and Eastern Condors, where he shared the screen with legends like Chan, Hung, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Rothrock, and his longtime collaborator Jet Li. 

However, it was Yuen’s transition to action choreography and directing that truly set him apart in the industry.

Jackie Chan and Yuen trained together and had similar career trajectories (Picture: Getty Images)

In Asia, Yuen directed a number of successful films, including Ninja in the Dragon’s Den and the Stephen Chow-starring All for the Winner and its sequel Top Bet, where he worked alongside the late Anita Mui.

His close association with Jet Li led to some of his most acclaimed directorial efforts, including Fong Sai-yuk, Fong Sai-yuk II, and The New Legend of Shaolin.

Yuen’s influence extended far beyond Hong Kong, as he brought his expertise to Hollywood, where he choreographed and directed martial arts sequences in several blockbuster films. His work with Jet Li in the U.S. included films like Romeo Must Die, Kiss of the Dragon, and The Expendables. 

Jet Li (Left) and Corey Yuen worked closely together throughout Yuen’s career (Picture: South China Morning Post)

Yuen also contributed to the success of X-Men (2000) and directed the popular action films So Close and The Transporter, both released in 2002. 

In 2006, he directed the film adaptation of the video game DOA: Dead or Alive, showcasing his ability to blend martial arts with high-octane action in a Western context.

Yuen’s death marks the loss of a key figure in the world of martial arts cinema. His contributions as a choreographer, director, and mentor to some of the biggest names in the industry have left an indelible mark on both Hong Kong and Hollywood films. 

As tributes continue to pour in, Yuen’s legacy as a pioneer of action choreography and a beloved figure in the martial arts community is being remembered and celebrated.

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