Bruce Leung, Kung Fu Hustle’s “The Beast,” Passes Away at Age 77

The film industry and fans across Southeast Asia and beyond are mourning the loss of Siu-Lung Leung, widely known as Bruce Leung, who passed away on January 14 at the age of 77. Multiple media outlets in Hong Kong confirmed the news, stating that a simple memorial ceremony will be held on January 26 in Shenzhen.

Bruce Leung was a towering figure in martial arts cinema, earning fame across Asia through his powerful screen presence and authentic kung fu performances. He rose to prominence with his portrayal of Chen Zhen in classic series such as The Legendary Fok and adaptations connected to Fist of Fury, where his fierce yet disciplined fighting style left a deep impression on audiences.

For modern audiences, however, his most iconic role came later in life. In Stephen Chow’s Kung Fu Hustle, Leung portrayed “The Beast,” known in Southeast Asia as the Fire Cloud Evil God, a terrifying master of the Toad Style whose calm demeanor hid overwhelming destructive power. The role cemented his status as a legend for a new generation, turning him into one of the most memorable antagonists in martial arts film history.

Tributes quickly poured in from fellow icons of the industry. Jackie Chan shared an emotional message on Weibo, expressing shock and sorrow at the loss of a true kung fu master, recalling Leung as an actor who created many immortal roles. Stephen Chow also paid tribute through a brief but heartfelt Instagram post, stating that Bruce Leung would be remembered forever.

A deeply moving farewell message was later shared on Leung’s Douyin account, written before his passing. In it, he apologized for leaving without saying goodbye, asking fans to think of him as merely traveling far away to film another movie. He explained that he wished to keep his departure quiet, even from close students, because he liked maintaining an air of mystery. The message ended with words of love and encouragement, urging everyone to live well on his behalf.

In a poignant final appearance connected to gaming culture, Bruce Leung appeared in December in a promotional video for Where Winds Meet, an open world action RPG focused on martial heroes. The game features an Easter egg character named Liang Xiaolong, faithfully modeled after Leung’s appearance and martial arts style, serving as a tribute to his legacy. In the video, he once again embodied the spirit of The Beast, delighting longtime fans.

Bruce Leung’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy remains alive through decades of unforgettable performances that continue to inspire filmmakers, gamers, and martial arts fans across Southeast Asia and the world.