Kwan Tak-Hing was an American actor best known for his iconic portrayal of Wong Fei-Hung in numerous films and television series. He was born in Guangdong, China, in 1905 and became a significant figure in the Hong Kong film industry.
Personal and Family Life
Kwan Tak-Hing began his entertainment career at the age of 13 when he joined a touring troupe in Singapore. He later moved to film, with his debut in 1932 in the movie “Gor Nui Ching Chiu.” Kwan’s life was intertwined with his dedication to martial arts and film production, showcasing his talents as both an actor and martial arts expert.
Career Highlights
Kwan’s first leading role came in 1935, and he went on to star in a trilogy about Wong Fei-Hung in 1947. Collaborating frequently with director Wu Peng, they created nearly 80 films together. Kwan’s portrayal of Wong Fei-Hung made him a legendary figure in Hong Kong cinema, culminating in his first television series featuring the character in 1976.
Death and Legacy
Kwan Tak-Hing passed away on June 28, 1996, in Hong Kong due to pancreatic cancer. His contributions to the film industry were recognized when he was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1983. Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential actors in the history of Hong Kong cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Huang Fei-hong chuan da jie ju | 1951-03-15 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| Wong Fei Hung on Rainbow Bridge | 1959-01-02 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| Huang Fei-hong xie ran Furong gu | 1952-01-01 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| Huang Fei-hong chuan di san ji xie zhan Liuhua qiao | 1950-04-13 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| 白娘娘借屍還魂 | 1959-05-08 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| 勇者無懼 | 1981-03-26 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| 黃飛鴻少林拳 | 1974-01-22 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| Cinema of Vengeance | 1994-01-01 | Himself |
| 黃飛鴻夫妻除三害 | 1958-08-24 | Wong Fei-Hung |
| 黃飛鴻龍爭虎鬥 | 1958-02-13 | Wong Fei-Hung |