Education

The opera school was run by Master Yu Jim Yuen and Hung adopted the given name of his sifu as his family name whilst attending. Going by the name Yuen Lung, Hung became the foremost member of the "Seven Little Fortunes" (七小福) performing group, and would establish a friendly rivalry with one of the younger students, Yuen Lo (Jackie Chan). Shortly before leaving the Academy at the age of 16, Hung suffered an injury that left him bedridden for an extended period, during which his weight ballooned.

Career

Hung appeared as a child actor in several films for Cathay Asia and Bo Bo Films during the early 1960s. His film debut was in the 1961 film "Education of Love".

Upon leaving the opera school, he worked as an extra and stuntman, and progressed through other roles including fight choreographer, stunt coordinator, action director, actor, writer, producer and director.

Hung's big break as a film actor came with a role as a villain in the Bruce Lee film "Enter the Dragon" (1973). In 1977, Hung was given his first lead role in a Golden Harvest production, in the film "Shaolin Plot". His next film, released the same year, was also his directorial debut, "The Iron-Fisted Monk", one of the earliest kung fu comedies. He established his reputation as a skilled physical comedian in several kung-fu comedies, beginning with "Enter the Fat Dragon"(1978). He also produced and starred in numerous successful films throughout the 1970s and 1980s for Hong Kong's leading film studio, Golden Harvest.

Hung collaborated in the 1980s with long-time friend Jackie Chan in a highly successful series of action comedies that cemented Hung's reputation as a consummate actor/director and launched Chan's career as an international star.

For a while, Hung also starred in an American TV series, "Martial Law" (1998). He directed "Once Upon a Time in China and America" (1997), his first film shot in the US.

Throughout his productive and active life Hung has starred in 75 films, and worked on over 230.

Achievements

• In 2010, Hung was given a lifetime achievement award at the New York Asian Film Festival, where four of his films were shown.

• Hung is one of the celebrities honoured on the Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong.

Interests

• acrobatics, martial arts and dance

Connections

Father:

Hung Shen

Mother:

?

Grandfather:

Hung Chung-Ho

He directed over 40 films between 1937 and 1950.

grandmother:

Chin Tsi-ang

She starred in almost 80 films between 1941 and 2002.

younger brother:

Lee Chi Kit

He has worked on almost 40 films, many of which Hung was also involved with. Lee also worked on Hung's "Martial Law" series.

1st wife (1973-1994):

Jo Yun Ok (曹恩玉)

Hung has has three sons and a daughter with her. He grew up with her in martial arts training school

2-nd wife (1995 - present):

Joyce Godenzi

Godenzi appeared in several of his films including "The Haunted Island", "Eastern Condors" (both 1986), and "Paper Marriage" (1988) prior to the pair becoming a couple. She also appeared in "Mr. Nice Guy" (1997).

1st son:

Timmy Hung Tin Ming (洪天明)

Timmy Hung has appeared alongside his father in "SPL: Sha Po Lang", "Legend of the Dragon", and "Kung Fu Chefs", as well as having a recurring role in Sammo's series, "Martial Law".

2nd son (born 1977):

Jimmy Hung Tin Cheung (洪天祥)

3nd son (born 1979):

Sammy Hung Tin Chiu (洪天照)

Sammy Hung appeared in the 2007 television series "Wing Chun" and the subsequent film "Wing Chun". He will also appear alongside his father in the upcoming film "Choy Lee Fut".

Daughter (born 1983):

Stephanie Hung Chao Yu (洪煦榆)

Friend:

Jackie Chan

Hung attended same opera school as Jackie Chan; directed Chan in "Long de xin" (1985).