Gordon Liu
Gordon Liu | |||||||||||
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Lưu gia huy | |||||||||||
Born | Sin Kam-hei ( Tiển cẩm hi ) August 22, 1951[1] | ||||||||||
Occupation(s) | Actor,martial artist | ||||||||||
Years active | 1973–present | ||||||||||
Spouse |
Ma Fei-feng
(m.1991;div.2009) | ||||||||||
Children |
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Chinese name | |||||||||||
Traditional Chinese | Lưu gia huy | ||||||||||
Simplified Chinese | Lưu gia huy | ||||||||||
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Sin Kam-hei | |||||||||||
Traditional Chinese | Tiển cẩm hi | ||||||||||
Simplified Chinese | Tiển cẩm hi | ||||||||||
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Gordon Liu(Lau Kar-faisimplified Chinese:Lưu gia huy;traditional Chinese:Lưu gia huy;pinyin:Liú Jiāhuī;Wade–Giles:Liu Chia-hui;Jyutping:Lau4 Gaa1 fai1); bornSin Kam-hei(simplified Chinese:Tiển cẩm hi;traditional Chinese:Tiển cẩm hi;pinyin:Xiǎn Jǐnxī,22 August 1951)[2]is a Chinese actor and martial artist best known for hismartial arts films.
Born inGuangdong,Liu studiedhung gakung fuat the school founded byLau Kar-leung's father, Lau Cham.[3]He entered theHong Kong film industryas a stuntman. His early acting credits include minor roles in several Hong Kongkung fu films,including theShaw Brothers-produced5 Shaolin Masters(1974). He went on to appear in many Shaw Brothers films, such asChallenge of the Masters(1976), in which he portrayed the folk heroWong Fei Hung,Executioners from Shaolin(1977),The 36th Chamber of Shaolin(1978), in which he played the lead role asShaolinheroSan Te,Dirty Ho(1979),Return to the 36th Chamber(1980),Martial Club(1981),The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter(1984), andDisciples of the 36th Chamber(1985). By the late-1980’s, he had begun accepting smaller roles, such as inLau Kar-leung'sTiger on the Beat(1988).
Liu made his American film debut in 2003. He played two roles inQuentin Tarantino'sKill Billfilms: Johnny Mo, the leader of the Crazy 88yakuzagang inVolume 1(2003), andkung fumasterPai MeiinVolume 2(2004). Other than being a staple in Hong Kong action movies and his foray into Hollywood, Liu also made hisBollywooddebut in 2009'sChandni Chowk to China.
In 2020, Liu was inducted into theMartial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.[4]
Early life
[edit]Liu was born Sin Kam-hei inGuangdongProvince,Chinaon 22 August 1951, prior to his adoption into another family.[5]He is often wrongly cited as being the adopted son ofLau Cham,and adoptive brother of directors and actorsLau Kar-leung(Liu Chia-liang) andLau Kar-wing(Liu Chia-Yung). He was not adopted by the family but is Lau Cham's godson.[6]
In his youth (ages 15–20), he skipped school to train inChinese martial artswithout his parents' knowledge. He trained at Lau Cham's martial arts school ofHung Gardiscipline, which descended fromWong Fei-hung's grand student (father toLau Kar Leung). Lau Cham's wife assisted in his training and due to the friendship and respect Liu felt for Lau and his wife, he took on the name Lau Ka-fai. As he grew up, he found a job as a shipping clerk to make ends meet. His interests had always been towards martial arts and he was eventually offered a role by Lau Kar-leung.
Career
[edit]Liu's first break was with Chang's Film Company (aShaw Brotherssubsidiary operating inTaiwan) acting small parts for such films as5 Shaolin Masters,Shaolin Martial Arts,and4 Assassins.He starred inChallenge of the Masters(1976), as the folk heroWong Fei Hung,and was featured inExecutioners From Shaolin(1977) before starring in his signature role asShaolinhero San Te inThe 36th Chamber of Shaolin.
The tale of the imperialistic struggle, while not a new one, was significant for the intense focus placed on the inner workings of Shaolin Temple itself. San Te, Liu's character, overcomes the temple's thirty-five chambers as he unwittingly undergoes the rigorous training regimen imposed by the temple's Head Abbott on the pretext of "earning" a right to study martial arts there.
The "zero-to-hero" tale turned Liu into an international icon in spite of a frame far slighter than that of the folk hero himself (known as "Iron Arms" for the muscularity of his physique) and paved the way for a very healthy working schedule into the mid-1990s, even as younger, more agile martial artists eventually emerged. By the late 1980s, he had begun accepting smaller roles, such as inLau Kar-leung'sTiger on the Beat.
Liu has also been active in television, and was contracted toHong Kong'sTVBcompany for many years, continuing playing roles as a martial arts master. Though still performing some martial arts roles, he is at home as well in comedic, self-deprecatory or emotional characters. His second-most common role in TVB has been playing aHong Kong Police Forceofficer[citation needed].
Quentin Tarantinohad long been a fan of Liu, and hoped to find him a role in one of his movies. This eventually came to pass with the roles of Johnny Mo and Master Pai Mei in Tarantino'sKill Billfilms. His roles inKill Billraised Liu's profile again and a renewed interest was shown by Chinese producers; sinceKill Bill,Liu has returned to doing movies while continuing to do television for Hong Kong's TVB station.
Other than being a staple in Hong Kong action movies and his foray into Hollywood, Liu also made hisBollywooddebut in 2009'sChandni Chowk to China.[7]He played the role of the villain, Hojo, a smuggler and a well-trained martial artist. Before this, he appeared as himself (along with his mentor Lau Kar Leung) in the 2009 filmDragonland,the first Italian documentary about martial cinema history, by Lorenzo De Luca. Liu attended as special guest star at the premiere in Rome, meeting his Italian fans for the first time. During August 2011, Liu had a stroke and put all his plans on hold to recover. Liu had cancelled all public engagements as of March 2012.[8]
Personal life
[edit]Liu has been married twice. He has two daughters, Angie and Bonnie, from his first marriage which ended in 1986, and a son Kris (Tiển tuấn long) and daughter Sonia (Tiển vịnh san) from his second marriage with Ma Fei-feng (Mã phi phượng) of Thai-descent which ended in 2009.
In August 2011, while inTo Kwa Wanperforming with his band, Liu had a stroke and hit his head. He had partial right-sided paralysis and a speech impairment as a consequence of the stroke, needing a wheelchair to travel. At the same time, his estranged family from his second marriage had begun pressuring him for money. Depressed at his physical state and family complications, he isolated himself in a nursing home. In June 2012, Liu decided to divorce his second wife and focus on his recovery.[9]
During his medical crisis, Liu entrusted his assets to his assistant and spokesperson, Eva Fung. However, the two fell out, and Fung refused to return his assets.[10]Subsequently in 2013, he arranged for Hong Kong actressAmy Fanto become the legal guardian of his assets.[11]Liu later took legal action to recover his assets, and on April 29, 2014, a day before the court date, Fung agreed to return them with interest. In 2015, it was reported that he no longer spoke with a slur but continued to use a wheelchair, and that he had resided at a nursing home for several years.[12]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]Year | Title | Role | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1973 | Hero of the Waterfront | Extra | The Hero of Chiu Chow |
1974 | 5 Shaolin Masters | Chang Yung | Cameo |
Shaolin Martial Arts | Ho Chen-kang | ||
1975 | The Four Assassins | Aburiha / Abulahua | Marco Polo |
The Monk | Foon Ying's Thug / Monk | Brief Appearance | |
1976 | Challenge of the Masters | Wong Fei-hung | |
7-Man Army | Mongolian Commander #2 | ||
Boxer Rebellion | Boxer | Bloody Avengers | |
1977 | He Has Nothing But Kung Fu | Shang Kai-Yuan (as Chia-Fai Liu) | Stunt Coordinator |
Executioners from Shaolin | Tung Chien-chin (Tong Qianjin) | ||
1978 | Breakout from Oppression | Hsiao Tu (Tsao Chan) | Director, Action Coordinator |
The 36th Chamber of Shaolin | Liu Yu-de / Monk San Te | ||
Heroes of the East | Ah To | ||
Shaolin Mantis | Shaolin Fighting Monk (Guest Star) | Brief Appearance | |
1979 | Fury in the Shaolin Temple | ||
Dirty Ho | Wang Tsun Hsin (11'th Prince) | ||
The Shadow Bo xing | Chang Chieh | Spiritual Boxer Sequel | |
1980 | Clan of the White Lotus | Hong Wen-Ting | |
Return to the 36th Chamber | Chao Jen-Cheh | ||
Fists and Guts | Ah-San / Shaolin Priest | ||
Shaolin Warrior | Fa Tien | Producer | |
1981 | My Young Auntie | James | |
Elders | |||
Shaolin and Wu Tang | Director | ||
The Shaolin Drunken Monk | Lao Chung | ||
Treasure Hunters | Monk Mo Seung | ||
Martial Club | Wong Fei-hung | ||
1982 | Raiders of Shaolin Kung Fu | Ga-wi Yu | |
Legendary Weapons of China | Ti Tan (Guest Star) | ||
Godfather of Canton | Lin Si Hai | ||
The 82 Tenants | Ah Hui | ||
Cat vs Rat | Emperor Yung Hsi (Guest Star) | ||
1983 | Lady Is the Boss | Lee Hon Man (Ah Man) | |
Shaolin and Wu Tang | Hung Yung-Kit | ||
Tales of a Eunuch | Emperor Kang Hsi / Siu Yuen Tzu | ||
1984 | The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter | Yang Wu-lang (Fifth Brother) | |
1985 | Two Jolly Cops | Lo Tak-Fai | Producer |
The Young Vagabond | So Chan | ||
Disciples of the 36th Chamber | Monk San Te | ||
Crazy Shaolin Disciples | Monk Wu Ching | ||
USA Ninja | Action Director | ||
1986 | The Story of Dr. Sun Yat Sen | ||
1988 | Legend of the Phoenix | ||
Tiger on the Beat | Fai, The Hitman | ||
A Bloody Fight | Inspector Lau Fai | ||
Peackock King | Kubira | ||
Shaolin vs. Vampire | Hyo Daiyu (as Ryu Chafi) | Director | |
Let's Rage the Gangland | |||
1989 | A Fiery Family | Wei | |
Fury of a Tiger | Rambo / Sergeant Mang | Action Choreographer | |
White Lotus Trio | Avenging Trio | ||
My Heart Is That Eternal Rose | Lai Liu | ||
Ghost Ballroom | Chai | ||
Killer Angels | Michael | ||
1990 | Tiger on the Beat 2 | Lau Fai | |
The Fortune Code | Japanese Commander in Blue | ||
1991 | The Killer | Inspector Wong | |
Crystal Hunt | Officer Lung | China Heat | |
The Banquet | Brief Appearance | ||
A Fate of Love | |||
The Story of the Gun | Officer Lau Fai | Guns of the Master Killer | |
1992 | Passionate Killing in the Dream | Chit-Chit | |
Cheetah on Fire | Mainland Gang Leader (as Ka Fai Lau) | ||
Cry Killer | Martial Art Director | ||
1993 | Flirting Scholar | Evil Scholar | |
Last Hero in China | Master Liu Heung (as Ka-fai Lau) | ||
Legend of the Liquid Sword | Shaolin Monk (Guest) (as Ka-fai Lau) | Cameo | |
The Buddhism Palm Strikes Back | For-wan Tse-san | ||
The Mystery of the Condor Hero | Yuen-tsan | ||
Bogus Cops | Hood | ||
1994 | The Kung Fu Scholar | His Excellency | |
Drunken Master III | Governor Lee (as Kar Fai Lau) | ||
American Shaolin | Abbot Hung Chi | Treasure Hunt | |
If You Were Here | Mr. Chiang | Stunt Coordinator | |
Funny Shaolin Kids | Two Shaolin Kids in Hong Kong | ||
1995 | Lethal Girls 2 | ||
1997 | Super Cops | Uncle Shing | Action Coordinator |
1998 | Thunder Scout | ||
1999 | The Set Up | ||
Heaven of Hope | Coffin Leung | ||
Generation Consultant | Lieutenant Chow | ||
Generation Pendragon | |||
Gambler Series: Fraudelent Culture | |||
2000 | The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber | Sing Kwan | |
The Legend of Lady Yang | Chan Yuen-lai | ||
The Island Tales | Bo | ||
2002 | Drunken Monkey | Detective Hung Yat Fu | |
2003 | Star Runner | Master Lau (Coach Lau) | |
Kill Bill: Volume 1 | Johnny Mo | ||
2004 | Kill Bill: Volume 2 | Johnny Mo /Pai Mei | |
Shaolin vs. Evil Dead | Pak / Brother White | ||
Dragon in Fury | |||
Snake Curse | Dr. Gao Er | ||
2005 | Dragon Squad | Ko (Police Driver) | Dragon Heat |
A Chinese Tall Story | Jade Emperor | ||
Insuperable Kid | Japanese Ambassador | ||
Dragon Get Angry | |||
2006 | Katana-Man | ||
Mr. 3 Minutes | Triad Head (Mahjong Debt Collector) | ||
Hung Kuen vs. Wing Chun | Liu Chiaoxi | ||
My Kung Fu Sweetheart | |||
2007 | Shaolin Vs. Dead: Ultimate Power | Roam Chow | |
2008 | Heroes of Shaolin | ||
Anaconda Frightened | Master Mao Dashi | ||
2009 | Chandni Chowk to China | Hojo | CC2C |
Frankenstein Unlimited | SegmentFlesh for Kung Fu | ||
2010 | Lost in Love | Banker | |
Citizen King | Master Cheung | ||
The Immemorial Magic | |||
Hot Summer Days | Uncle Fai | ||
True Legend | Old Sage | ||
2011 | Love in Space | Mr. Chen | |
Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair | Johnny Mo / Pai Mei | ||
Flying Swords of Dragon Gate | Eunuch Wan Yulou | ||
2012 | Nightfall | Retired CID Officer Lung | |
The Man with the Iron Fists | The Abbott | ||
Painted Skin: The Resurrection | Uncle Da | ||
Blood Money | Shaolin Monk | ||
Kill 'em All | Snakehead | ||
No Retreat | |||
Warrior | |||
2013 | High Kickers | Zhao Yumin | |
2014 | Future Fighters |
Television
[edit]Year | Title | Chinese Title | Role |
---|---|---|---|
1990 | The Legend of the Invincible | Kiếm ma Độc Cô Cầu Bại | Gong Zan-hung |
1991 | Mystery of the Twin Swords | Nhật nguyệt thần kiếm | Jin Pin-cin |
1992 | Mystery of the Twin Swords II | Bắt yêu kì binh | |
1993 | The Mystery of The Condor Hero | Bắn điêu anh hùng truyền chi Cửu Âm Chân Kinh | Jyun Zan |
The Buddhism Palm Strikes Back | Như Lai Thần Chưởng tái chiến giang hồ | Ngou Cin-saan | |
1995 | The Condor Heroes 95 | Thần điêu hiệp lữ | Kam-lun Fat-wong |
Detective Investigation Files II | Hình sự lùng bắt hồ sơ II | Cing Gan | |
1996 | Journey to the West | Tây Du Ký | Bull Demon King |
1997 | Bonds of Blood | Thiên thu gia quốc mộng | Zhang Baozi / Chen Jiongming |
Taming of the Princess | Say đánh kim chi | Lei Gin (Sing Ping's 8th Royal Uncle) | |
1998 | Journey to the West II | Tây Du Ký | Bull Demon King, Golden Horned King |
1999 | Witness to a Prosecution | Tẩy oan lục | Nip Yan-lung |
Hero of Shanghai | Trung Hoa đại trượng phu | Hoi's Dad | |
Dragon Love | Người long truyền thuyết | Sea Dragon King | |
2000 | The Legendary Four Aces | Kim trang tứ đại tài tử | |
Legend of Lady Yang | Dương Quý Phi | Chen Xuanli | |
2001 | The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber | Ỷ Thiên kiếm Đồ Long đao | Cheng Kun / Yuan Zhen |
A Step into the Past | Tầm Tần Ký | Cho Chau-dou | |
2003 | The King of Yesterday and Tomorrow | Cửu ngũ chí tôn | Heung Yeung |
2005 | Real Kung Fu | Phật Sơn tán sư phụ | Lin Yung |
The Gateau Affairs | Tình mê khu rừng đen | Tong Sam | |
2006 | A Pillow Case of Mystery | Thi công kỳ án | Sima Jui-fung |
Lethal Weapons of Love and Passion | Phúc vũ phiên vân | Lai Yue-hoi | |
2007 | Best Bet | Nghênh thê tiếp phúc | Tsang Dai-lik |
On the First Beat | Học cảnh ra càng | Yuen Moon | |
The Ultimate Crime Fighter | Thông thiên làm thăm | Lai Chun Cheung | |
2008 | The Four | Thiếu niên tứ đại danh bộ | Lam Po-Tian |
2009 | Man in Charge | Phía sau màn đại lão gia | Tai Yau-Kung |
Chinese Paladin 3 | Tiên Kiếm Kỳ Hiệp truyền tam | Evil Sword Immortal | |
2010 | A Pillow Case of Mystery II | Thi công kỳ án II | Si Ma Jeui-fung |
Beauty Knows No Pain | Nữ nhân nhất đau | Ng Lap-chau | |
Links to Temptation | Dụ tình chuyển bác | Lam Chung-pau | |
2011 | Relic of an Emissary | Hồng Vũ 32 | Yim Chun |
Curse of the Royal Harem | Vạn hoàng chi vương | Tunggiya Shumung |
Documentaries
[edit]Year | Title | Role | Note |
---|---|---|---|
1991 | A Fate of Love | Video | |
1992 | Yesterday Once More | Assassin | Video |
1994 | Cinema of Vengeance | Self | Uncredited |
1995 | Top Fighter | Self | Video Documentary |
2002 | The Art of Action: Martial Arts in Motion Picture | Self (Interviewee) | Movie Documentary |
2003 | Cinema Hong Kong: Wu Xia | Self | Movie Documentary |
Chop Socky: Cinema Hong Kong | Self (as Ka Fai Lau) | Movie Documentary | |
2008 | Dragonland | Self | Italian Documentary |
2010 | Medallion of Kung Fu | Self (Action Director) | Short Video |
2011 | Tarantino, the Disciple of Hong-Kong | Self | French Documentary |
2013 | Wu Xia Pian | Self | French Documentary |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^"Gordon Liu Celebrates 65th Birthday".
- ^"High Kickers (2013)".
- ^https://amp.scmp /lifestyle/entertainment/article/3135865/how-gordon-liu-became-martial-arts-superstar-thanks-shaw[bare URL]
- ^"Hall of Fame".
- ^Gordon Lau Ka-fai Lưu gia huy
- ^"Gordon Liu Chia Hui".Interview.Kung Fu Magazine.RetrievedJune 8,2011.
- ^"'Looks like he's recovering quite well': Former action star and stroke survivor Gordon Liu turns 68, appears in rare photo ".August 30, 2023.
- ^"Far East Films - News - Gordon Liu Suffers Stroke and Left Disabled".Archived fromthe originalon February 2, 2012.RetrievedMarch 12,2012.
- ^"Gordon Liu Enters Nursing Home And Suffers Estranged Marriage".
- ^"Gordon Liu Takes Former Assistant To Court Over Financial Dispute".
- ^"Gordon Liu Visits Old Friends at TVB".
- ^"Gordon Liu Watches TVB's" Four Amigos Bon Voyage "".