In the spotlight

One of Hong Kong's greatest screen villains, the multi-talented Yuen Wah - actor, action double, action director - was born Yung Kai-chi on September 2, 1950. He has loved action films since he was young. After watching them he would imitate the kung fu fighters at home.

His brothers and sisters were his punch-bags.

At school he fought with his classmates. He was always watching and practising kung fu. Finally, his mother decided to let him learn it. When he was seven or eight he was sent to master Yu Jim-yuen's China Drama Academy on a standard 10-year contract.

His classmates included Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung Kam-bo, Yuen Biao and Corey Yuen. A wonderful acrobat and contortionist, Yuen was reportedly Yu's best flipping tumbler.

He started his movie

career as a stuntman. His resemblance to Bruce Lee, combined with his acrobatic skills and talent, earned him employment as Lee's double in movies such as Fist of Fury and Enter the Dragon.