Alexander Fu Sheng (centre) in a fight scene from Disciples of Shaolin, Chang Cheh’s 1975 film. Fu’s style gave rise to a new genre, the “brats” or xiaozi film. Photo: Celestial Pictures Limited
How ‘brilliant’ martial arts actor Alexander Fu Sheng influenced Jackie Chan, Stephen Chow and Andy Lau with his boyish, irreverent style that launched a new movie genre
- Fu achieved celebrity status by marrying television star Jenny Tseng in 1976 but was killed seven years later, at the age of 28, when his Porsche 911 crashed
- His acting gave rise to the ‘brats’ or xiaozi movie genre, best illustrated in his role as a hot-blooded peasant quick to get in trouble in Disciples of Shaolin
Alexander Fu Sheng (centre) in a fight scene from Disciples of Shaolin, Chang Cheh’s 1975 film. Fu’s style gave rise to a new genre, the “brats” or xiaozi film. Photo: Celestial Pictures Limited