Jimmy Wang Yu dies at 79: the martial arts superstar’s 10 best films, from One-Armed Swordsman to The Chinese Boxer

Shanghai-born actor made his name in Hong Kong martial arts cinema working for Shaw Brothers Studio in films by Chang Cheh before taking up directing himself

Equally adept at swordplay and hand-to-hand combat, Wang’s all-action style paved the way for fellow actors including Bruce Lee. He made his last film in 2013

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Action movie star Jimmy Wang Yu, who has died, aged 79, pictured in 1968. The biggest martial arts film actor of his day, he struggled to make movies after breaking his contract with Shaw Brothers studio. Photo: SCMP

Published: 7:46pm, 5 Apr 2022

Taiwanese actor and filmmaker Jimmy Wang Yu, one of the biggest stars of martial arts cinema, died in a Taipei hospital on Tuesday. He was 79.

Born in Shanghai, Wang moved to Hong Kong and made his name as an action star at Shaw Brothers Studio in the 1960s. Hits like One-Armed Swordsman and The Chinese Boxer made him the biggest action star in Asia.

His success opened the door for other martial artists, not least Bruce Lee, to enter the movie business and they soon eclipsed Wang’s talent.

Wang’s personal life was dogged by controversy. After breaking his contract with Shaw Brothers he struggled to find a stable home for his films. In 1981 he faced a murder charge in Taiwan, while ill-health ultimately forced him out of the public eye.

His home life was equally tumultuous, including doomed marriages to veteran actress Jeanette Lin Tsui and flight attendant Wang Kaizhen.

In spite of his difficulties off screen, Wang remained an eccentric and eminently watchable actor. For a brief spell at least, he was the very best in his field. These are 10 of our favourite films featuring Wang.

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