Yuen Cheung-yan File photo: VCG

Veteran actor and martial arts choreographer Yuen Cheung-yan from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region died of illness at the age of 69 on January 1 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, local media reported on Friday morning, citing an obituary notice issued by Yuen's wife. 

The funeral service will be held on February 1 at the Universal Funeral Parlour, Hong Kong Economic Times reported.

News of Yuen's passing prompted tributes from netizens on social media platforms, with many expressing condolences and recalling his iconic performances.

Born in Hong Kong in 1957, Yuen was the son of renowned action director Yuen Siu-tien and began training in martial arts at a young age. 

In the late 1970s to early 1980s, he co-founded the Peace Film Studios with his elder brother, acclaimed action director Yuen Woo-ping, and helped form the famed "Yuen Clan" action stunt team, according a report from the Capitalnews, a WeChat account affiliated to Beijing Daily.

Yuen served as the action director for the 1991 martial arts film Once Upon a Time in China, starring Jet Li, and later won the Best Action Choreography award at the 11th Hong Kong Film Awards for his work on the film, according to the report.

By the late 1990s, Yuen had also gained recognition for his supporting roles in comedy and kung fu films, appearing in several works starring Stephen Chow, including King of Beggars and Kung Fu Hustle. His notable film credits also include Butterfly Sword, The Miracle Fighters, Fearless, and The Tai-Chi Master, per the report.

Global Times