Jump to content

Gordon Liu: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Regarded (talk | contribs)
191 edits
Reverted 2 edits by Zhwiki2943 (talk) to last revision by CFA
 
(92 intermediate revisions by 43 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Chinese martial arts film actor (born 1955)}}
{{for|the Chinese-American politician (劉貴明)|Gordon J. Lau}}
{{for|the Chinese-American politician (劉貴明)|Gordon J. Lau}}
{{use mdy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{infobox person
{{infobox person
| name = Gordon Liu
| name = Gordon Liu
| image = <!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing [[brackets]] -->
| image = <!-- filename only, no "File:" or "Image:" prefix, and no enclosing [[brackets]] -->
| image_upright =
| image_upright =
Line 10: Line 12:
| native_name_lang = zh
| native_name_lang = zh
| pronunciation =
| pronunciation =
| birth_name = Sin Kam-hei (冼錦熙)
| birth_name = Sin Kam-hei (冼錦熙)
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|08|22}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|08|22}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dramasian.com/threads/gordon-liu-celebrates-65th-birthday.89157/ |title=Gordon Liu Celebrates 65th Birthday }}</ref>
| birth_place = [[Guangdong]], [[China]]
| birth_place = [[Foshan]], [[Guangdong]], [[China]]
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (enter DEATH date then BIRTH date (e.g., ...|1908|31|8|1967|28|2}} use both this parameter and |birth_date to display the person's date of birth, date of death, and age at death) -->
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (enter DEATH date then BIRTH date (e.g., ...|1908|31|8|1967|28|2}} use both this parameter and |birth_date to display the person's date of birth, date of death, and age at death) -->
| death_place =
| death_place =
Line 21: Line 23:
| burial_place = <!-- may be used instead of resting_place and resting_place_coordinates (displays "Burial place" as label) -->
| burial_place = <!-- may be used instead of resting_place and resting_place_coordinates (displays "Burial place" as label) -->
| burial_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} -->
| burial_coordinates = <!-- {{coord|LAT|LONG|type:landmark|display=inline}} -->
| occupation = [[Actor]], martial artist
| occupation = [[Actor]], martial artist
| years_active = 1973&ndash;2011
| years_active = 1973&ndash;present
| spouse = {{marriage|Ma Fei-feng|1991|2009|reason=div}} (2nd)
| spouse = {{marriage|Ma Fei-feng|1991|2009|reason=div}} (2nd)
| children = {{unbulleted list|Angie Sin (daughter), ''with first wife''|Bonnie Sin (daughter), ''with first wife''|Kris Sin (son), ''with Ma Fei-feng''|Sonia Sin (daughter), ''with Ma Fei-feng''}}
| children = {{unbulleted list|Angie Sin (daughter), ''with first wife''|Bonnie Sin (daughter), ''with first wife''|Kris Sin (son), ''with Ma Fei-feng''|Sonia Sin (daughter), ''with Ma Fei-feng''}}
| module = {{Infobox Chinese|child=yes
| module = {{Infobox Chinese|child=yes
| t = 劉家輝
| t = 劉家輝
| s = 刘家辉
| s = 刘家辉
Line 39: Line 41:


{{family name hatnote|[[Liu]]|lang=Chinese}}
{{family name hatnote|[[Liu]]|lang=Chinese}}
'''Gordon Liu''' ('''Lau Kar-fai''' {{zh|t=劉家輝|s=刘家辉|p=Liú Jiāhuī|w=Liu Chia-hui|j=Lau4 Gaa1 fai1}}); born '''Sin Kam-hei''' ({{zh|t=冼錦熙|s=冼锦熙|p=Xiǎn Jǐnxī}}) August 22, 1955) is a Chinese [[martial arts film]] actor and martial artist. He played the lead role of [[San Te]] in ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'' (1978) and its sequels, and later played two roles in [[Quentin Tarantino]]'s ''[[Kill Bill]]'' films: Johnny Mo, the leader of the Crazy 88 [[Yakuza]] gang in ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 1|Volume 1]]'' (2003); and [[Chinese martial arts|kung fu]] [[Sifu|master]] [[Bak Mei|Pai Mei]] in ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 2|Volume 2]]'' (2004).
'''Gordon Liu''' ('''Lau Kar-fai''' {{zh|t=劉家輝|s=刘家辉|p=Liú Jiāhuī|w=Liu Chia-hui|j=Lau4 Gaa1 fai1}}); born '''Sin Kam-hei''' ({{zh|t=冼錦熙|s=冼锦熙|p=Xiǎn Jǐnxī}}, 22 August 1955)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://letterboxd.com/film/high-kickers/|title = High Kickers (2013)}}</ref> is a Chinese actor and martial artist best known for his [[martial arts film|martial arts films]].

Born in [[Guangdong]], Liu studied [[Hung Ga]] [[kung fu]] at the school founded by [[Lau Kar-leung]]'s father, Lau Cham.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://amp.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3135865/how-gordon-liu-became-martial-arts-superstar-thanks-shaw | title=How Shaw Brothers made Gordon Liu a martial arts superstar | date=June 6, 2021 }}</ref> He entered the [[Hong Kong film industry]] as a stuntman. His early acting credits include minor roles in several Hong Kong [[Kung fu film|kung fu films]], including the [[Shaw Brothers]]-produced ''[[5 Shaolin Masters]]'' (1974). He went on to appear in many Shaw Brothers films, such as ''[[Challenge of the Masters]]'' (1976), in which he portrayed the folk hero [[Wong Fei Hung]], ''[[Executioners from Shaolin]]'' (1977), ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'' (1978), in which he played the lead role as [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolin]] hero [[San Te]], ''[[Dirty Ho]]'' (1979), ''[[Return to the 36th Chamber]]'' (1980), ''[[Martial Club]]'' (1981), ''[[The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter]]'' (1984), and ''[[Disciples of the 36th Chamber]]'' (1985). By the late-1980’s, he had begun accepting smaller roles, such as in [[Lau Kar-leung]]'s ''[[Tiger on the Beat]]'' (1988). In 1993, he appeared opposite [[Jet Li]] in ''[[Last Hero in China]]''.

Liu made his American film debut in 2003. He played two roles in [[Quentin Tarantino]]'s ''[[Kill Bill]]'' films: Johnny Mo, the leader of the Crazy 88 [[yakuza]] gang in ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 1|Volume 1]]'' (2003), and [[Chinese martial arts|kung fu]] [[Sifu|master]] [[Bak Mei|Pai Mei]] in ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 2|Volume 2]]'' (2004). Other than being a staple in Hong Kong action movies and his foray into Hollywood, Liu also made his [[Bollywood]] debut in 2009's ''[[Chandni Chowk to China]]''.

In 2020, Liu was inducted into the [[Martial Arts History Museum|Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://martialartsmuseum.com/about/hall-of-fame/ | title=Hall of Fame }}</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Liu was born Sin Kam-hei in [[Guangdong]] Province, [[China]] on August 22, 1955, prior to his adoption into another family.<ref>[http://www.spcnet.tv/Gordon-Lau-Ka-Fai-ac3086.html Gordon Lau Ka-fai 劉家輝]</ref> He is often wrongly cited as being the adopted son of [[Lau Cham]], and adoptive brother of directors and actors [[Lau Kar-leung]] (Liu Chia-liang) and [[Lau Kar-wing]] (Liu Chia-Yung). He was not adopted by the family but is Lau Cham's godson.<ref>{{cite web| title = Gordon Liu Chia Hui| work = Interview| publisher = Kung Fu Magazine | url=http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=488| access-date = 2011-06-08}}</ref>
Liu was born Sin Kam-hei in [[Guangdong]] Province, [[China]] on 22 August 1955, prior to his adoption into another family.<ref>[http://www.spcnet.tv/Gordon-Lau-Ka-Fai-ac3086.html Gordon Lau Ka-fai 劉家輝]</ref> He is often wrongly cited as being the adopted son of [[Lau Cham]], and adoptive brother of directors and actors [[Lau Kar-leung]] (Liu Chia-liang) and [[Lau Kar-wing]] (Liu Chia-Yung). He was not adopted by the family but is Lau Cham's godson.<ref>{{cite web| title = Gordon Liu Chia Hui| work = Interview| publisher = Kung Fu Magazine | url=http://www.kungfumagazine.com/ezine/article.php?article=488| access-date = 2011-06-08}}</ref>


In his youth (ages 15–20), he skipped school to train in [[Chinese martial arts]] without his parents' knowledge. He trained at Lau Cham's martial arts school of [[Hung Gar]] discipline, which descended from [[Wong Fei-hung]]'s grand student (father to [[Lau 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.
In his youth (ages 15–20), he skipped school to train in [[Chinese martial arts]] without his parents' knowledge. He trained at Lau Cham's martial arts school of [[Hung Gar]] discipline, which descended from [[Wong Fei-hung]]'s grand student (father to [[Lau 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.
Line 49: Line 57:
Liu's first break was with Chang's Film Company (a [[Shaw Brothers]] subsidiary operating in [[Taiwan]]) acting small parts for such films as ''[[5 Shaolin Masters]]'', ''Shaolin Martial Arts'', and ''4 Assassins''. He starred in ''[[Challenge of the Masters]]'' (1976), as the folk hero [[Wong Fei Hung]], and was featured in ''[[Executioners From Shaolin]]'' (1977) before starring in his signature role as [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolin]] hero San Te in ''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]''.
Liu's first break was with Chang's Film Company (a [[Shaw Brothers]] subsidiary operating in [[Taiwan]]) acting small parts for such films as ''[[5 Shaolin Masters]]'', ''Shaolin Martial Arts'', and ''4 Assassins''. He starred in ''[[Challenge of the Masters]]'' (1976), as the folk hero [[Wong Fei Hung]], and was featured in ''[[Executioners From Shaolin]]'' (1977) before starring in his signature role as [[Shaolin Kung Fu|Shaolin]] hero San Te in ''[[The 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 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 in [[Lau Kar-leung]]'s ''[[Tiger on the Beat]]''.
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 in [[Lau Kar-leung]]'s ''[[Tiger on the Beat]]''.


Liu has also been active in television, and was contracted to [[Hong Kong]]'s [[TVB]] company 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 a [[Hong Kong Police Force]] officer{{Citation needed|date=May 2007}}.
Liu has also been active in television, and was contracted to [[Hong Kong]]'s [[TVB]] company 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 a [[Hong Kong Police Force]] officer{{Citation needed|date=May 2007}}.


[[Quentin Tarantino]] had 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 [[List of Kill Bill characters#Pai Mei|Pai Mei]] in both ''[[Kill Bill]]'' films. His roles in ''Kill Bill'' raised Liu's profile again and a renewed interest was shown by Chinese producers; since ''Kill Bill'', Liu has returned to doing movies while continuing to do television for Hong Kong's TVB station.
[[Quentin Tarantino]] had 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's ''[[Kill Bill]]'' films. His roles in ''Kill Bill'' raised Liu's profile again and a renewed interest was shown by Chinese producers; since ''Kill Bill'', Liu has returned to doing movies while continuing to do television for Hong Kong's TVB station.


In 2008, Liu added a [[Bollywood]] film to his profile. Collaborating with [[India]]n actor [[Akshay Kumar]] who is a top-billed Bollywood actor and also a martial arts performer in a film titled ''[[Chandni Chowk To China]]'' ''(CC2C)''. 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 film ''Dragonland'', 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fareastfilms.com/newsPage/Gordon-Liu-Suffers-Stroke-And-Left-Disabled-3517.htm |title=Archived copy |access-date=2012-03-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202190723/http://www.fareastfilms.com/newsPage/Gordon-Liu-Suffers-Stroke-And-Left-Disabled-3517.htm |archive-date=2012-02-02 }}</ref>
Other than being a staple in Hong Kong action movies and his foray into Hollywood, Liu also made his [[Bollywood]] debut in 2009's [[Chandni Chowk to China]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.asiaone.com/entertainment/looks-hes-recovering-quite-well-former-action-star-stroke-survivor-gordon-liu-rare-photo-birthday | title='Looks like he's recovering quite well': Former action star and stroke survivor Gordon Liu turns 68, appears in rare photo | date=August 30, 2023 }}</ref> 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 film ''Dragonland'', 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fareastfilms.com/newsPage/Gordon-Liu-Suffers-Stroke-And-Left-Disabled-3517.htm |title=Far East Films - News - Gordon Liu Suffers Stroke and Left Disabled |access-date=2012-03-12 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202190723/http://www.fareastfilms.com/newsPage/Gordon-Liu-Suffers-Stroke-And-Left-Disabled-3517.htm |archive-date=2012-02-02 }}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Line 64: Line 72:
In August 2011, while in [[To Kwa Wan]] performing 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-liu-enters-nursing-home-and-suffers-estranged-marriage/|title = Gordon Liu Enters Nursing Home And Suffers Estranged Marriage}}</ref>
In August 2011, while in [[To Kwa Wan]] performing 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-liu-enters-nursing-home-and-suffers-estranged-marriage/|title = Gordon Liu Enters Nursing Home And Suffers Estranged Marriage}}</ref>


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.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-lius-takes-former-assistant-to-court-over-financial-dispute/ |title = Gordon Liu Takes Former Assistant To Court Over Financial Dispute}}</ref> Subsequently in 2013, he arranged for Hong Kong actress [[Amy Fan]] to become the legal guardian of his assets.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-liu-visits-old-friends-at-tvb/ |title=Gordon Liu Visits Old Friends at TVB}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-liu-watches-tvbs-four-amigos-bon-voyage/ |title = Gordon Liu Watches TVB's "Four Amigos Bon Voyage"}}</ref>
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.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-lius-takes-former-assistant-to-court-over-financial-dispute/ |title = Gordon Liu Takes Former Assistant To Court Over Financial Dispute}}</ref> Subsequently in 2013, he arranged for Hong Kong actress [[Amy Fan]] to become the legal guardian of his assets.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-liu-visits-old-friends-at-tvb/ |title=Gordon Liu Visits Old Friends at TVB}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |url = http://www.jaynestars.com/news/gordon-liu-watches-tvbs-four-amigos-bon-voyage/ |title = Gordon Liu Watches TVB's "Four Amigos Bon Voyage"}}</ref>


==Filmography==
==Filmography==


===Movies===
===Film===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Year
!Year
Line 75: Line 83:
!Notes
!Notes
|-
|-
|1973 || ''Hero of the Waterfront'' || ||
|1973 || ''Hero of the Waterfront'' || Extra || ''The Hero of Chiu Chow''
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1974 || ''[[5 Shaolin Masters]]'' || Chang Yung ||
|rowspan="2"| 1974 || ''[[5 Shaolin Masters]]'' || Chang Yung || Cameo
|-
|-
|''Shaolin Martial Arts'' || Ho Chen-kang ||
|''Shaolin Martial Arts'' || Ho Chen-kang ||
Line 83: Line 91:
|rowspan=2|1975 || ''The Four Assassins'' || Aburiha / Abulahua || ''Marco Polo''
|rowspan=2|1975 || ''The Four Assassins'' || Aburiha / Abulahua || ''Marco Polo''
|-
|-
| ''[[The Monk (1975 film)|The Monk]]'' || ||
| ''[[The Monk (1975 film)|The Monk]]'' || Foon Ying's Thug / Monk || Brief Appearance
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"| 1976 || ''[[Challenge of the Masters]]'' || [[Wong Fei-hung]]||
|rowspan="3"| 1976 || ''[[Challenge of the Masters]]'' || [[Wong Fei-hung]]||
Line 93: Line 101:
|rowspan="2"| 1977 || ''[[He Has Nothing But Kung Fu]]'' || Shang Kai-Yuan (as Chia-Fai Liu) || Stunt Coordinator
|rowspan="2"| 1977 || ''[[He Has Nothing But Kung Fu]]'' || Shang Kai-Yuan (as Chia-Fai Liu) || Stunt Coordinator
|-
|-
|''[[Executioners from Shaolin]]'' || Tung Chien-chin ||
|''[[Executioners from Shaolin]]'' || Tung Chien-chin (Tong Qianjin) ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"| 1978 || ''Breakout from Oppression'' || Hsiao Tu || Director, Action Coordinator
|rowspan="4"| 1978 || ''[[Breakout from Oppression]]'' || Hsiao Tu (Tsao Chan) || Director, Action Coordinator
|-
|-
|''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'' || San Te ||
|''[[The 36th Chamber of Shaolin]]'' || Liu Yu-de / Monk San Te ||
|-
|-
|''[[Heroes of the East]]'' || Ah To ||
|''[[Heroes of the East]]'' || Ah To ||
|-
|-
|''[[Shaolin Mantis]]'' || The Monk (Guest Star) ||
|''[[Shaolin Mantis]]'' || Shaolin Fighting Monk (Guest Star) || Brief Appearance
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"| 1979 || ''Fury in the Shaolin Temple'' || ||
|rowspan="3"| 1979 || ''Fury in the Shaolin Temple'' || ||
|-
|-
|''[[Dirty Ho]]'' || Wang Tsun Hsin - 11'th Prince ||
|''[[Dirty Ho]]'' || Wang Tsun Hsin (11'th Prince) ||
|-
|-
|''Spiritual Boxer II'' || Chang Chieh ||
|''The Shadow Boxing'' || Chang Chieh || ''Spiritual Boxer Sequel''
|-
|-
|rowspan="4"| 1980 || ''[[Clan of the White Lotus]]'' || Hong Wen-Ting ||
|rowspan="4"| 1980 || ''[[Clan of the White Lotus]]'' || Hong Wen-Ting ||
Line 129: Line 137:
|''[[Martial Club]]'' || [[Wong Fei-hung]] ||
|''[[Martial Club]]'' || [[Wong Fei-hung]] ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"| 1982 || ''Raiders of Shaolin Kung Fu'' || Ga-wi Yu ||
|rowspan="5"| 1982 || ''Raiders of Shaolin Kung Fu'' || Ga-wi Yu ||
|-
|-
|''[[Legendary Weapons of China]]'' || Ti Tan (Guest Star) ||
|''[[Legendary Weapons of China]]'' || Ti Tan (Guest Star) ||
|-
|-
|''Godfather of Canton'' || ||
|''Godfather of Canton'' || Lin Si Hai ||
|-
|-
|''The 82 Tenants'' || Ah Hui ||
|''The 82 Tenants'' || Ah Hui ||
|-
|''Young Vagabond'' || [[So Chan]] ||
|-
|-
|''[[Cat vs Rat]]'' || Emperor Yung Hsi (Guest Star) ||
|''[[Cat vs Rat]]'' || Emperor Yung Hsi (Guest Star) ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="3"| 1983 || ''[[Lady Is the Boss]]'' || Ah Man ||
|rowspan="3"| 1983 || ''[[Lady Is the Boss]]'' || Lee Hon Man (Ah Man) ||
|-
|-
|''[[Shaolin and Wu Tang]]'' || Hung Yung-Kit ||
|''[[Shaolin and Wu Tang]]'' || Hung Yung-Kit ||
|-
|-
|''Tales of a Eunuch'' || ||
|''Tales of a Eunuch'' || Emperor Kang Hsi / Siu Yuen Tzu ||
|-
|-
|1984 || ''[[The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter]]'' || Yang Wu-lang (Fifth Brother) ||
|1984 || ''[[The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter]]'' || Yang Wu-lang (Fifth Brother) ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=5| 1985 || ''Two Jolly Cops'' || ||
|rowspan=5| 1985 || ''Two Jolly Cops'' || Lo Tak-Fai || Producer
|-
|-
|''The Young Vagabond'' || Beggar Su Chan ||
|''The Young Vagabond'' || [[So Chan]] ||
|-
|-
|''[[Disciples of the 36th Chamber]]'' || Monk San Te ||
|''[[Disciples of the 36th Chamber]]'' || Monk San Te ||
|-
|-
|''Crazy Shaolin Disciples'' || Ching ||
|''Crazy Shaolin Disciples'' || Monk Wu Ching ||
|-
|-
|''USA Ninja'' || || Action Director
|''USA Ninja'' || || Action Director
|-
|-
|1986 || ''The Story of Dr. Sun Yat-sen'' || ||
|1986 || ''The Story of Dr. Sun Yat Sen'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="5"| 1988 || ''[[Legend of the Phoenix]]'' || ||
|rowspan="6"| 1988 || ''[[Legend of the Phoenix]]'' || ||
|-
|-
|''[[Tiger on the Beat]]'' || Lau Fai ||
|''[[Tiger on the Beat]]'' || Fai, The Hitman ||
|-
|-
|''A Bloody Fight'' || Fai ||
|''A Bloody Fight'' || Inspector Lau Fai ||
|-
|-
|''Peackock King'' || Kubira ||
|''Peackock King'' || Kubira ||
|-
|-
|''Shaolin vs. Vampire'' || Hyo Daiyu (as Ryu Chafi) || Director
|''[[Shaolin vs. Vampire]]'' || Hyo Daiyu (as Ryu Chafi) || Director
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"| 1989 || ''A Fiery Family'' || ||
|''Let's Rage the Gangland'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"| 1989 || ''A Fiery Family'' || Wei ||
|''Fury of a Tiger'' || || ''Challegnge of the Master Killer''
|-
|''Fury of a Tiger'' || Rambo / Sergeant Mang || Action Choreographer
|-
|-
|''White Lotus Trio'' || || ''Avenging Trio''
|''White Lotus Trio'' || || ''Avenging Trio''
Line 183: Line 191:
|''Killer Angels'' || Michael ||
|''Killer Angels'' || Michael ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1990 || ''[[Tiger on the Beat#Sequel|Tiger on the Beat 2]]'' || Fai ||
|rowspan="2"| 1990 || ''[[Tiger on the Beat 2]]'' || Lau Fai ||
|-
|-
|''The Fortune Code'' || Commander in Blue ||
|''The Fortune Code'' || Japanese Commander in Blue ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=3| 1991 || ''Crystal Hunt'' || Officer Lung || ''China Heat''
|rowspan=5| 1991 || ''The Killer'' || Inspector Wong ||
|-
|-
|''The Story of the Gun'' || Officer Lau Fai || ''Guns of the Master Killer''
|''Crystal Hunt'' || Officer Lung || ''China Heat''
|-
|-
|''A Fate of Love'' || || Video
|''The Banquet'' || || Brief Appearance
|-
|-
|''A Fate of Love'' || ||
|rowspan=3| 1992 || ''Passionate Killing in the Dream'' || Chit-Chit ||
|-
|-
|''The Story of the Gun'' || Officer Lau Fai || ''Guns of the Master Killer''
|''Yesterday Once More'' || Assassin || Video
|-
|rowspan=3| 1992 || ''Passionate Killing in the Dream'' || Chit-Chit ||
|-
|-
|''Cheetah on Fire'' || Mainland Gang Leader (as Ka Fai Lau) ||
|''Cheetah on Fire'' || Mainland Gang Leader (as Ka Fai Lau) ||
|-
|''Cry Killer'' || || Martial Art Director
|-
|-
|rowspan="6"| 1993 || ''[[Flirting Scholar]]'' || Evil Scholar ||
|rowspan="6"| 1993 || ''[[Flirting Scholar]]'' || Evil Scholar ||
Line 203: Line 215:
|''[[Last Hero in China]]'' || Master Liu Heung (as Ka-fai Lau) ||
|''[[Last Hero in China]]'' || Master Liu Heung (as Ka-fai Lau) ||
|-
|-
|''[[Legend of the Liquid Sword]]'' || The Monk (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 Buddhism Palm Strikes Back]]'' || For-wan Tse-san ||
Line 213: Line 225:
|rowspan="5"| 1994 || ''The Kung Fu Scholar'' || His Excellency ||
|rowspan="5"| 1994 || ''The Kung Fu Scholar'' || His Excellency ||
|-
|-
|''[[Drunken Master III]]'' || Governor Li (as Kar Fai Lau) ||
|''[[Drunken Master III]]'' || Governor Lee (as Kar Fai Lau) ||
|-
|-
|''[[American Shaolin]]'' || Abbot Hung Chi ||''Treasure Hunt''
|''[[American Shaolin]]'' || Abbot Hung Chi ||''Treasure Hunt''
|-
|-
|''If You Were Here'' || || Stunt Coordinator
|''If You Were Here'' || Mr. Chiang || Stunt Coordinator
|-
|-
|''Funny Shaolin Kids'' || ||''Two Shaolin Kids in Hong Kong''
|''Funny Shaolin Kids'' || ||''Two Shaolin Kids in Hong Kong''
Line 223: Line 235:
|1995 || ''Lethal Girls 2'' || ||
|1995 || ''Lethal Girls 2'' || ||
|-
|-
|1997 || ''Super Cops'' || || Action Coordinator
|1997 || ''Super Cops'' || Uncle Shing || Action Coordinator
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1999 || ''Generation Pendragon'' || ||
|1998 || ''Thunder Scout'' || ||
|-
|-
|''The Island Tales'' || ||
|rowspan="5"| 1999 || ''The Set Up'' || ||
|-
|-
|''Heaven of Hope'' || Coffin Leung ||
|rowspan=2| 2000 || ''[[The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (2000 TV series)|The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber]]'' || Sing Kwan ||
|-
|''Generation Consultant'' || Lieutenant Chow ||
|-
|''Generation Pendragon'' || ||
|-
|''Gambler Series: Fraudelent Culture'' || ||
|-
|rowspan=3| 2000 || ''[[The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (2000 TV series)|The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber]]'' || Sing Kwan ||
|-
|-
|| ''[[The Legend of Lady Yang]]'' || [[Chen Xuanli|Chan Yuen-lai]] ||
|| ''[[The Legend of Lady Yang]]'' || [[Chen Xuanli|Chan Yuen-lai]] ||
|-
|-
|''The Island Tales'' || Bo ||
|2002 || ''[[Drunken Monkey (2002 film)|Drunken Monkey]]'' || ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2003 || ''[[Star Runner]]'' || Coach Lau ||
|2002 || ''[[Drunken Monkey (2002 film)|Drunken Monkey]]'' || Detective Hung Yat Fu ||
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2003 || ''[[Star Runner]]'' || Master Lau (Coach Lau) ||
|-
|-
|''[[Kill Bill: Volume 1]]'' || Johnny Mo ||
|''[[Kill Bill: Volume 1]]'' || Johnny Mo ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2004 || ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 2]]'' || [[Pai Mei]] ||
|rowspan="4" | 2004 || ''[[Kill Bill: Volume 2]]'' || Johnny Mo / [[Pai Mei]] ||
|-
|-
|''[[Shaolin vs. Evil Dead]]'' || Pak ||
|''[[Shaolin vs. Evil Dead]]'' || Pak / Brother White ||
|-
|-
|rowspan="2"| 2005 || ''[[Dragon Squad]]'' || ||
|''Dragon in Fury'' || ||
|-
|-
|''[[A Chinese Tall Story]]'' || ||
|''Snake Curse'' || Dr. Gao Er ||
|-
|-
| 2006 || ''[[Mr. 3 Minutes]]'' || ||
|rowspan="4"| 2005 || ''[[Dragon Squad]]'' || Ko (Police Driver) || ''Dragon Heat''
|-
|''[[A Chinese Tall Story]]'' || Jade Emperor ||
|-
|''Insuperable Kid'' || Japanese Ambassador ||
|-
|''Dragon Get Angry'' || ||
|-
|rowspan=4 |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 ||
| 2007 || ''Shaolin Vs. Dead: Ultimate Power'' || Roam Chow ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=3|2008 || ''Heroes of Shaolin'' || ||
|rowspan=2 |2008 || ''Heroes of Shaolin'' || ||
|-
|''Anaconda Frightened'' || Master Mao Dashi ||
|-
|rowspan=2| 2009 || ''[[Chandni Chowk to China]]'' || Hojo || ''CC2C''
|-
|''Frankenstein Unlimited'' || || Segment ''Flesh for Kung Fu''
|-
|rowspan=5| 2010 || ''Lost in Love'' || Banker ||
|-
|''Citizen King'' || Master Cheung ||
|-
|''The Immemorial Magic'' || ||
|-
|''[[Hot Summer Days]]'' || Uncle Fai ||
|-
|''[[True Legend]]'' || Old Sage ||
|-
|rowspan=3| 2011 || ''[[Love in Space (film)|Love in Space]]'' || Mr. Chen ||
|-
|''[[Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair]]'' || Johnny Mo / Pai Mei ||
|-
|''[[Flying Swords of Dragon Gate]]'' || Eunuch Wan Yulou ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=7| 2012 || ''[[Nightfall (2012 film)|Nightfall]]'' || Retired CID Officer Lung ||
|''Dragonland'' || Himself || Documentary
|-
|-
|''[[True Legend]]'' || Old sage ||
|''[[The Man with the Iron Fists]]'' || The Abbott ||
|-
|-
| 2009 || ''[[Chandni Chowk to China]]'' || Hojo||
|''[[Painted Skin: The Resurrection]]'' || Uncle Da ||
|-
|-
| 2010 || ''[[Hot Summer Days]]'' || Fai ||
|''Blood Money'' || Shaolin Monk ||
|-
|-
| 2011 || ''[[Flying Swords of Dragon Gate]]'' || ||
|''Kill 'em All'' || Snakehead ||
|-
|-
|''No Retreat'' || ||
|rowspan=3| 2012 || ''[[Nightfall (2012 film)|Nightfall]]'' || Retired CID officer ||
|-
|-
| ''[[The Man with the Iron Fists]]'' || The Abbott ||
|''Warrior'' || ||
|-
|-
| ''Kill 'Em All'' || Snakehead ||
|2013 || ''High Kickers'' || Zhao Yumin ||
|-
|-
|2014 || ''Future Fighters'' || ||
|2013
| ''High Kickers'' || Zhao Yumin ||
|}
|}


Line 281: Line 338:
!Role
!Role
|-
|-
|1990 || ''The Legend of the Invincible'' || 劍魔獨孤求敗 || Gong Zan-hung
|1996 || ''[[Journey to the West (1996 TV series)|Journey to the West]]'' || 西遊記 ||
|-
|-
|1998 || ''[[Journey to the West II]]'' || 西遊記 ||
|1991 || ''Mystery of the Twin Swords'' || 日月神劍 || rowspan=2 |Jin Pin-cin
|-
|-
|2001 || ''[[A Step into the Past]]'' || 尋秦記 ||
|1992 || ''Mystery of the Twin Swords II'' || 捉妖奇兵
|-
|-
|2003 || ''[[The King of Yesterday and Tomorrow]]'' || 九五至尊 ||
|rowspan=2 |1993 || ''The Mystery of The Condor Hero'' || 射鵰英雄傳之九陰真經 || Jyun Zan
|-
|-
| ''The Buddhism Palm Strikes Back'' || 如來神掌再戰江湖 || Ngou Cin-saan
|2005 || ''[[Real Kung Fu]]'' || 佛山贊師父 || Lin Yung
|-
|-
|2006 || ''[[A Pillow Case of Mystery]]'' || 施公奇案 || Sima Jui-fung
|rowspan=2 |1995 || ''[[The Condor Heroes 95]]'' || 神鵰俠侶 || Kam-lun Fat-wong
|-
|-
|2007 || ''[[On the First Beat]]'' || 學警出更 || Moon Gei
| ''Detective Investigation Files II'' || 刑事偵緝檔案II || Cing Gan
|-
|-
|1996 || ''[[Journey to the West (1996 TV series)|Journey to the West]]'' || 西遊記 || [[Bull Demon King]]
|rowspan="2" | 2008 || ''[[Best Bet]]'' || 迎妻接福 ||
|-
|-
|rowspan=2 |1997 || ''Bonds of Blood'' || 千秋家国梦 || Zhang Baozi / Chen Jiongming
|''[[The Four (2008 TV series)|The Four]]'' || 少年四大名捕 ||
|-
|-
|''Taming of the Princess'' || 醉打金枝 || Lei Gin (Sing Ping's 8th Royal Uncle)
|rowspan="2" | 2009 || ''[[Man in Charge]]'' || 幕後大老爺 ||
|-
|1998 || ''[[Journey to the West II]]'' || 西遊記 || Bull Demon King, Golden Horned King
|-
|rowspan=3 |1999 || ''[[Witness to a Prosecution]]'' || 洗冤錄 || Nip Yan-lung
|-
|''Hero of Shanghai'' || 中華大丈夫 || Hoi's Dad
|-
|''Dragon Love'' || 人龍傳說 || Sea Dragon King
|-
|rowspan=2 | 2000 || ''The Legendary Four Aces'' || 金裝四大才子 ||
|-
|''[[Legend of Lady Yang]]'' || 楊貴妃 || [[Chen Xuanli]]
|-
|rowspan=2 |2001 || ''The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber'' || 倚天劍屠龍刀 || Cheng Kun / Yuan Zhen
|-
|''[[A Step into the Past]]'' || 尋秦記 || Cho Chau-dou
|-
|2003 || ''[[The King of Yesterday and Tomorrow]]'' || 九五至尊 || Heung Yeung
|-
|rowspan=2 |2005 || ''[[Real Kung Fu]]'' || 佛山贊師父 || Lin Yung
|-
|''[[The Gâteau Affairs|The Gateau Affairs]]'' || 情迷黑森林 || Tong Sam
|-
|rowspan=2 |2006 || ''[[A Pillow Case of Mystery]]'' || 施公奇案 || Sima Jui-fung
|-
|''[[Lethal Weapons of Love and Passion]]'' || 覆雨翻雲 || Lai Yue-hoi
|-
|rowspan=3 |2007 || ''[[Best Bet]]'' || 迎妻接福 || Tsang Dai-lik
|-
|''[[On the First Beat]]'' || 學警出更 || Yuen Moon
|-
|''[[The Ultimate Crime Fighter]]'' || 通天幹探 || Lai Chun Cheung
|-
|2008 || ''[[The Four (2008 TV series)|The Four]]'' || 少年四大名捕 || Lam Po-Tian
|-
|rowspan="2" | 2009 || ''[[Man in Charge]]'' || 幕後大老爺 || Tai Yau-Kung
|-
|-
|''[[Chinese Paladin 3 (TV series)|Chinese Paladin 3]]'' || 仙劍奇俠傳三 || [[List of Chinese Paladin 3 characters|Evil Sword Immortal]]
|''[[Chinese Paladin 3 (TV series)|Chinese Paladin 3]]'' || 仙劍奇俠傳三 || [[List of Chinese Paladin 3 characters|Evil Sword Immortal]]
Line 311: Line 404:
|rowspan=2 | 2011 || ''[[Relic of an Emissary]]'' || 洪武三十二 || Yim Chun
|rowspan=2 | 2011 || ''[[Relic of an Emissary]]'' || 洪武三十二 || Yim Chun
|-
|-
| ''[[Curse of the Royal Harem]]'' || 萬凰之王 ||
| ''[[Curse of the Royal Harem]]'' || 萬凰之王 || Tunggiya Shumung
|}

=== Documentaries ===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!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
|-
|rowspan=2 |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
|}
|}


Line 320: Line 444:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://letterboxd.com/film/high-kickers/|title = High Kickers (2013)}}</ref>


==External links==
==External links==
*{{IMDb name|514904|Gordon Liu}}
*{{IMDb name|514904|Gordon Liu}}
*{{hkmdb_name|4149|Gordon Liu}}
*[http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/Articles/Gordon_Liu_Biography.htm Gordon Liu Biography at HKCinema]
*[http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/people.asp?id=105 Gordon Liu] at [http://www.hkcinemagic.com/en/main.asp? Hong Kong Cinemagic]
*[https://www.lovehkfilm.com/people/liu_gordon.htm Gordon Liu] at [https://www.lovehkfilm.com/ Love HK Film]
*[http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/Articles/Gordon_Liu_Biography.htm Gordon Liu]{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} Biography at [http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/index.html Hong Kong Cinema]


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}

Latest revision as of 23:28, 13 December 2024

For the Chinese-American politician (劉貴明), see Gordon J. Lau.

Gordon Liu
劉家輝
Born
Sin Kam-hei (冼錦熙)

(1955-08-22) August 22, 1955 (age 69)[1]
Foshan, Guangdong, China
Occupation(s)Actor, martial artist
Years active1973–present
Spouse
Ma Fei-feng
​
​
(m. 1991; div. 2009)​
(2nd)
Children
  • Angie Sin (daughter), with first wife
  • Bonnie Sin (daughter), with first wife
  • Kris Sin (son), with Ma Fei-feng
  • Sonia Sin (daughter), with Ma Fei-feng
Chinese name
Traditional Chinese劉家輝
Simplified Chinese刘家辉
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinLiú Jiāhuī
Yue: Cantonese
JyutpingLau4 Gaa1-fai1
Sin Kam-hei
Traditional Chinese冼錦熙
Simplified Chinese冼锦熙
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinXiǎn Jǐnxī
In this Chinese name, the family name is Liu.

Gordon Liu (Lau Kar-fai simplified Chinese: 刘家辉; traditional Chinese: 劉家輝; pinyin: Liú Jiāhuī; Wade–Giles: Liu Chia-hui; Jyutping: Lau4 Gaa1 fai1); born Sin Kam-hei (simplified Chinese: 冼锦熙; traditional Chinese: 冼錦熙; pinyin: Xiǎn Jǐnxī, 22 August 1955)[2] is a Chinese actor and martial artist best known for his martial arts films.

Born in Guangdong, Liu studied Hung Ga kung fu at the school founded by Lau Kar-leung's father, Lau Cham.[3] He entered the Hong Kong film industry as a stuntman. His early acting credits include minor roles in several Hong Kong kung fu films, including the Shaw Brothers-produced 5 Shaolin Masters (1974). He went on to appear in many Shaw Brothers films, such as Challenge of the Masters (1976), in which he portrayed the folk hero Wong Fei Hung, Executioners from Shaolin (1977), The 36th Chamber of Shaolin (1978), in which he played the lead role as Shaolin hero San Te, Dirty Ho (1979), Return to the 36th Chamber (1980), Martial Club (1981), The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984), and Disciples of the 36th Chamber (1985). By the late-1980’s, he had begun accepting smaller roles, such as in Lau Kar-leung's Tiger on the Beat (1988). In 1993, he appeared opposite Jet Li in Last Hero in China.

Liu made his American film debut in 2003. He played two roles in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films: Johnny Mo, the leader of the Crazy 88 yakuza gang in Volume 1 (2003), and kung fu master Pai Mei in Volume 2 (2004). Other than being a staple in Hong Kong action movies and his foray into Hollywood, Liu also made his Bollywood debut in 2009's Chandni Chowk to China.

In 2020, Liu was inducted into the Martial Arts History Museum Hall of Fame.[4]

Early life

[edit]

Liu was born Sin Kam-hei in Guangdong Province, China on 22 August 1955, prior to his adoption into another family.[5] He is often wrongly cited as being the adopted son of Lau Cham, and adoptive brother of directors and actors Lau Kar-leung (Liu Chia-liang) and Lau 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 in Chinese martial arts without his parents' knowledge. He trained at Lau Cham's martial arts school of Hung Gar discipline, which descended from Wong Fei-hung's grand student (father to Lau 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 (a Shaw Brothers subsidiary operating in Taiwan) acting small parts for such films as 5 Shaolin Masters, Shaolin Martial Arts, and 4 Assassins. He starred in Challenge of the Masters (1976), as the folk hero Wong Fei Hung, and was featured in Executioners From Shaolin (1977) before starring in his signature role as Shaolin hero San Te in The 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 in Lau Kar-leung's Tiger on the Beat.

Liu has also been active in television, and was contracted to Hong Kong's TVB company 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 a Hong Kong Police Force officer[citation needed].

Quentin Tarantino had 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's Kill Bill films. His roles in Kill Bill raised Liu's profile again and a renewed interest was shown by Chinese producers; since Kill 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 his Bollywood debut in 2009's Chandni 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 film Dragonland, 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 (冼峻龙) and daughter Sonia (冼咏珊) from his second marriage with Ma Fei-feng (马飞凤) of Thai-descent which ended in 2009.

In August 2011, while in To Kwa Wan performing 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 actress Amy Fan to 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 Boxing 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 Segment Flesh 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 劍魔獨孤求敗 Gong Zan-hung
1991 Mystery of the Twin Swords 日月神劍 Jin Pin-cin
1992 Mystery of the Twin Swords II 捉妖奇兵
1993 The Mystery of The Condor Hero 射鵰英雄傳之九陰真經 Jyun Zan
The Buddhism Palm Strikes Back 如來神掌再戰江湖 Ngou Cin-saan
1995 The Condor Heroes 95 神鵰俠侶 Kam-lun Fat-wong
Detective Investigation Files II 刑事偵緝檔案II Cing Gan
1996 Journey to the West 西遊記 Bull Demon King
1997 Bonds of Blood 千秋家国梦 Zhang Baozi / Chen Jiongming
Taming of the Princess 醉打金枝 Lei Gin (Sing Ping's 8th Royal Uncle)
1998 Journey to the West II 西遊記 Bull Demon King, Golden Horned King
1999 Witness to a Prosecution 洗冤錄 Nip Yan-lung
Hero of Shanghai 中華大丈夫 Hoi's Dad
Dragon Love 人龍傳說 Sea Dragon King
2000 The Legendary Four Aces 金裝四大才子
Legend of Lady Yang 楊貴妃 Chen Xuanli
2001 The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber 倚天劍屠龍刀 Cheng Kun / Yuan Zhen
A Step into the Past 尋秦記 Cho Chau-dou
2003 The King of Yesterday and Tomorrow 九五至尊 Heung Yeung
2005 Real Kung Fu 佛山贊師父 Lin Yung
The Gateau Affairs 情迷黑森林 Tong Sam
2006 A Pillow Case of Mystery 施公奇案 Sima Jui-fung
Lethal Weapons of Love and Passion 覆雨翻雲 Lai Yue-hoi
2007 Best Bet 迎妻接福 Tsang Dai-lik
On the First Beat 學警出更 Yuen Moon
The Ultimate Crime Fighter 通天幹探 Lai Chun Cheung
2008 The Four 少年四大名捕 Lam Po-Tian
2009 Man in Charge 幕後大老爺 Tai Yau-Kung
Chinese Paladin 3 仙劍奇俠傳三 Evil Sword Immortal
2010 A Pillow Case of Mystery II 施公奇案 II Si Ma Jeui-fung
Beauty Knows No Pain 女人最痛 Ng Lap-chau
Links to Temptation 誘情轉駁 Lam Chung-pau
2011 Relic of an Emissary 洪武三十二 Yim Chun
Curse of the Royal Harem 萬凰之王 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]
  1. ^ "Gordon Liu Celebrates 65th Birthday".
  2. ^ "High Kickers (2013)".
  3. ^ "How Shaw Brothers made Gordon Liu a martial arts superstar". June 6, 2021.
  4. ^ "Hall of Fame".
  5. ^ Gordon Lau Ka-fai 劉家輝
  6. ^ "Gordon Liu Chia Hui". Interview. Kung Fu Magazine. Retrieved June 8, 2011.
  7. ^ "'Looks like he's recovering quite well': Former action star and stroke survivor Gordon Liu turns 68, appears in rare photo". August 30, 2023.
  8. ^ "Far East Films - News - Gordon Liu Suffers Stroke and Left Disabled". Archived from the original on February 2, 2012. Retrieved March 12, 2012.
  9. ^ "Gordon Liu Enters Nursing Home And Suffers Estranged Marriage".
  10. ^ "Gordon Liu Takes Former Assistant To Court Over Financial Dispute".
  11. ^ "Gordon Liu Visits Old Friends at TVB".
  12. ^ "Gordon Liu Watches TVB's "Four Amigos Bon Voyage"".
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Gordon_Liu&oldid=1262970979"