Here are 3 famous actors from China died at 79:
Chang Cheh (February 10, 1923 Hangzhou-June 22, 2002 Hong Kong) a.k.a. Yi Yang Chang, The Godfather of Hong Kong cinema, Cheuh Chang, Chang Chueh, Cheh Chiang, Che Zhang, Chang Yi Yang, 张彻, 張徹, Zhāng Chè, Cheh Chang or Chang Yi-yang was a Chinese film director, screenwriter, writer, film producer, actor, costume designer, production designer, composer and film score composer.
He died caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Chang Cheh is best known for his contributions to the martial arts genre, having directed and produced over 100 films in his career. He was a mentor to many actors, including Jimmy Wang Yu and David Chiang, and helped to launch the careers of several Hong Kong cinema legends, such as Ti Lung and Alexander Fu Sheng. Chang Cheh's films have been noted for their hyper-violent and stylized action sequences, as well as their exploration of themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and honor. He was a key figure in the Hong Kong New Wave movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which revolutionized the Chinese film industry and paved the way for the global success of martial arts films. In addition to his work in film, Chang Cheh was also an accomplished novelist and radio DJ.
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Kwan Shan (April 20, 1933 Shenyang-October 1, 2012 Hong Kong) also known as San Kuan, Kuan Shan, Shan Guan or Shan Kwan was a Chinese actor. He had one child, Rosamund Kwan.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Kwan Shan started his acting career in Taiwan in the 1950s, where he became known for his roles in martial arts films. He later moved to Hong Kong and acted in over 250 films, including several collaborations with renowned Hong Kong director John Woo. He was proficient in several martial arts, including kung fu and karate, and often performed his own stunts. Despite being known for his action roles, Kwan Shan also acted in comedies and dramas. He won the Best Actor award at the 19th Asia-Pacific Film Festival for his role in the film "The Empress Dowager." In addition to acting, Kwan Shan was also a singer and recorded several albums throughout his career. He was considered one of the most versatile actors in Hong Kong cinema and is remembered as a legend of Chinese cinema.
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Ivan Desny (December 28, 1922 Beijing-April 13, 2002 Ascona) also known as Yvan Desny, Ivan Nikolai Desnitskij, Juan Desny, Ivan Nikolai Desnitzky, Иван Десни or Ivan Gums was a Chinese actor.
He died in pneumonia.
Desny was born in Beijing to Russian parents and grew up in China, where he attended the Russian Embassy School. He later moved to France, where he began his acting career in the 1940s. He appeared in over 180 films and television shows throughout his career, primarily in French and German productions. Some of his notable roles include "The Count of Monte Cristo" (1954), "The Marriage of Maria Braun" (1979), and "The Testament of Orpheus" (1960), which was directed by Jean Cocteau. Desny was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous films and TV shows, including the French-dubbed version of "The Flintstones". In addition to his acting career, Desny was also a talented artist and sculptor.
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