Here are 6 famous actors from Hong Kong were born in 1949:
Kirk Wong (March 28, 1949 Hong Kong-) also known as Alan Smithee, Che-Kirk Wong, Kirk Wong Chi-keung, Zhiqiang Huang, Che Kirk Wong Chi Keung, Wong Chi Keung, Huang Zhi Qiang, Che Kirk Wong, Chi Keung Wong or Wang Zheng-quan is a Hongkongese actor, film director and screenwriter.
Kirk Wong started his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in television dramas in Hong Kong, but later shifted his focus to film directing. He is best known for his work in action films and thrillers, including "Crime Story," "The Big Hit," and "Rock 'n' Roll Cop."
Wong has also worked in Hollywood and collaborated with well-known actors such as Mark Wahlberg and Jacky Cheung. He has won several awards throughout his career, including the Best Director award at the Golden Horse Awards and the Hong Kong Film Awards for his film "The Club."
In addition to directing, Wong has also worked as a screenwriter and producer, and has even dabbled in music with his own record label. He continues to be a highly respected figure in the film industry, and has made a significant impact on the action film genre in both Hong Kong and Hollywood.
Kirk Wong was born in Hong Kong in 1949, and grew up in a family of actors. He graduated from the City College of San Francisco, where he studied film and photography. After returning to Hong Kong, he began his career in acting, but soon transitioned to directing.
Wong's breakthrough film was "Gunmen," which he directed in 1988. The film was a critical and commercial success, and established Wong as a prominent figure in Hong Kong cinema. He went on to direct several more action films, including "Crime Story" (1993), which won him the Best Director award at the Golden Horse Awards.
In 1998, Wong made his Hollywood debut with "The Big Hit," starring Mark Wahlberg. The film was well-received and helped introduce Wong's style of action filmmaking to a Western audience. He also directed the 2003 film "Pauly Shore is Dead," which won him critical acclaim for its satirical take on Hollywood.
Apart from directing, Wong has also worked as a producer and screenwriter, and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry. He also owns his own record label, KRG Sound System, and has produced albums for several Hong Kong artists.
Wong has been widely praised for his cinematic style, which often blends action with social commentary. He has said that he draws inspiration from a range of sources, including French New Wave cinema and Hong Kong martial arts films.
Wong's contributions to cinema have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hong Kong Film Directors' Guild in 2012. Despite stepping away from directing in recent years, Wong remains an influential figure in the industry and continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
In addition to his work in film and television, Kirk Wong has also been involved in theater productions. He directed a production of "The Caucasian Chalk Circle" in Hong Kong in 1990, which was well-received by audiences and critics alike.
Wong is known for his hands-on approach to filmmaking, often personally overseeing every aspect of the production process. He has also been praised for his ability to bring out strong performances from his actors, and for his innovative use of cinematography and editing techniques.
While Wong has achieved great success as a director, he has also faced challenges and setbacks throughout his career. He has struggled with funding for some of his projects, and has faced criticism for his decision to move away from traditional Hong Kong cinema in favor of Hollywood-style films.
Despite these challenges, Kirk Wong remains a highly respected and influential figure in the film industry. His unique style and creative vision have left a lasting impact on action filmmaking, and his work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Bryan Leung (January 20, 1949 Hong Kong-) also known as Ka-Yan Leung, Liang Chia-Jen, Liang Chia-ren, Kar Yan Leung, Liang Wing-Jen, Chia-ren Liang, Beardy, Bryan Leung, Bryan Leung Ka-yan, Chia Jen Liang, Jiaren Liang, Leung Kar-Yan, Chia Ren Liang or Leung Kar Yan is a Hongkongese film director, actor, screenwriter and film producer. He has one child, Leung Ho Yee.
Bryan Leung began his acting career in the 1970s and quickly became one of Hong Kong's most popular action stars. He is particularly well-known for his roles in martial arts films, including "The Shaolin Temple" (1982), "Dreadnought" (1981) and "The Prodigal Son" (1981).
In addition to acting, Leung has also directed and produced several films throughout his career, including "Dragon in Jail" (1990) and "The Lord of Amusement" (1990).
Leung has won numerous awards for his contributions to Hong Kong cinema, including the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "The Unwritten Law" (1985) and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 2016.
Despite his success, Leung has remained relatively private throughout his career, rarely granting interviews or making public appearances.
In addition to his work in film, Bryan Leung has also made a name for himself in the television industry. In the 1990s, he starred in several TVB dramas, including "The Greed of Man" (1992) and "The File of Justice" (1995). Leung's performance in "The Greed of Man" earned him a TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role.
Bryan Leung's talents are not limited to acting and directing, as he is also a skilled martial artist. He has trained in various martial arts styles, including Taekwondo, karate, and Muay Thai. In the 1970s and 1980s, Leung even worked as a stuntman and fight choreographer for several Hong Kong films.
Off-screen, Leung is known for his philanthropic work. He has been involved with various charitable organizations, including the Hong Kong Cancer Fund and the Hong Kong Red Cross. Leung has also been an advocate for animal welfare, and has supported organizations such as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Despite his fame and success, Bryan Leung remains humble and dedicated to his craft. He continues to act, direct, and produce films, and has become an influential figure in Hong Kong cinema.
Throughout his career, Bryan Leung has starred alongside many legendary Hong Kong actors, including Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and Sammo Hung. He is also known for his collaborations with director John Woo, with whom he worked on films such as "A Better Tomorrow" (1986) and "Once a Thief" (1991).
In recent years, Leung has taken on more supporting roles in films, such as "Ip Man 3" (2015) and "Paradox" (2017). He has also made appearances in TV dramas and variety shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Off-screen, Leung is a family man and enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He is also an avid collector of antique furniture and ceramics, and has been known to frequent antique shops and auctions in his spare time.
Despite his age, Bryan Leung shows no signs of slowing down and continues to contribute to the world of Hong Kong cinema. His legacy as an actor, director, and martial artist is a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.
George Cheung (February 8, 1949 Hong Kong-) also known as Kee Cheung, George Lee Cheong, George Kee Chung, George Chang, George Kee, George 'Kee' Cheung, George Kee Cheung, George K. Cheung, George Lee Cheung or George Chung is a Hongkongese actor, stunt performer, singer, voice actor and film producer.
He began his career as a stunt man in the early 1970s, working on several Hong Kong films before transitioning to acting in the late 1980s. He has appeared in over 150 films and television shows, including "Rambo: First Blood Part II," "RoboCop 2," "Lethal Weapon 4," and "Supernatural." In addition to his acting work, Cheung has also worked as a film producer and singer, releasing several albums in Hong Kong in the 1980s. He is known for his versatility in playing both heroic and villainous roles. Cheung currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
George Cheung was born in Hong Kong and attended the prestigious St. Paul's Co-educational College in the city. He then moved to the United States to study at San Francisco State University, where he earned a degree in psychology. While in college, he became involved in martial arts and began working as a stunt performer in Hong Kong. After gaining experience in the industry, he eventually transitioned to acting and quickly became a sought-after character actor.
In addition to his work in film and television, Cheung has also done voice work for several video games, including "Gears of War" and "Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days." He has also made numerous appearances on stage, including productions of "The Woman Warrior" and "The Joy Luck Club" in Los Angeles.
Cheung is actively involved in various charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He is also an advocate for Asian-American representation in the entertainment industry and has spoken about the need for diverse casting and storytelling.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Cheung remains proud of his Hong Kong roots and often shares his love of Chinese culture with his family and friends.
Cheung's first major acting role was in John Woo's 1989 film "The Killer," where he played a supporting role alongside Chow Yun-fat. He also appeared in several other Woo films, including "Hard Boiled" and "Bullet in the Head." Cheung's television credits include "ER," "The West Wing," and "24."
In the 1980s, Cheung founded his own production company, Kee Yip Productions, which produced several films and television shows in Hong Kong.
In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Cheung has also been involved in martial arts for many years. He holds a black belt in taekwondo and has trained in various other martial arts styles.
Cheung has been married to his wife Mary for over 30 years and together they have two children. He currently resides in Los Angeles with his family.
Damian Lau (October 14, 1949 Hong Kong-) a.k.a. Damian Lau Chun-yan, Chung-yan Lau, Songren Liu, Sung Ren Liu, Chung-tsai, Damian Lau Chun-ya, Liu Sung-Je, Liu Sung-Jen, Lau Chun-Yan or Liu Songren is a Hongkongese actor and film director.
Damian Lau started his career in acting during the 1970s and has since become a well-known figure in Hong Kong cinema industry. He has appeared in over 150 films and TV shows, such as "The Bund" and "The Greed of Man". He has won numerous awards for his performances, including Best Actor in a Leading Role at the Hong Kong Film Awards for his role in "Full Moon in New York".
Apart from acting, Damian Lau is also a film director, having directed several films in the 1990s. He has also been involved in philanthropy work, supporting various charitable organizations such as UNICEF and the Hong Kong Red Cross.
In addition to his work in Hong Kong cinema industry, Damian Lau has also acted in various mainland Chinese productions, such as "The Journey of Flower" and "The Qin Empire". He is highly respected by Chinese audiences for his versatile acting skills and iconic roles in many classic movies and TV shows.
Throughout his career, Damian Lau has become one of the most recognizable faces in Asian film and television. He is known for his ability to portray complex characters and his dedication to his craft. In addition to his film and television work, he has also been involved in stage productions and has performed in numerous theatrical plays in Hong Kong.
Aside from his achievements in the entertainment industry, Damian Lau is also recognized for his contributions to society. He has been actively involved in various charitable causes and has to date, received numerous awards for his philanthropic work. He is also known for his humility and down-to-earth personality, earning him the respect and admiration of many in his community.
Damian Lau was born in Hong Kong and grew up in a family of seven siblings. He attended St. Joseph's College, where he discovered his interest in acting and started performing in school plays. After finishing school, he pursued a career in acting and joined the TVB drama academy, where he received training in various acting techniques.
His career in acting started in the 1970s, where he landed small roles in TV dramas and films. He gained recognition for his performance in the 1979 TV drama "The Bund", which became a hit, and his role as the antagonist in the 1992 TV drama "The Greed of Man" further established him as a leading actor in the industry.
In addition to his work in Asian cinema, Damian Lau has also ventured into Hollywood productions, such as the 1999 film "The Corruptor" alongside Chow Yun-fat and Mark Wahlberg. He is also known for his voice acting, having provided the voice for characters in animated films such as "Kung Fu Panda" and "Over the Hedge" in their Mandarin dubs.
Apart from his entertainment career, Damian Lau is also a business owner, having founded a chain of restaurants and cafes in Hong Kong. He is also known for his passion for sports, having participated in various marathons and triathlons.
Damian Lau continues to be active in the entertainment industry and has remained a highly respected figure in Asian cinema.
Yung Henry Yu (June 12, 1949 Hong Kong-) otherwise known as Yu Wing, Bruce Ly, Yang Yu, Yu Yang, Yung Yu, Yu Yung, Yue Yeung, Yue Young, Henry Yu Young, Wing Yue, Lung Tsu Chiao, Henry Yu Yung, Kenny Kung or Shue Jia Ian is a Hongkongese actor.
He was part of the prominent Shaw Brothers Studio in the 1970s, working in a variety of genres including martial arts films, comedies, and dramas. Some of his notable roles include "The Sentimental Swordsman" (1977) and "Death Duel" (1977), both directed by Chor Yuen. He also appeared in "The Kung Fu Instructor" (1979) directed by Sun Chung and "My Young Auntie" (1981) directed by Lau Kar-Leung. After leaving Shaw Brothers, he continued to work in the film industry and has over 100 credits to his name. In addition to acting, he has also served as a producer, director, and screenwriter. Yu has won numerous awards for his contributions to Hong Kong cinema, including the Golden Horse Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1983 for his role in "Play Catch."
Yu began his acting career in the 1960s and made his debut in "The Golden Sword" (1969). He quickly rose to prominence in the industry, earning critical acclaim for his performances in various films. Yu's versatility as an actor allowed him to tackle a wide range of roles, making him a popular choice among filmmakers in Hong Kong. In the early 1980s, he founded his own production company, Henry Film, which produced several successful films including "Looking for Mr. Perfect" (1989) and "Falling in Love" (1984). In 2010, Yu was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Hong Kong Film Awards. He continues to be active in the industry and is considered one of the most respected actors in Hong Kong cinema. Outside of his work in film, Yu has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including serving as a goodwill ambassador for the Hong Kong Red Cross.
Yu's career is highlighted by his ability to excel in different genres of film. He was known for his martial arts prowess, especially in the films he made with the Shaw Brothers Studio. However, he was equally adept at comedy, drama, and romance, displaying his range as an actor. Yu was known for his professionalism and dedication to his craft, and he mentored many young actors in the industry. He has also made a significant contribution to Chinese-language television, working on series such as "The Shell Game" (1980) and "The Four Detective Guards" (1995). Yu's work has received global recognition, and he has been featured in films that have won awards at international film festivals. The actor has also taken on roles in Hollywood productions, including "The Replacement Killers" (1998) and "Bulletproof Monk" (2003). Despite his success, Yu has remained humble and is known for his philanthropy work. He has supported various causes over the years, including helping to raise funds for disaster relief efforts in China and supporting children's education programs.
Ricky Lau (December 20, 1949 Hong Kong-) otherwise known as Eric Lau, Koon Wai Lau, Kwun Wai Lau, Guanwei Liu, Lau Koon Wai, Lau Kun Wai, Ricky Lau Koon-Wai, Lau Kwan-Wai, Liu Kuan-Wei or Lau Kwun-Wai is a Hongkongese film director, cinematographer and actor.
He is best known for directing the horror-comedy film "Mr. Vampire" which became a cult classic in Hong Kong cinema. Lau started his career in the film industry as a cinematographer in the 1970s, working on films such as "The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter" and "Legendary Weapons of China."
In 1985, Lau made his directorial debut with the film "Martial Arts of Shaolin" which starred Jet Li. He then went on to direct several popular films in the horror-comedy genre, including "Mr. Vampire II" and "Encounters of the Spooky Kind II". Throughout his career, Lau has directed over 20 films and has also acted in a number of them.
In addition to his work in film, Lau has also made a name for himself in television. He has directed several popular TV dramas in Hong Kong, including "Vampire Expert" and "Happy Ghost III."
Lau's work has received critical acclaim and he has won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Director for "Mr. Vampire." He continues to be a respected figure in Hong Kong cinema and his work has had a lasting impact on the industry.
In recent years, Ricky Lau has turned his focus to producing films rather than directing them. He has produced several successful films, including "The Heavenly Kings" and "Naked Ambition", both of which won awards at film festivals. Lau has also worked as a mentor to young filmmakers in Hong Kong, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of filmmakers. In addition, Lau has served as a judge for various film festivals and competitions, including the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Hong Kong Film Awards. Lau's contributions to the film industry have earned him a place in Hong Kong's cinematic history, and he remains an influential figure in the industry today.
Ricky Lau was born in Hong Kong in 1949 and began his career in the film industry as a cinematographer in the 1970s. He quickly made a name for himself in the industry and worked on several notable films such as "The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter" and "Legendary Weapons of China." Lau's skills were in high demand and he went on to work on a number of classic Hong Kong films in the following years.
In 1985, Lau made his directorial debut with the film "Martial Arts of Shaolin", which became a commercial success and introduced him to a wider audience. This led to even greater opportunities for him, and he subsequently directed several popular films in the horror-comedy genre. His most popular film, "Mr. Vampire", became a cult classic in Hong Kong cinema and earned him critical acclaim, including the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Director.
In addition to his work in film, Lau has also made a significant contribution to television in Hong Kong. He directed several popular TV dramas, including "Vampire Expert" and "Happy Ghost III". Lau's work in television was as well-received as his work in film, and he has become a respected figure in both industries.
In recent years, Lau has shifted his focus to producing films, and has successfully produced several award-winning movies, including "The Heavenly Kings" and "Naked Ambition." He is also known for his generosity in sharing his experience and knowledge with young filmmakers in Hong Kong, serving as a mentor to many aspiring artists in the industry.
Today, Lau remains an influential figure in the Hong Kong film industry and his contributions to the industry have earned him a place in Hong Kong's cinematic history.