Biography
Who is Sammo Hung?
Early life and training
Sammo Hung was born in Hong Kong. Both of his parents worked as wardrobe artists for the movie industry. He was raised by his grandparents. His grandmother, Chin Tsi-ang, was a martial arts actress. His grandfather, Hung Chung-ho, was a film director. In 1961, he joined the China Drama Academy at age 9. He spent seven years at this Peking Opera School. The school was led by Master Yu Jim Yuen. While there, he used the name Yuen Lung. He was the lead member of the Seven Little Fortunes. He had a friendly rivalry with fellow student Yuen Lo, who later became Jackie Chan.
Beginning in film
At 14, he started doing movie stunts. He became interested in how cameras worked. At 16, an injury left him bedridden. This caused his weight to increase. He began working as a stuntman and got the nickname Sam-mo, which means Three Hairs. He debuted in the 1961 film Education of Love. In 1962, he appeared in Big and Little Wong Tin Bar. He played the young Yue Fei in The Birth of Yue Fei. In 1966, he joined Shaw Brothers Studio. He helped action director Han Yingjie on the film Come Drink with Me.
Directing and action roles
Sammo Hung moved to Golden Harvest in 1970. He helped choreograph The Invincible Eight and The Angry River. He traveled to Korea to study hapkido with Master Ji Han-Jae. There, he earned a black belt. He directed action for Angela Mao in films like Lady fast and Hapkido. In 1973, he appeared as a Shaolin student in Enter the Dragon. He directed his first film, The Iron Fisted Monk, in 1977. This movie is seen as the first kung fu comedy. In 1978, he directed Enter the Fat Dragon.
The Three Dragons and awards
Sammo Hung formed a trio with Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao. They were called the Three Dragons. They worked together on Project A. This partnership lasted five years until Dragons Forever in 1988. He created the Lucky Stars series, including Winners and Sinners. He also directed The Prodigal Son and Knockabout. In 1988, he starred in Painted Faces. This movie showed his time at the China Drama Academy. He won the Asian Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. He also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Family and personal life
Sammo Hung is married to Joyce Godenzi. They have four children. Their children are Timmy Hung, Jimmy Hung, Hung Tin Chiu, and Stephanie Hung. He received the Golden Horse Award for Best Action Choreography. He also won a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Choreography.
Birthday and age
Sammo Hung was born on January 7, 1952, which makes Sammo 74 years old today. That birthday falls under the Capricorn sign. Sammo shares the date with 35 other famous people.
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