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Sammo Hung Biography

Sammo Hung

Biography

Unlike his frequent collaborator, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung is relatively unknown in the U.S. However, in his native Hong Kong, he is member of a renowned comedy team that includes Chan and Yuen Biao. The three have a similar theatrical background -- all three are childhood friends and received training at the Peking Opera Academy. Hung was typically a bumbling sidekick to Jackie Chan, although martial arts fans often argue that Hung is actually the better martial artist. Many would find this surprising, most likely due to Hung's appearance: overweight, with a jovial, easy-going manner. Lacking the traditionally heroic physical traits that his friend has in spades, Hung is often overshadowed by Chan, to the point that Chan has received top billing for films in which Hung was truly the star ( My Lucky Stars). Beyond his slapstick onscreen performances, Hung is unrivaled in the field of film stunts and has functioned as stunt coordinator on many projects. Hung has also applied his excellent choreographic skills into a successful directing career. In a more serious performance, obviously informed by his vast experience, he portrayed a stunt coordinator opposite Michelle Yeoh in the 1997 film The Stunt Woman.
- Jonathan E. Laxamana, Rovi

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