Chia Hui Liu
Biography
Chia-Hui Liu, also widely known by his stage name Gordon Liu, is a highly influential figure in Hong Kong martial arts cinema. Born on August 22, 1951, in Guangdong, China, Liu's career spans decades, marked by iconic roles and a dedication to authentic martial arts.
Early Life and Training
Liu's original name was Xian Jinxi. Despite his parents ' initial disapproval, he developed an interest in kung fu from a young age. He began training in the Hung Ga kung fu style at the Lau Gar School, run by Lau Cham, who would become his godfather. This rigorous training in traditional Chinese martial arts laid the foundation for his future cinematic endeavors.
Career Breakthrough and Shaw Brothers Era
Liu entered the film industry as a stuntman in the early 1970s, gradually progressing to martial arts instructor. His first significant acting role came in 1973's Sha Chu Chong Wei. In 1974, he joined Chang Cheh's crew in Taiwan, making martial arts films before returning to Hong Kong.
His collaboration with director Lau Kar-leung, his adopted brother and a legendary choreographer, proved pivotal. Liu gained stardom with his lead role as San Te in the highly acclaimed 1978 film, The 36th Chamber of Shaolin. This film not only achieved critical and commercial success but also solidified Liu's status as a martial arts icon, particularly for his portrayal of the bald Shaolin monk.
He continued to star in a series of successful kung fu films, often portraying "Kung-fu Monk" characters for the Shaw Brothers Studio. Notable works from this period include The Challenge of the Masters (1976), Heroes of the East (1978), Dirty Ho (1979), and The Eight Diagram Pole Fighter (1984).
Beyond Shaw Brothers and Hollywood Recognition
In the 1980s, Liu began to expand his career beyond Shaw Brothers, including filming TV dramas in Taiwan. He also tried his hand at directing, making his helming debut with Shaolin and Wutang (1981).
Later in his career, Liu gained international recognition for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill films. He famously played two distinct characters: Johnny Mo, the masked yakuza bodyguard in Kill Bill: Vol. 1 (2003), and the cruel, white-haired kung fu master Pai Mei in Kill Bill: Vol. 2 (2004).
Throughout his extensive filmography, Chia-Hui Liu has demonstrated remarkable martial arts prowess, a compelling on-screen presence, and even a talent for comedic performances, earning him a lasting legacy in the world of action cinema.
