The martial arts world is mourning the passing of action star, choreographer and film director Corey Yuen, whose six-decade career spanned Hong Kong cinema and Hollywood.

Together with Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao, Corey was part of the Seven Little Fortunes, the famous Peking Opera troupe of child entertainers who went on to become some of the Hong Kong’s biggest action stars of the ‘80s.

Corey died of complications from Covid-19 in 2022 when he was around 70, but the news was kept private at the request of his family until now.

His death was revealed by Jackie when he paid tribute to Corey and others in the industry who had died in a Weibo post on August 12.

The news was confirmed by the Hong Kong Film Workers Association spokesperson Tin Kai Man.

Corey and Sammo Hung (top row, 3rd and 4th from left) along with fellow Seven Little Fortunes members Jackie Chan and Yuen Biao (front row, 3rd and 4th from right).

Corey began acting in the early 1970s, with supporting roles in films such as Fist of Fury and The 14 Amazons, and later moved into action choreography, stunts and directing. 

He is credited as the force behind the rise to fame of A-listers like comedy legend Stephen Chow, whom he co-directed in 1990's All For The Winner. The movie propelled Stephen into the top tier of box office stars.

He was also responsible for giving Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh her big break. 

Michelle had no formal martial arts training when she landed her first starring role in 1985 action film Yes, Madam!, directed by Corey.

She learned on the set from Corey, who was also the stunt choreographer, and the role launched her career as an action star.

Michelle previously shared in an interview that Corey was very strict about martial arts choreography, requiring both form and aesthetic appeal.

He also knew the capabilities of his actors and never forced them to do stunts that could lead to injury.

Corey was also hugely influential in the career of martial arts star Jet Li.

In 1992, Corey co-founded Eastern Film Production with Jet, producing several box office hits like Fong Sai-Yuk, The Bodyguard from Beijing, and The Enforcer.

Those films boosted Jet’s fame and opened doors for him in Hollywood.

At the end of the 1990s, Corey worked as the martial arts choreographer for several of Jet's Hollywood movies like Lethal Weapon 4 and Romeo Must Die. 

When Jet gained stardom in Hollywood, Corey also became recognised for his action direction in the West.

He worked in the 2000 blockbuster X-Men as an action director, and also directed The Transporter starring Jason Statham and Shu Qi.

1985 action film Yes, Madam! established Michelle as an action star. Corey choreographed the action scenes for many of Jet's movies. Photos: Sinchew