Trading Insults with Stephen Chow Became a Classic — Liu Xun from 'Hail the Judge' Passes Away Suddenly

Veteran Hong Kong actor and master of Peking and Cantonese opera, Liu Xun, known for his roles in films such as "Hail the Judge" and "Swordsman," was suddenly reported to have passed away yesterday (29th) at the age of 87.

The news was confirmed by his junior, veteran artist Law Kar-ying, who posted on social media grieving, "At 6 PM today, my senior Liu Xun passed away." He lamented that "another great master of the old Peking opera generation is gone." The news shocked many Hong Kong film fans and people in the dramatic arts field.

Liu Xun was born in Beijing in 1939 and studied Peking opera from a young age under renowned masters Li Wanchun and Li Shaochun, acquiring a solid foundation. In the 1980s, he performed in Hong Kong with a Peking opera troupe and later settled there. Besides contributing as an instructor and teacher in Cantonese opera, he also taught at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, nurturing countless talents in performing arts and opera, having a profound impact on Hong Kong's Cantonese opera scene.

In addition to his prominent status in the opera circle, Liu Xun was also one of the most iconic "golden supporting actors" of Hong Kong cinema's golden era. In the 1980s, he entered the film industry as an opera consultant for Tsui Hark's "Peking Opera Blues." He then acted in classics such as "Swordsman," "The Legend of the Modern Buddha's Palm," "New Dragon Gate Inn," "Hail the Judge," "Once Upon a Time in China III: Lion King," and "A Chinese Ghost Story III." His performances, both righteous and villainous with an overwhelming stage presence, left a deep impression and earned him the nickname "the Thousand-faced 'Rulai.'"

Among them, his portrayal of the villainous and sinister eunuch "Gu Gonggong" from the Eastern Depot in "Swordsman" became legendary in Hong Kong cinema, winning him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the Hong Kong Film Awards; he also played Li Lianying in "Hail the Judge," where he "attended" court and traded insults with Stephen Chow’s character, turning the scene into a timeless classic; his role as Jia Ting in "New Dragon Gate Inn" is also widely celebrated by film fans.

Source: Taiwan Liberty Times