Lam Ching-ying

Lam Ching-ying (born Lam Gun-bo ; 27 December 1952 – 8 November 1997) was a Hong Kong stuntman, actor, martial artist and action director.

As a practitioner of martial arts Lam starred in a number of notable films that found recognition outside Hong Kong including Encounters of the Spooky Kind, The Prodigal Son and his best known role in Mr. Vampire.

He was born Lam Gun-bo (林根寶) on 27 December 1952 in the year of the Dragon, in Hong Kong.

His family originated from Shanghai, in the People's Republic of China.

Both of his parents made a living by doing catering services.

Lam was the third child of six children.

His family was poor, and his parents weren't educated.

Lam attended Shun Yi Association Elementary School in Hong Kong, but eventually dropped out after 2 years.

His father sent him to Chun Chau Drama Society to learn the Peking Opera style under the guidance of Madame Fan Fok Fa.

Due to his slender and fragile body structure, Lam specialized in female roles and often performed stunt-doubling for actresses.

However, he was reported as a mischievous and disobedient child.

Thus, after half a year of training, Madame sent him on stage to express himself and control his drive.

Lam's first show was called "White Beach", but his Beijing Opera career only lasted for 5 years.

He realized that there was not much demand for opera styles anymore.

Through a friend's introduction, Lam joined the film industry.

At age 17, Lam became a stuntman and martial arts coach at the Shaw Brothers Studio.

Due to his slender build, he was often called upon to substitute female actors.

He received HK$60 a day, HK$20 of which went to his master, and another HK$20 he took home to his parents.

Lam used the remaining money to treat his brothers to snacks.

Lam once mentioned those were his happiest days in his life.

There was a story that Lam challenged Bruce Lee in a hotel room because he didn't believe Lee was as strong as the rumors said.

Lam put a pillow over his chest and stomach, then Bruce struck the pillow and sent him flying across the room.

Bruce Lee was so impressed that he hired Lam as his personal assistant.

Lam was 19 at the time.

Lam started to work as an co-action choreographer, and personal assistant to Bruce Lee on Lee's movies including The Big Boss, Fist of Fury, Enter the Dragon, Way of the Dragon, and Game of Death.

In his youth, Lam seemed to have quite a temper and always got into fights.

During the filming of "The Big Boss", Lam was arrested for fighting, and Lee had to bail him out of jail.

Despite having little education, Lam impressed Lee with interesting philosophical discussions.

Although they hardly talked about their relationship, Lee liked good conversations, and this self-willed young man soon became Lee's favorite.

When Lee died, Lam was devastated.

He later joined Hung's stuntman association (known as the Hung Kar Pan).

Lam worked behind the camera as assistant director and became Sammo's right-hand man of the stunt team.

His talent as an actor and martial artist was revealed in The Magnificent Butcher.

Lam played the fan-wielding assassin who fought against Yuen Biao.

In 1982, Lam won the Hong Kong Film Award for Best Action Director, in the film Prodigal Son.

Prodigal Son featured what is widely acknowledged as among the best Wing Chun caught on film, performed by Lam.

Lam played the strict kung fu master Leung Yee-tai.

This was probably his most historic role.

Lam even shaved his own eyebrows to give Master Leung a more feminine portrayal.

He was able to bring a cool, sweet quality to this sharp and hard-nosed character.