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In 2022, action cinema lost one of its most prolific actors, directors and action coordinators as Corey Yuen succumbed to the effects of COVID-19 two years. Per his family’s wishes, the news was only brought to light today as the internet is a buzz with the news that Yuen, who was instrumental in bringing adrenaline laced entertainment to the masses on both sides of the ocean, sadly passed away.
Yuen’s career spans several decades starting in the 70’s and he was a force to be reckoned with in front of and behind the camera with such offerings as Righting Wrongs, Eastern Condors, Dragons Forever, No Retreat, No Surrender, Lethal Weapon 4, The Transporter and Kiss of the Dragon to name just a few. Yuen was an innovator with his action design and showcased it in Hong Kong and eventually would bring his signature skills to the west. Yuen is best known to American audiences for officially making Jason Statham a household named action star with The Transporter making the British powerhouse look incredible with encompassing his film combat stylings.
His name will always be mentioned in the same breath as other iconic and legendary Hong Kong filmmakers as Ringo Lam, Yuen Wo-Ping and, of course, John Woo. Yuen was one of those special talents that was able to translate his brand of action for western audiences and showed us how to properly choreograph, shoot and edit action on screen. He brought heart pumping magic to the screen with each notch in his filmography working with the best the industry had to offer like Cynthia Rothrock, Sammo Hung, Jet Li, Yuen Biao, Jackie Chan and so many more.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Rest in power legend.
