Chan Wai Man has received an outpouring of support and well wishes after a friend recently shared a photo of the actor, according to St Headline. The 82-year-old lives with his family and rarely appears at public events, occasionally hosting gatherings for friends.
In recent years, Chan has battled lung cancer and was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2021, undergoing treatment at a Hong Kong hospital. According to HK01, his family’s dedicated care has helped him maintain a positive outlook. Last year, he underwent hip surgery and now uses a cane for mobility.
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Actor Chan Wai Man in his 80s. Photo: HK01 |
Actor Chan Wai Man in his 80s. Photo: HK01
In May, his assistant posted a video of Chan interacting with fans, where he reassured them, “My health is good, don't worry, thank you for your concern.” The assistant confirmed Chan’s positive recovery from cancer treatment.
Chan holds a prominent place in Hong Kong cinema. He trained in martial arts from a young age, famously defeating Japanese fighter Morisaki Tsuyoshi in 35 seconds. In 1972, he won the Southeast Asian kickboxing championship.
Martial arts legend Bruce Lee considered Chan the "strongest real-life fighter in Hong Kong" at the time. A popular saying in martial arts circles was, "No one's fist is as strong as Chan Wai Man's, and no one's kick surpasses Bruce Lee's." He consistently ranked among the top 5 martial arts stars in film magazine polls.
Chan Wai Man (appearing from the first second) in "Triads: The Inside Story" (1990). Video: Bilibili
Chan began his acting career in the 1970s, becoming known for his portrayals of triad leaders. His notable films include “To Be Number One”, “Jumping Ash”, “The Club”, “Lung hei”, “The Blade”, “Full Contact”, “The Kingdom Of Mob”, and “The Legend of Fong Sai-yuk” (1993). In 2023, he made a guest appearance in “Endless Battle”, starring Vincent Wong and Michael Tse.
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Chan Wai Man's "boss" roles have left a lasting impression on Hong Kong film fans. Photo: St Headline |
Chan Wai Man's "boss" roles have left a lasting impression on Hong Kong film fans. Photo: St Headline
Chan and his partner, Ngo Quoc Anh, were together for over 50 years and have three children, but they only officially registered their marriage in 2020. According to Yicai, their love story is quite remarkable. At 17, Ngo was a cashier at her family's bar, while 25-year-old Chan was a member of a triad. Every night at midnight, he would collect "protection fees" from the bar. Ngo would always readily pay him.
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Chan Wai Man with his wife and daughter. Photo: HK01 |
Chan Wai Man with his wife and daughter. Photo: HK01
The actor recalled, “I frequented nightclubs and met all kinds of women. But she was gentle, honest, the image of a good wife and mother. She was 17 when we married, and I was 25.”
Ngo’s family opposed the marriage, believing Chan to be "promiscuous, a gangster, always fighting." However, after their marriage, Chan left the triad. He remarked, “Her sisters got married and divorced, but we’ve been together for half a century without any conflict.”
Nghinh Xuan
