Former Hong Kong artist Duan Weilun, a member of Jackie Chan’s “Stunt Team” and assistant to Jackie Chan for 15 years, passed away on August 27 at the age of 67. His artist friend, Lu Huiguang, confirmed the sad news, with reports suggesting that the cause of his death was kidney failure.
Duan Weilun entered the entertainment industry in 1970 and worked as an actor at both Asia Television and TVB, starring in works such as “Interpol,” “Police Story,” and “Crime Story.” With a background in martial arts, Duan Weilun was invited to join Jackie Chan’s “Stunt Team” and was known as Jackie Chan’s “right-hand man” alongside Lu Huiguang. In addition to appearing in films such as “Police Story 3 & 4,” he also starred in “Crime Crackdown” and “Infernal Affairs II.”
Reports indicate that Duan Weilun served as Jackie Chan’s assistant for 15 years until their cooperation abruptly ended in 2003 due to contractual issues. It was reported at the time that after Jackie Chan’s wife, Lin Fengjiao, took over as the director of Jackie Chan’s film company and JC Group, Duan Weilun and Lu Huiguang were dismissed, each receiving a mere compensation of only HK$100,000. This incident sparked various speculations about the internal relationships within the “Stunt Team.”
In a later interview, Duan Weilun openly criticized Jackie Chan as an “unscrupulous employer who was heartless towards his brothers,” alleging that Jackie Chan failed to fulfill promises, including neglecting his injuries from a car accident and failing to repay the debt of gratitude for saving his life when he was drunk and unconscious in 1989.
In 2011, Duan Weilun suffered a stroke, leaving him temporarily paralyzed on one side of his body. Despite some recovery with acupuncture treatment, Duan Weilun gradually faded from the public eye in his later years. Over a decade ago, he mentioned engaging in car trading business and preparing for a Sino-French co-production film as a producer, stating that his old injuries prevented him from returning to the spotlight. According to his friend Qian Xiaohao, Duan Weilun lived a low-profile life in recent years, with sparse contact with others, but those in the industry were aware of his deteriorating health.
Upon learning of Duan Weilun’s passing, Qian Xiaohao expressed his lament, “Another old friend lost. At this age, every loss is deeply felt.”
Public records do not show any marriage or offspring information regarding Duan Weilun, leading to speculation that he may have remained unmarried and childless. Jackie Chan has not released any statements regarding Duan Weilun’s passing, and the unresolved conflicts between Duan Weilun and the “Stunt Team” may remain a lasting knot. Netizens expressed their condolences, saying, “May the deceased rest in peace, and may their family and friends find comfort in their grief.”