Hong Kong martial arts star Xu Shaqiang, 73, passed away from esophageal cancer on September 1 in Beijing. His current wife, 30 years his junior, suffered a sudden heart attack while handling his funeral arrangements and tragically also passed away. Veteran Hong Kong filmmaker Tian Qiwen confirmed this news to the media on September 15.
On September 15, Tian Qiwen informed the mainland media outlet “Extreme News” that Xu Shaqiang had passed away on September 1 due to illness. When asked why it took half a month for the news to surface, he responded, “After Mr. Xu passed away, his wife took care of his affairs and unfortunately passed away as well, reportedly due to a heart attack. That’s why news of Xu Shaqiang’s death wasn’t conveyed earlier.”
Tian Qiwen stated over the phone that although he didn’t know Xu’s wife personally, based on the information he received, the lady passed away shortly after Xu Shaqiang’s demise. He also mentioned his shock upon learning about the couple’s deaths and his verification efforts before making the information public through the media. Currently, Xu Shaqiang’s affairs are being handled by his daughter Xu Yingkun.
Xu Shaqiang was a prominent martial arts film star in the Hong Kong cinema of the 1970s and 1980s, having appeared in TV dramas like “The Young Swordsman” and “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.” His role as the main villain “Lord Conqueror” in Stephen Chow’s 1992 film “Royal Tramp” brought him immense fame. In recent years, he ventured into online movies after starring in “Victoria No. 1.”
Public records reveal that Xu Shaqiang’s third wife, who is 30 years his junior, caused a stir when they married in 2005. She is reported to be a non-celebrity dance teacher residing in Beijing with Xu. The couple has a son and a daughter, with their son being only 11 years old. Xu Shaqiang worked tirelessly in the film industry, taking on numerous villain roles that were often overlooked, to provide for his children. Even in his seventies, he continued to work in Hengdian, filming back-to-back projects, evoking sympathy from many.