Chang Cheh, 79; Martial Arts Filmmaker, Mentor to Director Woo
Chang Cheh, 79, veteran martial arts filmmaker and mentor to kung fu film superstar Bruce Lee and Hollywood action director John Woo, died Saturday in Hong Kong of pulmonary disease.
Born in 1923 in mainland China, Chang was one of the most distinguished filmmakers in Hong Kong during the 1960s and ‘70s. He received a lifetime achievement award at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards.
For the record:
12:00 a.m. June 28, 2002 For The Record
Los Angeles Times Friday June 28, 2002 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 5 inches; 205 words Type of Material: Correction
Chang obituary--The obituary on filmmaker Chang Cheh in Tuesday’s California section stated that Chang directed Bruce Lee in many of his action films. In fact, Chang never directed a Lee film.
Apart from the kung fu films he made, Chang was well-known for his ability to discover and turn young martial artists into major stars. Lee and Woo were among his proteges.
Chang directed Lee in many of his films. Woo, who directed “Mission: Impossible 2” and “Windtalkers” currently in theaters, was Chang’s assistant for many years before emerging as a director in his own right.
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