Hong Kong veteran actor Alan Tang passed away in Beijing on September 1 at the age of 73 due to esophageal cancer. He gained fame for his role as “Zhao Wujie” in Stephen Chow’s comedy film “Fight Back to School” (also known as “Fight Back to School”). Chow, also known as ‘Sing Sir’, approached him to play this important antagonist role with a heartwarming story behind the scenes.
In the 1980s, Alan Tang was a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s martial arts film industry, starting his career as a stunt choreographer. He often portrayed hero roles in martial arts films, becoming a significant figure in the genre. In 1992, he played the antagonist character “Zhao Wujie” in Stephen Chow’s film “Fight Back to School”, a role that is still fondly remembered by audiences today.
“Fight Back to School,” starring Stephen Chow, Sharla Cheung, Ng Man-tat, and Alan Tang, tells the story of Su Can, the son of the Guangzhou Governor, who becomes a beggar with his father due to cheating in an exam and is forever banned from official positions. Through his encounter with the Beggar Gang and a dream message from the Gang’s master, he learns the “Sleeping Buddha Fist” and rises to become the leader of the Beggar Gang. He ultimately saves the emperor during a critical moment, becoming a heroic figure.
According to a report by “Hong Kong 01,” Alan Tang himself was unaware of why Stephen Chow chose him to play the role in “Fight Back to School,” as the two had minimal interaction. It wasn’t until last year when Hong Kong artist Wong Yee-shan revealed on social media that over 30 years ago, before Chow’s rise to stardom, he struggled financially and Tang had treated him to a meal. Although Tang had forgotten about it, Chow cherished this act of kindness.
Wong Yee-shan mentioned that Chow, after achieving success, sought ways to repay Tang’s generosity. Initially considering inviting Tang to appear in “Fight Back to School,” it was later found that the role didn’t quite fit. It wasn’t until the filming of “Fight Back to School” that Chow decided to cast Tang as “Zhao Wujie,” the antagonist. Tang lived up to expectations and portrayed the role to perfection.