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Ken Lo

Ken Lo (Chinese: 盧惠光; born Lo Wai-kwong, March 17, 1957) is a Cambodian-born actor, , and stuntman, best known for his long tenure as a member of the and his critically acclaimed performance as the antagonist "John" in the comedy Drunken Master II (1994). Born in , (some sources state Srung Treng, ), to a father from and a mother from , Lo fled the , relocating first to , , in 1975. A devoted fan of from a young age, he trained extensively in and , ultimately winning the freestyle fighting championship seven times in . In 1980, at age 23, he moved to , where he initially worked as a tour guide before entering the film industry. Lo made his screen debut in 1985 as a kickboxer in the film , marking the start of a prolific career spanning over 140 credits as an , action choreographer, and stunt coordinator through 2025. In 1986, he joined the , becoming an indispensable collaborator on numerous high-octane action sequences and serving as Chan's personal for 25 years. His breakthrough role came in , where the climactic fight against is widely regarded as one of the greatest action scenes in cinema history, showcasing Lo's powerful kicks and endurance. He also appeared in other Chan-led hits such as Police Story III: Supercop (1992), First Strike (1996), and (1998), often portraying formidable opponents or henchmen, while branching out to work with directors like and in films including SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005) and Ip Man: The Final Fight (2013).

Early Life

Childhood and Family Origins

Lo Wai-kwong, born on March 17, 1957, in , spent his early years in a multicultural family environment shaped by his parents' diverse origins. His father was of heritage, having roots in the region's diaspora, while his mother came from , reflecting the ethnic intermingling common in at the time. Lo's childhood was marked by the instability of Cambodia's political landscape, where his family navigated the growing tensions of the from 1967 to 1975. This conflict, involving clashes between the government, communist insurgents, and external influences, created a backdrop of uncertainty and hardship for ordinary families like Lo's, ultimately contributing to their displacement in 1975 as the seized power. Despite these challenges, Lo's early experiences in this border region exposed him to the physical demands of survival, fostering a resilience that would later influence his path, though formal pursuits developed subsequently.

Relocation and Martial Arts Development

In 1975, at the age of 15, Lo relocated from to , , fleeing the escalating that had destabilized his hometown of Srung Treng. This move marked a pivotal shift in his life, forcing him to adapt to a new environment in Northeast . A devoted fan of from a young age and inspired by his films, Lo began formal martial arts training during his time in , focusing on , the traditional Thai striking art known for its use of elbows, knees, and clinch work, as well as , emphasizing high kicks and dynamic footwork. These disciplines honed his combat skills and physical conditioning, building on his earlier informal exposure to fighting techniques. By the late , Lo had achieved notable success in competitive fighting, securing seven freestyle fighting championships in , showcasing a blend of power and agility. In 1980, at age 23, Lo moved to , seeking opportunities in a city connected to his father's heritage, and continued refining his prowess while initially working as a to support himself. This relocation solidified his transition from to aspiring professional fighter, setting the stage for his expertise in versatile combat styles that would define his later career.

Professional Career

Initial Entry into Entertainment

Upon arriving in Hong Kong in 1980, Ken Lo initially took up work as a to support himself, leveraging his multilingual skills amid the city's bustling expatriate community. Over the next few years, he transitioned into security roles, drawing on his robust background honed in . By 1986, Lo had advanced to head of security at a popular in , where he first encountered during a visit by the actor. Impressed by Lo's physical prowess and demeanor, Chan promptly hired him as a personal , marking Lo's entry into the inner of Hong Kong's elite. This bodyguard position soon evolved into a formal role with the , where Lo's combat expertise allowed him to contribute to action sequences. His initial forays into film involved uncredited or minor stunt work in mid-1980s productions, such as portraying a kickboxer in Working Class (1985) and appearing in fight scenes for The Law Enforcer (1986) and (1986), without receiving prominent billing. These early appearances served as a low-profile introduction to the industry's stunt demands, building on his pre-entertainment security experience.

Stunt Performances and Jackie Chan Collaboration

Ken Lo joined the in 1986, initially serving as both a and Jackie's personal , a dual role he maintained for over two decades. His expertise, honed through training in —where he was a former champion—and , allowed him to integrate powerful kicking techniques and high flexibility into the team's action choreography, enhancing the realism and intensity of fight sequences. These skills proved invaluable in adapting traditional action styles with international elements, contributing to the team's reputation for innovative, high-risk stunts. One of Lo's most iconic contributions came in (1994), where he portrayed the antagonist John in the film's climactic seven-minute fight against . The role was originally given to , who repeatedly strained his ankle during preparation, so Lo stepped in after three months of intensive training focused on stretching and rapid kicks to match the role's demands. The sequence, which took nearly four months to film and yielded only seconds of usable footage per day, showcased Lo's Muay Thai-inspired leg strikes and flexibility in brutal exchanges, including full-force impacts that highlighted the physical toll on performers through repeated takes and no protective padding. This collaboration exemplified the stunt team's commitment to authentic, unscripted combat, blending comedy with visceral action. Lo's work extended to several other Jackie Chan films, including the Police Story series, where he performed stunts in Police Story 2 (1988) and (1992), executing dangerous maneuvers like high falls and vehicle chases. In (1995), his contributions included coordinating explosive action sequences that bridged Hong Kong-style fights with Western settings, such as gang confrontations involving improvised weapons and acrobatic dodges. These performances underscored Lo's role in elevating Chan's films through precise, injury-prone coordination that prioritized spectacle and safety within the era's no-wirework ethos.

Acting Roles and Recent Projects

Ken Lo began transitioning from primarily stunt work to more prominent acting roles in the early 2000s, leveraging his expertise to portray antagonists and supporting characters in action-oriented films. This shift allowed him to expand beyond his collaborations into diverse cinema projects, where he often embodied tough, physically imposing figures. One notable international venture was his stunt work in the 2004 adventure comedy Around the World in 80 Days, directed by . The following year, he took on a supporting part as , a Tong member, in the action thriller Into the Sun, starring , marking his involvement in a U.S.- co-production that highlighted his combat skills in yakuza-themed confrontations. In the and beyond, Lo solidified his status as a in action films, frequently cast in gritty, ensemble roles that drew on his background for authentic fight sequences. Recent projects underscore this evolution: in 2021's Raging Fire, directed by Benny Chan, he portrayed Ma Kau-wing, a robber in a high-stakes showdown alongside and . Lo followed with a supporting turn as the Thai Drug Kingpin in 2022's Man on the Edge, a crime drama exploring undercover operations and gang conspiracies led by . His 2023 role as Uncle Chi in Bursting Point, under Dante Lam's direction, involved a triad-affiliated figure in a tale of revenge and loyalty. In 2024, Lo appeared as Ko Hak in Crisis Negotiators, a tense with Lau Ching-wan, and as Chu Cai in The Grey Men, depicting underworld dynamics in a modern setting. In 2025, he appeared in The Dumpling Queen. These performances reflect Lo's ongoing contributions to contemporary , blending physicality with nuanced character work.

Personal Life

Family and Relationships

Ken Lo married Hong Kong actress Lai Sok-yin, professionally known as Bonnie Lai, in 1998, and the couple had two sons together before in 2006. Following the , Lo assumed custody of their sons, Jacky and Jovan, whom he raised primarily on his own while maintaining an amicable co-parenting relationship with Lai until her death by in 2023. As of 2025, the elder son, Jacky, works as a physiotherapist in , while the younger, Jovan, is pursuing studies in the ; Lo has publicly shared that the family remains close, with the sons having maintained regular contact with their mother post-divorce. Lo's career in stunts and acting, which frequently involved prolonged filming schedules abroad, contributed to the challenges in his family dynamics during and after the marriage, as he later reflected on the importance of prioritizing time with his children.

Languages, Interests, and Connections

Ken Lo speaks , Thai, , and English. His enduring passion for extends beyond his film career, where he continues to engage in demonstrations that showcase his expertise in and , even after stepping back from high-risk stunts. Lo shares a familial tie with his cousin Brian Yu, another known for work in films featuring actors like , strengthening his network within the action entertainment industry.

Filmography

Feature Films

Ken Lo's feature film career spans nearly four decades, beginning with stunt and minor acting roles in during the 1980s and evolving into more prominent supporting parts in international co-productions. His work often emphasizes choreography, with distinctions between stunt performances (focusing on fight coordination and body doubling) and credited acting roles (including character portrayals). The following lists his credits chronologically by era, highlighting major releases and notable collaborations, such as with director . All details are drawn from verified film databases.

1980s-1990s (Stunt-Heavy Era)

This period features Lo predominantly as a stuntman and in ensemble action sequences, contributing to high-octane films like those in the Police Story series.
YearTitleRole/CharacterDirectorNotes
1985Working ClassActor (Kickboxer)David LamEarly stunt role
1986The Law EnforcerActor (Policeman)Law Chi-LeungStunt performer
1986Naughty BoysActor (Mr. Chen's thug)Wellson ChinSupporting stunt
1986Legacy of RageActor (Michael's thug)Ronny YuAction sequence contributor
1987Project A Part IIActor (Brains)Jackie ChanStunt coordination
1987Road WarriorsActor (Insp. Rocky Lo)Danny LeeActing and stunts
1988No CompromiseActor (Kwong)Billy ChanStunt-heavy
1988The Inspector Wears SkirtsActor (Member of Tiger Squad)Wellson ChinEnsemble stunt
1988Final JusticeActor (Kong)Parkman WongAction role
1988Police Story Part IIActor (Fireman)Jackie ChanStunt performer
1988City WarriorsActor (Tang Sai Kit)Alex LawSupporting
1989BrotherhoodActorWang Lung-WeiStunt
1989The Inspector Wears Skirts IIActor (Flying Tiger member)Wellson ChinStunt team
1989Just HeroesActor (Chiang)Wu MaAction
1989MiraclesActor (One of Tiger Lo's men)Jackie ChanStunt
1989Devil HuntersActorJohnny WangStunt
1989Haunted Cop Shop IIActor (Condon)Lau Chi-WangSupporting
1989I Am SorryActor (Fire Lion)Eric TsangAction role
1990The Fortune CodeActor (Japanese officer)Andy ChinStunt
1990Widower WarriorsActor (Liu Yong)Tommy LauActing
1990Stage Door JohnnyActor (Tong's bodyguard)Lau Shung-FungStunt
1990Kawashima YoshikoActor (Tanaka's aide)Eddie FongHistorical action
1990Tiger on the Beat IIActor (Puma)Lau Kar-WingStunt
1990Operation CondorActor (Panther)Jackie ChanMajor stunt role
1990Island of FireActor (Bodyguard)Chu Yen-PingPrison action
1991Lucky DragonActorLau Kar-WingStunt
1991Crystal HuntActor (Feng Li)Joe ChanAction
1991Armour of God II: Operation CondorActor (Adolf's mercenary #1)Jackie ChanStunt performer
1991The BanquetActorTsui HarkEnsemble
1991The Holy Virgin vs. the Evil DeadActor (Moon monster)Lam Ngai-KaiHorror stunt
1991The TantanaActor ('Against-nature Boy')Patrick YauComedy action
1991Lethal Panther 2Actor (Kent)Godfrey HoStunt
1991Godfather's Daughter Mafia BluesActor (Kuyama)Wong JingGangster role
1992The Four FairiesActorUnknownStunt
1992Revenge of the Green DragonActorUnknownAction choreographer
1992Gambler on the RunActorUnknownStunt
1992Cheetah on FireActor (Mainland gang member)Wu MaPlanning and stunts
1992Fighting FistActor (Chi Wang-Cheung)Chang ChehMartial arts
1992Kickboxer's TearsActor (Li Lung)Wong JingKickboxing stunt
1992Police Story 3: SupercopActor (Chaibat's man)Stanley TongHigh-profile stunts
1992Naked KillerActor (Bee)Clarence FokAction
1993The UltimateActorRichard LeeStunt
1993City HunterActor (Chen Ta Wen)Wong JingAnime adaptation
1993Sex and the EmperorActor (Police Inspector [cameo])UnknownCameo
1993Crime StoryActor (Ng Kwok-Yan / Wu Kuo Jen)Kirk WongLead antagonist role
1993Future CopsActor (General)Wong JingSci-fi action
1993Boys Are EasyActor (Wild Dog)UnknownComedy
1994Drunken Master IIActor (John)Lau Kar-Leung, Jackie ChanIconic fight scenes
1994The Kung Fu ScholarActorUnknownStunt
1994Rock 'n' Roll CopActor (Tsubero / Icy's brother)UnknownAction
1994Circus KidsActor (Lung)Stephen LoFamily action
1994God of Gamblers ReturnsActor (Tao Kwun)Wong JingGambling thriller
1995GunmenActorKirk WongStunt
1995My Father Is a HeroActor (Kwong's man)Corey YuenFamily action
1995The Young DictatorActor (Master Tse)UnknownMartial arts
1995Drugs FightersActor (Brother San)UnknownAnti-drug theme
1995ThunderboltActor (Kong)Gordon ChanCar chase stunts
1995Red ZoneActor (Kwong)UnknownAction
1996The Stunt WomanActor (Chun)Ann HuiStunt focus
1996Police Story 4: First StrikeActor (HK police officer)Stanley TongInternational stunt
1997Mahjong DragonActor (Naam Tin Lung)Wong JingComedy
1997Young and Dangerous 4Actor (Prince)Andrew LauGangster series
1998Who Am I?Actor (Commando Tasek)Jackie Chan, Benny ChanChase sequences
1998Portland Street BluesActor (Prince)Raymond YipDrama
1998The GroupActor (Officer Lau)UnknownPolice action
1999GorgeousActor (Howie's bodyguard)Vincent KokRomantic action
1999Gen-X CopsActor (Inspector Wing)Benny ChanYouth action
1999A Man Called HeroActor (Luohan)Andrew LauWuxia
1999The Tricky MasterActor (Lon)Wong JingComedy
1999The Untold Story IIIActorIvan LaiHorror
1999No Problem!Actor (Himself)Karl MakaCameo

2000s (Transitional Era)

Lo transitioned toward more acting opportunities, including Hollywood crossovers, while maintaining stunt expertise in ensemble casts.
YearTitleRole/CharacterDirectorNotes
2000Midnight ZoneActorUnknownThriller
2000Supercop.comActor (Ted)UnknownCyber action
20002000 A.D.Actor (Bobby)Gordon ChanSci-fi
2000The Teacher from the Black LagoonActor (Discipline Lo)UnknownComedy
2000China Strike ForceActor (Ken Low)Stanley TongInternational action
2001Hit TeamActor (Tai)UnknownStunt
2002Devil Face Angel HeartActor (Tang Jia Hao)UnknownDrama
2002Sanguinary RequitalActor (Officer Wen)UnknownAction
2002Shark BustersActor (Sam)UnknownComedy
2003The Black Cat Agent FilesActorUnknownSpy parody
2003Unarm 72 HoursActor (Kwong)UnknownThriller
2003The MedallionActor (Man in the market)Gordon ChanHollywood stunt
2003Star RunnerActor (Benny Wong)Daniel LeeSports action
2004Seventeen Years BuriedActor (Wu Zhi Tien)Herman YauHorror drama
2004Drug BaronActorUnknownCrime
2004Around the World in 80 DaysActor (Paris Scorpion); StuntsFrank CoraciHollywood adaptation
2004New Police StoryActor (Kwong)Benny ChanRemake with action leads
2005Dragon ReloadedActor (Tiger)UnknownSequel
2005The MythActor (Dragon)Stanley TongFantasy action
2006My Wife Is a Gangster 3Actor (Choi Kuk Chong)Kim Jin-MinKorean co-prod.
2006The Wild NinjaActor (Spray)UnknownAnimation live-action
2006Rob-B-HoodActor (Baldie)Benny ChanComedy heist
2006Fatal ContactActor (Chan Sun)Jing WongBoxing drama
2007Dragon GamesActorUnknownAdventure
2007It's a Wonderful LifeActor (Earth God)UnknownComedy
2007Love Is Not All AroundActorUnknownRomance
2007Whispers and MoansActor (Ken)UnknownDrama
2007Invisible TargetActor (Inspector Wong Kam Ming)Benny ChanVigilante action
2007The DrummerActor (Long)Kenneth BiMusic drama
2008Fatal MoveActor (Wu / Lau Kwok Wai)Dennis LawTriad action
2008Run Papa RunActor (Kong)Phoebe CatesBiographical
2008Mr. & Mrs. IncredibleActor (Mr. ChipMunk/Thai Man)Wang Guang-LiSuperhero parody
2008Legendary AssassinActor (Head of robbers)Lee ShekMartial arts
2009All's Well, Ends Well 2009Actor (Boxing coach)Vincent KokComedy
2009Shinjuku IncidentActor (Little Tai)Derek YeeCrime drama

2010s-2020s (Recent Acting Era)

In later years, Lo took on diverse supporting roles in mainland Chinese and Hong Kong productions, blending acting with occasional stunt work in blockbusters.
YearTitleRole/CharacterDirectorNotes
2010Bad BloodActor (Hung)Dennis LawCrime
2010Little Big SoldierActor (Guard Yong)Ding ShengHistorical comedy
2010Adventure of the KingActor (Mr. Ye)UnknownAdventure
2011A Simple LifeActor (Yim Tai Muk)Ann HuiDrama (minor)
2012NightfallActor (Convict in opening fight)Roy ChowThriller
2012The Fairy Tale KillerActor (Old Guy)UnknownMystery
2012Chinese ZodiacActor (Thai Pirate)Jackie ChanGlobal action
2012The FourActor (Duke Westgate)Gordon ChanWuxia series part 2
2013Special Tactics TeamActor (Adjutant)UnknownAction
2013SDU: Sex Duties UnitActor (Wang Tao)UnknownComedy
2013Ip Man: The Final FightActor (Ngai Pa-Tin)Herman YauBiopic
2013Special IDActor (Bao)Clarence FokSpy thriller
2013The ConstableActor (Dah Kin)Alex FongPeriod action
2013The White StormActor (Bobby)Benny ChanNarcotics drama
2014Black ComedyActor (Thai gangster)Jack NgDark comedy
2015Who Am IActor (Mr. Bao)UnknownIdentity thriller
2015From Vegas to Macau IIActor (Rymi)Wong JingGambling sequel
2015Imprisoned: Survival GuideActor (Chief officer Lik)UnknownPrison drama
2015SPL 2: ParamedicActor (Wong Kwong)Soi CheangAction sequel
2015Return of the CuckooActor (Fai)UnknownRomance
2015Lazy Hazy CrazyActor (Alice's father)Lo Kong-YiuYouth drama
2016Call of the WindActorUnknownDrama
2016House of WolvesActor (Taxi driver)UnknownComedy
2016RobberyActor (Kwong)Ng Man-ChingHeist
2016Mission MilanoActor (Iron Tiger)Wong JingInternational comedy
2016Operation MekongActor (Drug lord)Dante LamWar on drugs
2016Special Female ForceActor (SDU leader)UnknownAction
201610,000 MilesActor (Evil doctor)UnknownSports drama
2017Shock WaveActor (Coffee)Herman YauBomb disposal
2017ParadoxActor (Ban)Wilson YipMystery action
2017Always Be with YouActor (Fung)UnknownHorror
2018The Bravest Escort GroupActor (Smiling Tiger)UnknownHistorical
2018Agent Mr. ChanActor (Long)Jack NgSpy comedy
2018Concerto of the BullyActor (Ho Sir)UnknownSchool drama
2018Kung Fu LeagueActor (Villain Kin)UnknownMartial arts ensemble
2018Kung Fu YogaActor (Woody monk)Stanley TongIndia co-prod.
2019Change of GangsterActor (Boss)UnknownGangster comedy
2020UnleashedActor (Dubble Che)UnknownAction
2021All U Need Is LoveActor (Security)UnknownRomance
2021Raging FireActor (Wing)Benny ChanPolice thriller
2023Bursting PointActor (Uncle Chi)Jesse JohnsonCrime action
2024The Grey MenActor (Chu Cai)UnknownThriller
2024Crisis NegotiatorsActor (Ko Hak)UnknownSuspense
2025The Dumpling QueenActorAndrew LauBiopic

Television Roles

Ken Lo has made several appearances in Hong Kong television dramas, often portraying tough, action-oriented supporting characters that draw on his martial arts expertise. His television work spans from the mid-1990s to the early 2020s, with roles in crime and action series produced primarily by TVB and other local networks. These appearances complement his extensive film career, though he has been more prolific on the big screen. Key television roles include:
  • The Snow Is Red (1996): Lo portrayed Gok Saang, a supporting character in this 40-episode historical action drama set during wartime China, where his martial arts skills were showcased in fight sequences.
  • The Outsiders (2004): He played Geng Ji Xiong in this 20-episode crime thriller, reprising the role in the follow-up season later that year, also 20 episodes, as part of a gang involved in underground activities.
  • Infernal Affairs (2016): Lo appeared as Niu Mo (Demon) in this 12-episode adaptation of the acclaimed film franchise, contributing to the series' intense undercover cop narrative through action scenes.
  • OCTB (2017): In this 30-episode police procedural, he took on the role of Ha Saan Foo (Foo Gor), the boss of the Hong Le Yuen Long triad, highlighting his ability to embody authoritative gang figures.
  • The Hand (2021) (also known as Layout or Bu Ju): Lo played Zhang Zi Hao in all 27 episodes of this crime drama centered on Macau's gaming industry and internal power struggles, marking one of his most recent extended television engagements.
As of November 19, 2025, no new television projects for have been announced, with his focus shifting back toward roles.

References

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    Lo Wai-kwong (aka Ken Lo) was born in Srung Treng, Cambodia. His father was from Hong Kong and his mother was from Laos. When he was 15 years old, he fled ...
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    Ken Lo Wai-Kwong - Hong Kong Movie Database
    He was a huge fan of Bruce Lee and was inspired to take up martial arts such as Muay Thai and Taekwondo. He won the freestyle fighting championship seven times.Missing: highlights | Show results with:highlights<|control11|><|separator|>
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