Taiwanese martial arts actor Chang Chen-huan found dead at home at age 65

A former martial arts actor, who was once a star of Taiwanese films and television series, has died.

Chang Chen-huan’s body was found in his home in Taipei’s Nangang district on March 14, after the police responded to reports of a strong odour coming from his residence, according to Taiwanese media. He was 65.

The police said details of his death have yet to be established, though foul play has been ruled out.

Chang made his debut in 1976 in fantasy film Monkey King With 72 Magic. He rose to fame with the 1983 TV adaptation of Taiwanese novelist Gu Long’s wuxia novel series Xiao Li Fei Dao, which translates to Little Li’s Flying Dagger. Chang played the character of swordsman Jing Wuming.

He also played the lead character in The Roving Swordsman (1984), another Taiwanese wuxia series about a righteous swordsman, which is among his most famous roles.

His show-business career stalled as he got older and the roles dried up. While he tried to switch gears, selling cakes and shaobing (baked flatbread) at different points, he did not seem to find success.

He also became embroiled in controversy during his marriage to singer-actress Pao Cheng-fang, now 65. She was best known for singing Tian Liang Hao Ge Qiu (1980), which translates to Cool Lovely Autumn.

The pair dated for nine years before they tied the knot. They were married from 1996 to 2002 and have a son, who is now in his 20s.

Chang was allegedly abusive to Pao during their marriage. Pao said in interviews that Chang once brandished a knife at her during one of their arguments.

Following his death, Pao told reporters through her manager on March 15: “I hope he is free of suffering and on his way to the land of bliss, rest well.”

She added that their son is currently not in Taiwan and further arrangements for Chang are pending notification from the authorities. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network