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Max Mok
Max Mok
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Max Mok (Chinese: 莫少聰; born 2 December 1960 in Hong Kong; also credited as Benny Mok, Benny Mok Siu-chung and Max Mok Siu-chung) is a Hong Kong actor and singer. Mok was recruited by the Shaw Brothers Studio and has been a major film star since the 1980s. Mok is perhaps best known as Leung Foon in Once Upon a Time in China II, III, IV and V, after replacing Yuen Biao who was in the first film. In the Philippines, he is known as Bronson Lee.[3][4]

Key Information

History and early career

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Acting

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In 1980s, Mok played an Interpol Agent in 1986 film Magic Crystal along with Andy Lau, Cynthia Rothrock and Richard Norton. Mok played second member of Col Young's commando in 1987 film Eastern Condors, alongside Sammo Hung, Yuen Biao, Joyce Godenzi, Yuen Wah, Billy Chow, Corey Yuen and Yuen Woo-ping.

In 1990s, Mok replaced Yuen Biao, when Yuen declined to reprise his role after the first film was finished. Mok played Leung Foon in four Once Upon a Time in China movies they were: Once Upon a Time in China II, III, IV and V alongside Jet Li, Rosamund Kwan and Vincent Zhao. After Once Upon a Time in China V, Mok didn't appear in the sixth sequel and nobody will replacing him.

In 2000s, Mok played Suk Gwat in the 2004 film Love Is a Many Stupid Thing alongside Shawn Yue Man-lok. Mok played Big Eyes in 2008 film Run Papa Run alongside Louis Koo and Nora Miao.

Filmography

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Film

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  • Usurpers of Emperor's Power (1983) ... Prince De Zhao
  • The Lady Assassin (1983) ... 14th Prince
  • The Enchantress (1983) ... Feng Xiwu
  • Holy Flame of the Martial World (1983) ... Yin Tien Chu
  • Thunderclap (1984)
  • My Mind, Your Body (1985)
  • Journey of the Doomed (1985) ... Swallow 13
  • Magic Crystal (1986) ... Interpol agent
  • Eastern Condors (1987) ... Soldier sitting in staging area
  • Hero of Tomorrow (1988) ... Crow Yeung Tin Shin
  • The Dragon Family (1988) ... Chung
  • Three Wishes (1988) ... Sing
  • Lai Shi, China's Last Eunuch (1988) ... Liu Lai-Shi
  • Faithfully Yours (1988) ... Big Eye/Ki Ho-Yan
  • Blood Call (1988)
  • Close Escape (1989) ... Lam Wai Leung
  • Long Arm of the Law Part 3 (1989) ... Chicken Heart
  • Path of Glory (1989) ... Stanley Tang
  • Hearts No Flowers (1989) ... Paul Poon On Dah
  • Pedicab Driver (1989) ... Malted Candy
  • Seven Warriors (1989) ... Yung
  • Little Cop (1989) ... Mei Yen Xin
  • City Kids 1989 (1989) ... Chow Chor-San
  • Lucky Star (1989)
  • Ghost Fever (1989) ... Hui Zen
  • Lung Fung Restaurant (1990) ... Lung Ching
  • The Outlaw Brothers (1990) ... Bond
  • That's Money (1990)
  • Never Say Regret (1990) ... Jimmy
  • The Fortune Code (1990) ... Little Candy
  • Whampoa Blues (1990) ... Luo Ying Cong
  • An Eye for an Eye (1990) ... Chung
  • Family Honor (1990) ... Chung
  • No Way Back (1990)
  • Son on the Run (1991) ... Hung Long
  • Off Track (1991) ... Joe
  • Mission of Condor (1991) ... Chow Man - Stephen
  • Sisters in Law (1992) ... Tsui Tung
  • Night Life Hero (1992) ... Chung
  • Once Upon a Time in China II (1992) ... Leung Foon
  • Summer Lover (1992) ... Chung
  • The Twilight of the Forbidden City (1992) ... Loy Hay / Eunuch Chun Lu
  • Secret Signs (1993) ... Yung Wing Kam
  • Slave of the Sword (1993) ... Eunuch Li
  • Once Upon a Time in China III (1993) ... Leung Foon
  • Once Upon a Time in China IV (1993) ... Leung Foon
  • Angel of the Road (1993)
  • The Assassin (1993) ... Wang Kou
  • No Regret, No Return (1993) ... Victor
  • Fait Accompli (1994) ... Wong Chun-Wai
  • Lantern (1994)
  • Once Upon a Time in China V (1994) ... Leung Foon
  • Gambling Baron (1994) ... Chen Chun
  • How Deep Is Your Love (1994) ... Joe
  • Fire Dragon (1994) ... Yuen Ming
  • Heart of Killer (1995) ... Gung Gwan
  • Dangerous Duty (1996) ... Chung
  • Top Borrower (1997)
  • Happy Together (1997) ... Chow Lik Ping
  • Nightmare Zone (1998) ... Simon Chu/Ho Sun [2 Roles]
  • The Doctor in Spite of Himself (1999) ... Secret Officer Pak Yeung
  • The Golden Nightmare (1999) ... Prof. Li Kuo Wan
  • One Drop of Blood Per Step (2000)
  • D7 SDU (2000)
  • Romancing Bullet (2000) ... AK
  • Forever Love (2001)
  • Revenge (2002) ... Ah Jun
  • Crazy Guy (2002)
  • No Place to Go (2003)
  • Star Runner (2003) ... Bullshit Bill
  • Resistless Mission (2004)
  • Cho Tai Yan Yuan (2004)
  • Love Is a Many Stupid Thing (2004) ... Ghost
  • In the Blue (2006)
  • Si Da Jin Chai (2007)
  • Run Papa Run (2008) ... Big Eyes
  • Super Player (2010) ... Martial arts hero
  • Just Try Me (2012) ... Doctor
  • 7 Assassins (2012) ... Chen Mu Bai
  • Fox Fairy (2012)
  • Careful Man Without a Shadow (2013)
  • Desperado (2014)
  • The Gift of the Life (2014)
  • The Apparition (2016)

[5][6]

TV series

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  • Princess Chang Ping (1980) ATV
  • Dynasty (1980)
  • Operation Nuwa (1981)
  • Ode to Gallantry (1985)
  • Maple Leaf Saga (1985 Taiwan TTV TV series) (1985)
  • Fire Phoenix (1986 Taiwan TTV TV series) (1986)
  • Wong Fei Hung Series (1995)

Discography

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Albums

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Album Title Language Year of Release Label(s)
1st 半个情人 Mandarin 1992.01 可登唱片
2nd 還是愛妳 Cantonese 1993 艺能动音
3rd 與你相逢 Mandarin 1994 金点唱片
4th 牽絆一生的愛 Mandarin 1994 金点唱片
5th 你在九月离开 Mandarin 1995.09 可登唱片

Awards

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Years Awards
1984
1989

Personal life

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Mok was arrested in Beijing on Friday, 15 April 2011, for alleged drug abuse.[7]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Max Mok Siu-chung (Chinese: 莫少聰; born 2 December 1960) is a actor and singer. Recruited by the in the early , he rose to prominence as a leading film star during that decade, specializing in action, comedy, and genres. Mok is best known for his role as the loyal disciple Leung Foon in the Once Upon a Time in China film series, portraying the character from the second installment (Once Upon a Time in China II, 1992) through the fifth, succeeding in the part. Throughout his career, Mok has amassed over 110 acting credits in films and television, often collaborating with prominent Hong Kong directors and stars such as , , and . Notable early works include (1986) and Hero of Tomorrow (1988), which showcased his versatility in high-energy action roles. In addition to cinema, he has been active in television, appearing in dramas like Five Disciples of Master Wong (2006) and The Fairy Lake (2012), where he demonstrated his range in period and fantasy settings. Mok's contributions extend beyond acting; he has also worked as a and occasional , with his most recent appearance in The Ancient City of Loulan (2022), an action-adventure . His enduring presence in entertainment has solidified his status as a veteran performer, influencing subsequent generations of actors in the region's .

Early life and career beginnings

Childhood and entry into entertainment

Max Mok, born Mok Siu-chung (莫少聰) on December 2, 1960, in , spent his formative years in the city during a period of rapid economic and social transformation in the and . In the early 1980s, Mok was recruited by the , a prominent Hong Kong film production company, which provided his formal entry into the entertainment industry as an actor. This opportunity marked the beginning of his professional career, transitioning him from civilian life to the world of cinema.

Initial acting roles

Max Mok made his acting debut in the 1983 Shaw Brothers film Usurpers of Emperor's Power (also known as Feng shen jie), directed by Hua Shan, where he played the role of Prince De Zhao in a story of imperial intrigue and rebellion against a tyrannical ruler. This historical epic, produced during the waning years of Shaw Brothers' dominance in cinema, marked Mok's entry into the industry as a in a production featuring established stars like and Leanne Liu. In the same year, Mok quickly followed with roles in two more Shaw Brothers films that highlighted his emerging presence in the genre. In The Enchantress (directed by Chor Yuen), he portrayed Feng Xiwu, a dashing young swordsman investigating a series of mysterious deaths at the eerie Moonlit Sky location, blending mystery with swordplay in a supernatural-tinged . Similarly, in The Lady Assassin (directed by Tony Liu Chun-Ku), Mok took on the part of the 14th Prince, a key figure in a tale of conspiracies and plots amid the succession struggles following Emperor Kangxi's impending death. These early performances, often involving intricate fight choreography, helped establish Mok's profile as a versatile newcomer capable of handling both dramatic and action-oriented scenes in historical dramas. By the mid-, Mok began transitioning from supporting parts to more prominent leading roles within Shaw Brothers' output and beyond, reflecting his growing stature in the industry. A notable example is his 1986 role as an agent in , a genre-blending action-comedy directed by , where he shared the screen with and in a high-stakes adventure involving a stolen and international intrigue. His early career emphasized action-packed historical dramas and tales, genres that demanded proficiency in sequences, contributing to his foundation as a key figure in 1980s cinema.

Film and television career

Breakthrough films and major roles

Max Mok achieved his breakthrough in cinema through his portrayal of Leung Foon, the loyal and street-smart disciple of , in the Once Upon a Time in China series directed by . In Once Upon a Time in China II (), Mok's debut in the franchise opposite as introduced a comedic yet capable sidekick whose quick wit and martial skills complemented the film's blend of historical drama and innovative wire-fu action, helping to revitalize the genre amid the 1990s film boom. His performance earned praise for balancing humor with authentic fight choreography, contributing to the film's status as a box-office success and cultural touchstone. Mok reprised the role in Once Upon a Time in China III (1993), Once Upon a Time in China IV (1993), and Once Upon a Time in China V (1996), where his collaboration with Jet Li in the first two entries showcased synchronized action sequences that elevated the series' reputation for groundbreaking visuals and themes of Chinese nationalism against colonial threats. In III, Leung Foon's arc deepened as a bridge between tradition and modernity, aiding Wong Fei-hung in battles against foreign adversaries and cultists, while in IV and V—with Vincent Zhao assuming the lead—Mok's continuity as the disciple maintained the franchise's ensemble dynamic. These roles solidified Mok's status as a wuxia icon, with the series setting a gold standard for martial arts choreography and influencing subsequent films in the genre. Building on earlier momentum, Mok's late-1980s films like (1987) marked his rising profile in action cinema, where he played a member of an elite commando unit on a daring mission, delivering high-energy fight scenes amid ensemble chaos led by and . Similarly, in The Dragon Family (1988), as the resilient Chung in a triad brotherhood tale starring and , Mok's character navigated loyalty and betrayal through gritty action and emotional depth, highlighting his versatility in blending drama with . Later in his career, Mok transitioned to more comedic and dramatic fare, exemplified by his role as Big Eyes, a bumbling triad enforcer, in Run Papa Run (2008), where he provided comic support to Louis Koo's lead in a story of redemption and , signaling a shift from pure to multifaceted character actor. Overall, Mok's contributions, rooted in his early recruitment by , bridged the studio's legacy with the New Wave's innovative style, particularly through the Once Upon a Time in China films that propelled into a new era of global appeal.

Television work and later projects

Max Mok began his television career in the early 1980s with the ATV series Princess Chang Ping (1981), where he appeared in a supporting role across its 50 episodes, portraying a character in the historical drama centered on intrigue. This marked one of his initial forays into serialized storytelling, following his entry into the entertainment industry via Shaw Brothers films. He continued with early TV work in (1985), adapting narratives to the small screen in a series based on Gu Long's . In the , Mok reprised elements of his film persona in television, notably as Leung Foon in the Wong Fei Series (1995), a five-part Hong Kong television film series produced by and TV. In installments such as The Eight Assassins and The Suspicious Temple, he portrayed the loyal disciple to (played by ), drawing directly from his breakthrough cinematic role in the Once Upon a Time in China franchise, which emphasized comedic action. This series highlighted his versatility in adapting high-energy fight sequences to episodic formats, contributing to its popularity in Chinese-speaking regions. He also appeared in Love Cycle (, 1994), a romantic drama that showcased his range beyond action genres. Mok's television output in the 2000s included roles in wuxia adaptations, such as Master Swordsman Lu Xiao Feng (2000), where he took on a supporting part in the action-oriented series based on another work. That same year, he featured in The Immortal Fugitive (, 2000), a period drama involving adventure and betrayal themes. These appearances reflected a shift toward more ensemble casts in television, though his involvement remained sporadic compared to his film peak. In the , Mok's television presence diminished, with limited guest spots and no major lead roles documented in prominent series. His later projects increasingly leaned toward , including a supporting role in the supernatural thriller The Apparition (2016), directed by Guo Dalei, where he played a key character amid ghostly hauntings. He also contributed as writer and producer to The Curse of Chopsticks (2016), a blending humor with cultural elements. Post-2016, Mok's activity has significantly slowed, with no major television or projects recorded through 2025 based on available databases. This hiatus follows a pattern of reduced output after the , potentially influenced by industry shifts and his earlier legal controversies, though he has occasionally appeared in minor productions like Gu Mu Shou Ying ().

Music career

Debut as a singer

Following his rising fame in the Hong Kong film industry, particularly through roles in the Once Upon a Time in China series in the early 1990s, Max Mok ventured into music as a means to expand his entertainment career. Mok's debut as a singer came in 1992 with the release of his first Mandarin album, Half a Lover (Ban Ge Qing Ren, 半個情人), issued by Himalaya Records on March 1. The album, comprising 10 tracks such as the title song "Half a Lover" and "Sing for Someone," introduced Mok to the Mandopop genre, characterized by romantic ballads and melodic pop structures influenced by contemporary Cantopop trends in Hong Kong. This release capitalized on his acting visibility, with promotional efforts including live performances featuring dance ensembles to showcase his vocal style. Balancing his burgeoning music pursuits with demanding film schedules proved challenging for Mok, as he navigated dual commitments in acting and recording during a period of peak cinematic output.

Album releases and musical style

Max Mok released his debut Mandarin album Half a Lover (半个情人) in 1992 under Himalaya Records, featuring ten tracks primarily in the pop ballad genre, including the title track "Half a Lover," "Go Home Obediently" (乖乖的回家), and "Someday." The album's romantic lyrics and melodic arrangements drew from the burgeoning Hong Kong Mandarin pop scene, emphasizing themes of love and longing that aligned with Mok's emerging image as a charismatic leading man in films. Later that year, Mok followed with You Left in September (你在九月離開), another Mandarin pop album with ten songs such as the titular "You Left in September," "Go Crazy Wonderfully" (瘋要瘋的精彩), and "Love is So Deep" (情是那麼深), continuing the ballad-heavy style focused on emotional heartbreak and . In 1993, he issued his first and only full-length Cantonese album Still Love You (還是愛妳), incorporating similar pop elements with tracks exploring persistent affection and separation. His 1994 releases included Love That Binds a Lifetime (牽絆一生的愛), a ten-track blending ballads and lighter pop tunes, and Meeting You (與你相逢), which featured songs like "Meeting You" and "Dream of " (情緣如夢), maintaining the romantic motif. Mok's musical style was characterized by romantic themes of , reunion, and introspection, heavily influenced by the sentimental and traditions of , where lush orchestration and heartfelt vocals dominated. This approach integrated seamlessly with his acting persona, portraying vulnerable yet passionate characters in films, enhancing his appeal as a multifaceted entertainer in the Hong Kong entertainment industry. Commercially, Mok's early albums performed well during the peak, with Half a Lover gaining widespread popularity that prompted the rapid release of his second album, reflecting strong fan reception among audiences drawn to his emotive delivery and relatable love songs. Tracks like "Half a Lover" and "You Left in September" became radio favorites, contributing to his status as a notable singer-actor. Following 1995, Mok's music activity declined as he prioritized acting and business ventures, resulting in no new full-length album releases by 2025, though he occasionally issued singles in later years, such as "God Loves People" (神爱人) in 2018 and the EP Thanks (多謝) in 2023.

Awards and nominations

Film and acting accolades

Max Mok's early breakthrough in the film industry was marked by a nomination for Best New Performer at the 3rd Hong Kong Film Awards in 1984, for his lead role as the heroic orphan in the Shaw Brothers wuxia film Holy Flame of the Martial World, directed by Lu Chin-ku. This recognition underscored his rapid emergence as a promising talent in martial arts cinema, where his agile physicality and earnest portrayal contributed to the film's blend of fantasy action and elaborate fight choreography. Building on this, Mok received a Best Actor nomination at the 8th Hong Kong Film Awards in 1989 (for 1988 films) for his titular performance in (1988), a period drama where he depicted the final in the navigating political intrigue and personal turmoil. The same role also earned him a nomination at the 24th Golden Horse Awards in 1987, highlighting his ability to infuse historical characters with emotional depth amid action sequences. Mok's contributions to the iconic Once Upon a Time in China series further solidified his acclaim, particularly with a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 29th Golden Horse Awards in for portraying Leung Foon in Once Upon a Time in China II, opposite Jet Li's . His recurring role across the franchise's sequels emphasized disciplined martial prowess and loyalty, elements central to the series' celebration of Chinese heroism during the late Qing era. These accolades reflect Mok's significant influence on and Hong Kong action cinema, where his nominations from prestigious awards like the Hong Kong Film Awards and Golden Horse Awards affirmed his status as a key figure in elevating and kung fu narratives through charismatic, physically demanding performances that bridged entertainment and cultural storytelling. Despite this, documentation of his full award history remains incomplete, with potential nods from regional or studio-specific honors, such as additional Shaw Brothers recognitions, not comprehensively archived in available records.

Music and other recognitions

Max Mok's foray into , spanning several album releases in the such as Half a Lover (1992) in Mandarin and Still Love You (1993) in , established him as a notable in both languages within Hong Kong's entertainment scene. Despite this, his musical output did not yield formal awards or nominations from major industry bodies like the during that decade, reflecting a career where served more as an extension of his public persona rather than a primary focus for accolades. Beyond music, Mok's broader contributions to Hong Kong entertainment have earned informal recognition as a key figure in the era, where he rose as a major film star from the onward, influencing the local industry's action and drama genres. In the post-2000s period, his legacy includes occasional tributes in discussions of Shaw Brothers retrospectives, highlighting his role in preserving and embodying the studio's cinematic heritage, though dedicated lifetime achievement honors remain scarce. Overall, Mok's musical endeavors have been under-recognized compared to his acting prominence, with appreciation largely derived from fan appreciation and cultural rather than institutional honors.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Max Mok was previously married to actress Catherine Hung, with whom he shares a son, Ashley Zhang (born 2000). The couple separated in 2000, prior to Ashley's birth, after which Hung raised the child alone in . Mok acknowledged his paternity in 2008 but has had limited contact with Ashley, who later changed his to Zhang following Hung's 2009 to Chinese actor Zhang Danfeng (also known as Andy Zhang). In 2016, Mok publicly addressed the estrangement on , claiming he had attempted to visit Ashley but was denied access by Hung, and denied accusations of abandonment. No full reconciliation has been reported, and Ashley has publicly regarded Zhang Danfeng as his father. Ashley Zhang (born 2000), who at age 24 starred in the 2024 short drama Green Lotus Tribulation (Qing Lian Jie), marking his entry into the entertainment industry as a second-generation performer. As of 2025, he is an active singer and actor, signed with and a member of the project boy group LOONG9. Mok's second marriage was to Chinese singer Sun Yunling in 2011; the union ended in separation by 2016, with Mok gaining custody of their daughter, Mo Zhiyan (born 2011). He has been described as an involved father to Mo Zhiyan, supporting her competitive pursuits, including international events in and . No additional marriages or significant relationships for Mok have been publicly documented. On April 15, 2011, Max Mok was arrested by police in his apartment in the Chaoyang District, along with fellow actor Suen Hing, on suspicion of drug abuse after a detected traces of marijuana, , and (commonly known as ). Mok initially denied the allegations but later admitted to marijuana two days earlier at a social networking event, attributing it to , while claiming the other substances might have been unknowingly ingested through spiked drinks. Police seized small quantities of marijuana and from the apartment, and a video of the was broadcast on Beijing Television, capturing Mok's detention. Mok was detained for 14 days before being released without formal charges, as it was his first offense and no large quantities of drugs were involved; Suen Hing faced a longer 19-day detention. Following his release, Mok issued a public apology via his , expressing regret, though his casual tone drew from netizens who accused him of downplaying the incident and lacking . The severely damaged his reputation, with media and public discourse labeling him a "liar and irresponsible " amid prior accusations of abandoning his pregnant ex-partner Catherine Hung in the late . In the aftermath, Mok focused on rehabilitation by relocating his career to and prioritizing family responsibilities, particularly raising his daughter with then-wife Sun Yunling, which received positive media coverage as a path to redemption. He publicly acknowledged his estranged with Hung in 2016, dispelling abandonment rumors after 16 years and emphasizing efforts to mend familial ties. No further legal troubles or public controversies involving Mok have been reported through 2025, allowing him to maintain a lower-profile presence in the industry.

References

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