Leo Fong (c.1946)

Actor and martial artist

What is Leo Fong (c.1946) known for?

Born as Fung Tin-leon on November 23, 1928, in Xinhui, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China, Leo Fong relocated to the United States with his family as a child. After a brief period in Seattle and Chicago, his family settled in Widener, Arkansas, a small agricultural community. Despite being the victim of racial taunts in school, Fong remained resilient and gravitated towards boxing at age 15.

After his graduation from Forrest City High School, Fong pursued higher education at Hendrix College in Arkansas, where he earned a Bachelor's of Arts in physical education. His thirst for knowledge didn’t stop there; he later earned a Master's degree in Theology from Southern Methodist University and a Master of Social Work from California State University, Sacramento.

In the 1950s, Fong began training in eastern martial arts such as judo and jiu-jitsu. Over the years, he developed his own style, Wei Kuen Do. A close friend of the legendary martial artist Bruce Lee, Fong was featured on the cover of the tenth-anniversary edition of Black Belt magazine at Lee's behest.

Fong's foray into the world of acting began with the film 'Murder in the Orient' in 1974. In the years that followed, he starred in various films including 'Bamboo Trap' (1975), alongside Filipino actors George Estregan, Chanda Romero, Eddie Garcia, Rez Cortez, and Ron van Clief. Fong continued to expand his role in the film industry by writing, directing, and producing films since the late 1970s. Some of his films from the seventies to mid-'80s featured the same stock of actors, such as Cameron Mitchell, Hope Holiday, and Stack Pierce.

Despite his extensive achievements and numerous roles, Fong is perhaps best remembered as a martial artist and actor. He continued performing in action films until his early 90s, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his passion and craft. Leo Fong passed away on February 18, 2022, in Los Angeles, California.

Explore more:
Leo Fong's Official Website
California State University, Sacramento
Southern Methodist University
Hendrix College
Black Belt Magazine