HONG KONG: Action hero Sammo Hung has no plans to retire from show business, despite slowing down in recent years due to mobility issues.
Decades of performing physically demanding martial arts stunts left the 74-year-old with long-term injuries. Coupled with getting older, these injuries led to knee surgery in 2017.
Though his physical condition forced him to take on fewer acting roles and move into a semi-retired lifestyle, Hung remains determined to keep working.
During a 2020 variety show, he made it clear he was not ready to call it quits:
“Many people have asked me to retire, but why should I? Firstly, I can still speak and scold people. Second, I can still think. Isn’t that why God gave me these abilities?
“As long as I can work and think, I’ll keep doing it. When I have truly deteriorated and no longer want to embarrass myself, then I’ll retire,” he said.
When asked why he keeps going, he added: “I feel most comfortable when I’m working.”
Hung continues to stay involved in the entertainment world through public appearances and livestreams.
He recently travelled to Guangzhou, China, for work.
A video shared on Douyin showed the veteran star warmly signing autographs for fans, still dedicated to his craft despite using an electric wheelchair to get around.