10 Facts About Wu Mengda Who Has Just Passed Away at the Age of 70

It’s officially the end of a golden era.

Back in the 90s, one single duo managed to dominate the entire Hong Kong film industry with their theatrics and trademark ‘Mo Lei Tau’:

Stephen Chow and Wu Mengda.

Indeed, they could not be found without one another, as the duo swept the world with several classics including Shaolin Soccer, the God of Gamblers spin-offs and God of Cookery.

But everyone has to go at some point.

And it appears that Wu has prematurely left this planet, as we officially bid farewell to an iconic partnership that has evoked millions of laughter around the world.

With that said, we figured that the best possible way to pay tribute to the comedic master would be to craft a 10 Facts article and dedicate it to him.

It is, after all, our trademark. Just like how his films have become part and parcel of our lives, particularly during the CNY festive period.

10 Facts About Wu Mengda Who Has Just Passed Away at the Age of 70

1. Birth

Wu was born on 2 January 1951 in Xiamen, Fujian, and was the second oldest child in his family.

They moved to Hong Kong when he was just five, and his father purportedly operated a traditional Chinese herb store there.

2. Budding Acting Career

At the age of 19, Wu began taking acting classes from Hong Kong’s broadcasting company TVB. In fear of his parents’ objections, he took them in secret and would tell his parents that he’s going for support classes.

In 1974, he successfully graduated with his batch – including renowned actor Chow Yun-fat – and subsequently made his debut aged 22.

3. Slapstick Comedy

Much of Wu’s fame arises from his frequent collaborations with Hong Kong actor and director Stephen Chow, which stem from as far back as 1989 – when they worked together on Hong Kong TVB television series The Final Combat (蓋世豪俠).

In 1990, they collaborated for All for the Winner – a spin-off to the popular God of Gamblers movie – and formed a solid partnership in the process, thereby leading to numerous more “mo lei tau” films that destroyed Hong Kong box office charts in the 1990s.

Lest you’re unaware, “mo lei tau” translates to “brainless or random”, and is a brand of slapstick humour unique to Hong Kong back in the 80s and 90s.

Incidentally, Wu is said to star in not one, not two, but four of Hong Kong’s highest-grossing films of all time.

4. “Uncle Tat”

It should be noted that Wu was affectionately known as “Uncle Tat” – a nickname that likely arose from his frequent roles as Stephen Chow’s uncle in their films.

5. Great Actor

Yet despite his routine involvement in slapstick comedy, and his evident genius at it, Wu is a versatile actor who has a mastery of range.

This can be seen from his role as Sister 13’s father in Portland Street Blues – where he was a man who could only feel abuse and rejection.

He also acted as Andy Lau’s sidekick in the Lee Rock series. Not to be confused with the Naruto character of the same name, the Lee Rock series focusses on the rise of Hong Kong’s most notorious policeman Lee Rock, and is a far cry from Chow’s light-hearted endeavours. Despite of that, Wu pulled off his serious role with aplomb and even earned a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 10th Hong Kong Film Awards.

6. Classics

Wu has also acted in numerous memorable roles that did not involve the accompaniment of Chow, such as the Taiwanese drama The Hospital – for which he earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 42nd Golden Bell Awards in 2007.

He also plied his trade in the 2019 Sci-Fi epic The Wandering Earth, which would go on to become China’s third highest-grossing film of all time, as well as the third highest-grossing non-English film thus far.

His last appearance was in Stanley Tong’s 2021 film Rising Shaolin: The Protector.

7. Illness

In spite of his immense talent for television and films, Wu was ultimately let down by his own body.

In 2014, he was warded in the intensive care unit due to heart failure from a viral infection.

He also lost 38kg as a result.

Additionally, he suffered from diabetes and almost had to amputate one of his legs at a point.

Since then, he had been in poor health and was forced to reduce his workload to cope.

8. Liver Cancer

On 9 February 2021, Wu reportedly experienced a heart attack while shooting for promotional posters.

Initially insistent on fulfilling his part, he eventually had to take a break as the pain got too unbearable.

Throughout the process, he kept apologising to the production crew for the hold-up.

Later, Wu confirmed that he was afflicted with liver cancer, and was undergoing treatment.

However, his condition worsened, and the spread of cancer cells eventually led to the failure of multiple organs.

On 27 February 2021, Wu passed away in his sleep at the age of 70, while surrounded by his wife and children.

9. Stephen Chow

According to Tin Kai Man, a mutual friend of both Wu and Chow, Chow had contacted him to inquire about Wu’s condition and whether he could assist in any way.

Chow’s sister is believed to have visited Wu on his behalf.

10. Fall-out

Though virtually inseparable in the 90s, Chow and Wu reportedly had a fallout in 2004 when Chow clinched the lead role in Kungfu Hustle – which was purportedly supposed to go to Wu.

The claim has since been denied by Wu himself.

However, he did admit that their relationship was not as close as before, and described them as “old pals who don’t see each other anymore”.

Their last collaboration was in 2001, with the release of the mega-hit Shaolin Soccer.

It should be noted that Chow had invited him to play a role in 2016 fantasy flick The Mermaid, which Wu turned down due to health issues.

In a recent interview, Wu stated that he would not hesitate to work together with Chow again if an opportunity happens to come by.

Rest in peace, Uncle Tat. And thank you for all the joy and laughter you have brought us.

You can watch a fan-made tribute to the late actor here:

Feature Image: 6park