Bolo Yeung, the Chinese Hercules. One of the most quintessential Asian movie villains of all time, Bolo has been a staple of the realms of bodybuilding and martial arts films for decades. Born in 1946 in Guangzhou, China, Bolo became keenly involved in both martial arts and bodybuilding from the age of 10, and would go on to win the title of Mr. Hong Kong after years of sculpting himself into a specimen of pure physical perfection. He would also become involved in the realm of martial arts films, and his massive frame soon led him to be typecast as a villain.
He first made an impression on audiences in the role of Bolo in Bruce Lee’s Enter the Dragon in 1973, and would later square off against another bodybuilding and martial arts champion, Jean-Claude Van Damme, in his role as the villainous Chong Li in 1988’s “Bloodsport”.
Van Damme and Bolo became lifelong friends from that point on, and would face off again in 1991 “Double Impact”. Although his outward appearance would seem to indicate otherwise, Bolo’s preferred method of combat is the meditative and graceful internal martial art of Tai Chi!
Now, over forty years since he first came to the attention to the worlds of bodybuilding and martial arts, Henry Croft of gym-talk.com takes a look back on Bolo’s career as martial arts cinemas most imposing Asian villain, and perhaps China’s most famed bodybuilder! Be sure not to miss the article below, or both Bolo and Henry will break you, like they break your friend!
What an amazing movie!