Thành Long, 72, has shared his reflections on aging and mortality, revealing he has prepared a song for his final days and mourned over 10 close friends in three years, including actor Tạ Hiền and martial artist Lương Tiểu Long.
A Tribute to Lost Comrades
Thành Long has become a living archive of Hong Kong cinema’s golden era, documenting the passing of over 10 close friends and colleagues in three years. His Weibo account, once a platform for film updates, has transformed into a “memorial book” for figures like Tạ Hiền, Lương Tiểu Long, and Trịnh Bội Bội. We’ve known each other for too long, Chan wrote after Tạ Hiền’s death at 89, recalling their decades-long bond since Chan’s days as a stuntman. When I was a secondary actor, he was already a star, always taking care of me.
The list of those Chan has mourned includes filmmakers, actors, and industry pioneers. People who have left will leave, Chan wrote in a 2025 post, but don’t drown in sorrow. His tributes blend personal anecdotes with cultural eulogies, framing each loss as a chapter closing on Hong Kong’s cinematic legacy.
VnExpress reported Chan’s Weibo posts have become a chronicle of farewell,
noting his tribute to Lương Tiểu Long, a martial arts master, and Viên Tường Nhân, a renowned fight choreographer.
The Song for His Final Day
Chan has quietly completed a song meant for his death, a project he described as a farewell message.
I’ve prepared it, but it will only be released on the day I leave, he told Vietnam.vn. The track, reportedly recorded in 2025, reflects his acceptance of mortality.
The song’s release date remains unspecified, but Chan’s approach mirrors his philosophy: If there’s something to say, say it today. I used to think I should retire at 40 due to injuries,” he admitted, “but I’ve continued working and have no plans to stop.
Chan’s willingness to confront death contrasts with his past reluctance. In 2023, he told VnExpress he never wanted to think about it, but recent tributes suggest a deeper reckoning. Many people don’t get to experience aging, he said. I’m content to live this way.
A Legacy in Transition
Chan’s reflections coincide with the fading of Hong Kong’s cinematic golden age. His tributes to figures like Trịnh Bội Bội, dubbed the queen of wuxia,
and Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, underscore the era’s end. Vietnam.vn noted that Chan’s posts now dominate his social media, with fans describing the content as a closing chapter.
The actor’s influence extends beyond film. His stunt school, Thành Gia Ban, trains action professionals for Hollywood films like Avatar and Kingsman. VnExpress reported his team maintains eight units across China and Europe, though Chan’s personal involvement has slowed. I still perform some stunts, he said, but I’ve learned to pace myself.
Despite his age, Chan remains active, releasing a film in 2025 and attending events like the 2025 Locarno Film Festival. His 2025 comments on aging—I live slower, happier—signal a deliberate shift. The past is behind me, he said. I focus on the present.
The Unanswered Questions
While Chan’s song and tributes are public, details about its content or his estate remain unclear. 2SAO noted that his 2025 diaries, which may reference the song, have not been shared. The fate of his fortune, reported by Vietnam.vn, also remains unconfirmed.
Chan’s philosophy—emphasizing immediacy and acceptance—resonates beyond his career. As his generation fades, his words serve as both a personal testament and a cultural marker.
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