Donnie Yen
Born in Guangdong, Yen developed an interest in martial arts at a young age, and began experimenting with various styles, including tai chi and other traditional Chinese martial arts. At age 18, he auditioned for action choreographer Yuen Woo-ping in Hong Kong. He landed his first starring role in the 1984 Hong Kong martial arts action film Drunken Tai Chi. He made his breakthrough role as the antagonist General Nap-lan in Once Upon a Time in China II (1992), opposite Jet Li's character. He appeared in several other Hong Kong kung fu films, including Iron Monkey (1993) and Wing Chun (1994). In 1997, he starred in his directorial debut film Legend of the Wolf.
Yen made his American debut in Highlander: Endgame (2000), followed by a cameo in Blade II (2002). He went on to appear in the American films Shanghai Knights (2003), Rogue One (2016), XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017), Mulan (2020), and John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023). He has continued to be active in Hong Kong cinema, appearing in the well-received films Hero (2002), SPL: Sha Po Lang (2005), 14 Blades (2010), Wu Xia (2011), Kung Fu Jungle (2014), Chasing the Dragon (2017), Enter the Fat Dragon (2020), Raging Fire (2021), and The Prosecutor (2024), among others. In television, Yen portrayed fictional character Chen Zhen in the television series Fist of Fury (1995); he reprised the role in the 2010 film Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen.
For portraying Ip Man in the Ip Man film series (2008-2019), Yen is credited by many for contributing to the popularisation of Wing Chun in China. Alongside Kung fu, particularly Wing Chun, Yen is also known for incorporating mixed martial arts (MMA) elements into his action choreography. Aside from his acting, in 1997, he established his own production company, Bullet Films, which choreographed the action for Western blockbusters like Blade II (2002) and Stormbreaker (2006).
Filmography (111 Appearances)
Flash Point: Resurgence
From The World Of John Wick: Caine
Ip Man 5
Kung Fu
You are the Best
The Prosecutor
Crush Over
John Wick: Chapter 4
Sakra
The Monkey King: The Legend Begins
Polar Rescue
New Kung Fu Cult Master 2
New Kung Fu Cult Master
Kung Fu Stuntmen
Raging Fire
2021 China Central Radio and TV Station Spring Festival Gala
Bravo Youngsters!
Mulan
2次重塑
Enter the Fat Dragon
Ip Man 4: The Finale
The 40th Anniversary of Chinese Film Since China's Reform and Opening-Up
Iceman: The Time Traveler
Big Brother
Guardians of Martial Arts
Chasing the Dragon
The Stories: The Making of 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story'
xXx: Return of Xander Cage
Roast
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
鲁豫有约一日行
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny
Ip Man 3
An Inspector Calls
Kung Fu Jungle
Chef Nic
Iceman
Golden Chickensss
The Monkey King
Special ID
Together
All's Well, Ends Well
Dragon
The Lost Bladesman
All's Well, End's Well 2011
Legend of the Fist: The Return of Chen Zhen
Running Man
Ip Man 2
14 Blades
Bodyguards and Assassins
The Founding of a Republic
How Bruce Lee Changed the World
All's Well, End's Well 2009
Club Sparkle
Ip Man
Painted Skin
An Empress and the Warriors
Flash Point
Dragon Tiger Gate
Be My Guest
SPL: Kill Zone
Seven Swords
'Hero' Defined: A Look at the Epic Masterpiece
The Twins Effect II
Love on the Rocks
Shanghai Knights
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Hero
The Blood Pact: The Making of 'Blade II'
The Kung Fu Master
Fist of Fury
Blade II
Fist of Fury - Sworn Revenge
Reflections on 'the Little Dragon'
Hong Kong Superstars
Highlander: Endgame
City of Darkness
Shanghai Affairs
Ballistic Kiss
Legend of the Wolf
Black Rose II
义侠勇闯上海滩
Satan Returns
Iron Monkey 2
Fist of Fury
The Saint of Gamblers
High Voltage
Circus Kids
Revenge of the Kung Fu Master
The Kung Fu Master
Wing Chun
Cinema of Vengeance
Heroes Among Heroes
Iron Monkey
Butterfly and Sword
New Dragon Gate Inn
Once Upon a Time in China II
Crystal Hunt
Cheetah on Fire
A New Life
The Holy Virgin Versus the Evil Dead
The Crime File
Donnie Yen UK Tour 1991
Tiger Cage II
Flying Squads
In the Line of Duty 4
File Noir
Tiger Cage
The Last Conflict
Mismatched Couples
Drunken Tai Chi