Click to enter for more details about the passing of David Tsui, also known as "Big Dumb".
Name: Cheng Kui An [1]
Gender: Male
Date of Birth: February 1955
English Name: David TSUI
Nationality: China
Place of Origin: Hong Kong, China
Height: 1.85 meters
Cinematic Origins
Cheng Kui An (February 1, 1955 -), nicknamed "Big Dumb", was originally from Nam Wai, Sai Kung in Hong Kong. He was an actor in films and television dramas, known for his towering physique which made him adept at playing villainous characters like gang leaders. Cheng dropped out of school at the age of 13 and once worked as a hired hand. In 1978, he was discovered by Stephen Chow and began acting in movies. Cheng once ran as a candidate in the Hong Kong District Council elections in Sai Kung but lost. In recent years, he was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Since being discovered by Stephen Chow in 1978, over the course of 23 years in the entertainment industry, Cheng has acted in more than 350 films and over 600 episodes of TV dramas. In most of these productions, he played antagonistic roles. Even when he tried taking on more positive roles such as a police officer or father figure, it was difficult to shake off his image as a "villain" in the minds of the audience. Due to the nature of his roles, the nickname "Big Dumb" became widely known despite his reluctance.
Over a decade ago, in John Woo's classic film "The Killer," Cheng's portrayal of a ruthless triad boss was so detestable that viewers wanted to tear him apart. At the end of the movie, he deliberately shoots out the eye of hitman Xiao Zhuang (played by Chow Yun-fat), shattering the dying man's last wish of donating his cornea to a singer whose eyes he had accidentally injured during his career as a killer. Watching this scene, many viewers were left wanting to see him torn apart. Thus, when Police Chief Li Ying (Stephen Chow) chooses to shoot the notorious "Big Dumb" dead rather than face charges in front of the police, audiences couldn't help but applaud. Cheng's portrayal of the evil character was so vivid and realistic that the applause was a testament to his exceptional acting skills.
In 1983, Cheng first portrayed the role of "Big Dumb" in the movie "A Good Man's Luck," leaving a deep impression on the audience. To this day, "Big Dumb" remains his synonymous name. Regarding his deeply ingrained image as a triad boss, Cheng once clarified publicly: "One should not judge a book by its cover. I have been re-elected as the village chief of our village, which proves that I am a good person! And when I'm not filming, I stay at home, being a 100% 'good man'."
In movies, gang leaders are always surrounded by a group of minions, exuding an aura of power. As a "gangster" himself, Cheng was no exception. However, what appeared to be friendship was actually built on piles of money. Cheng enjoyed eating and drinking with large groups of friends, and every gathering involved generous spending. His daily indulgence in alcohol and smoking two packs of cigarettes a day, all while sharing with his friends, showcased the "aura" of a gang leader. Back then, Cheng lived a carefree life filled with revelry and drink.
In 1996, Cheng started making money on the mainland. The peak of his career was between 2003 and 2004, where he could earn over a million yuan a year. However, a serious illness depleted his savings accumulated over the years. Despite this, Cheng remained optimistic and was grateful to have survived. Reflecting on how he is still employed in his forties, he feels quite content. Cheng has a positive attitude towards life, accepting everything with ease. Even though his income is less now than before, he faces it calmly, believing that as long as one's conscience is clear, that's all that matters. With an inherited broken house from his father, Cheng demolished it and rebuilt it into a three-story building where he lives happily with his family.
For more information and works of Big Dumb Cheng Kui An, please visit: http://www.dvd1990.com/zyp/1841/