Ching-Ying Lam, a renowned figure in the world of martial arts and action films, was born on December 27, 1952, in Shanghai, China, as the third of six siblings. His early years were marked by a fascination with the performing arts, which led him to attend Shun Yi Association Elementary School in Hong Kong for two years.
As a young teenager, Lam's passion for Peking Opera took him to the Chun Chau Drama Society, where he honed his skills and even took on the role of a female performer. This unique experience also provided him with the opportunity to perform stunt-doubling for actresses.
At the tender age of 17, Lam made his foray into the film industry, working as a martial arts stuntman and coach for the esteemed Shaw Brothers and Golden Harvest studios. His professional journey took a significant turn when he became the personal assistant to the legendary Bruce Lee at the age of 19.
Lam's association with Sammo Kam-Bo Hung led him to join the stunt team of the latter, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in the world of action films. He went on to work as a stunt coordinator and action choreographer for numerous Chinese movies, often playing the roles of fighters, henchmen, and police officers.
However, it was his iconic portrayal of "Master Gau" in the 1985 film Mr. Vampire that catapulted him to stardom. This role marked the beginning of Lam's association with the "Vampire Buster" franchise, a series of ghost, fantasy, and horror movies that cemented his status as a master of the genre.
Throughout his career, Lam was often cast as the "Master" of a group of apprentices, with notable actors such as Ricky Hui, Siu-Ho Chin, Biao Yuen, and Hoi Mang playing these roles. In addition to his film work, Lam also originated the role of "Master Mo Siu Fong" in the ATV Studios TV series "Vampire Expert" in the 1990s.
Sadly, Lam's life was cut short when he passed away on November 8, 1997, at the age of 44, in Hong Kong. Despite his untimely demise, his legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans of action films and martial arts to this day.
