Philip Kwok's remarkable journey in the entertainment industry began with a stint as a circus acrobat and a performer in the prestigious Peking Opera, defying the conventional path of aspiring to work in films. He eventually transitioned into a stuntman and, through his dedication and perseverance, rose to the rank of leading actor.
Notably, his captivating performance in Boxer Rebellion caught the attention of renowned Director Chang Cheh, who subsequently cast him in Marco Polo as Chung Fung. This breakthrough role marked the beginning of Philip Kwok's illustrious career at Shaw Brothers, where he not only acted but also excelled as an action choreographer.
In 1978, Philip Kwok starred in The Five Venoms, a film that showcased his rugged, Charles Bronson-esque charisma, catapulting him to stardom within the Shaw Brothers' roster. He went on to appear in a string of successful films, including The Rebel Intruders, The Flag Of Iron, The Sword Stained With Royal Blood, and Ode To Gallantry.
In 1981, with the support of Chang, Philip Kwok returned to Taiwan, where he co-founded a film company with his Taiwanese colleagues Chiang Sheng and Lu Feng. This venture led to the production of Ruthless Tactics, a film in which he not only starred but also directed.
Throughout the 1980s, Philip Kwok's versatility as an action actor was showcased in various films, including Peacock King, Hard Boiled, A Chinese Ghost Story, and The Touch, all of which featured his exceptional action direction.
As the Kung Fu genre's popularity waned in the 1980s, Philip Kwok's career slowed down, but he continued to work in the television industry, demonstrating his range as both an actor and action choreographer.
Throughout his illustrious career, Philip Kwok has demonstrated an uncanny ability to effortlessly transition between comedic, straight, leading man, and villainous roles. Some of his most notable performances can be seen in Magnificent Ruffians, Masked Avengers, and Hard Boiled, where he portrayed the memorable, eye-patch-wearing Mad Dog.
