'The Kung-Fu Kids' star Yen Cheng-kuo dies at 50

Taipei, Oct. 7 (CNA) Taiwanese actor Yen Cheng-kuo (顏正國), who rose to fame as a child star in the 1980s film series "The Kung-Fu Kids" (好小子), has died at the age of 50.

Yen passed away at 4:57 p.m. Tuesday, according to funeral business owner Juan Chiao-pen (阮橋本), who confirmed the actor's death in a Facebook post. He did not specify cause of death.

According to China Times, Yen had been battling stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma and died at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in New Taipei's Banqiao District after being removed from life support.

Yen's family and friends were devastated by his passing and asked the public to respect their privacy as they mourn, Juan said.

"Yen's love and spirit will live on," Juan wrote. "We ask everyone who misses him to offer their blessings in silence and let love accompany him on his final journey."

Yen began his career as a child actor, appearing in acclaimed films by director Hou Hsiao-hsien (侯孝賢) such as "Cheerful Wind" (風兒踢踏踩) and "The Boys from Fengkuei" (風櫃來的人). He became best known for his role in the popular "The Kung-Fu Kids" action series.

His name, however, was later linked to several criminal cases, including drug abuse, illegal possession of firearms, and robbery.

In 2002, Yen was sentenced to 15 years in jail for his involvement in a kidnapping case. After being released from prison on parole in 2012, he devoted himself to charity work and used his personal experience to encourage others to turn their lives around.

He later published an autobiography titled "Letting Go of My Fists, Painting a New Life: The Awakening of Yen Cheng-kuo," and directed the 2018 gangster film "Gatao 2: Rise of the King" (角頭2:王者再起).

In a previous interview with CNA about his self-written and directed film "Untouchable" (少年吔), Yen said that while the movie was not entirely based on his own story, he hoped it would inspire young people to stay on the right path.

"I'm not glorifying or boasting about my past," he said. "I just want to remind others -- and myself -- never to go down that wrong road again."