Shi Jian (January 1, 1913 - June 3, 2009), born Shi Rongzhang, hails from Shigang Village, Panyu, Guangdong. He was a Hong Kong Cantonese film actor with numerous film and television works. Also known as the villain Jian, he was a veteran antagonist in Cantonese films, often playing the villain in Wong Fei-hung films.
Shi Jian was raised by his stepmother from a young age and was frail and sickly in his youth. To strengthen his health, he studied martial arts for nine years, learning Eagle Claw, Praying Mantis, Luohan, Shaolin, Shanxi Chaoyuan Pai, and Baoding Fast Wrestling styles. This laid the foundation for his future career in entertainment. During the outbreak of the Sino-Japanese War, Shi Jian actively participated in student strikes and anti-Japanese activities, organizing anti-Japanese dramas with his friends and performing in both Guangdong and Hong Kong. In addition to acting, he also worked behind the scenes, learning stage makeup, set design, and lighting, which sparked his interest in the entertainment industry.
In 1936, Shi Jian married Li Jieying and they had four sons and two daughters. In 1940, with his makeup skills, he officially entered the entertainment industry, initially working as a makeup artist for the late Cantonese opera actor Xue Juexian, who was known as the "omnipotent master." That year, Shi Jian became a film actor, playing a Japanese spy in his first spy film, "Blood Sea Flower."
In 1949, director Hu Peng invited him to star in "The Story of Wong Fei-hung," where he played the rival role of Wong Fei-hung in the first Wong Fei-hung film, showcasing his villainous nature and establishing his position as 'Villain Jian.' In the first two decades of his film career, Shi Jian was often cast as the antagonist. In addition to his iconic role as Villain Jian in the Wong Fei-hung series, his roles as the crippled villain in "Rivals of the Silver Fox" and the antagonist in "Fong Sai-yuk" were highly acclaimed. His chilling trademark wicked laugh was often imitated by later actors. In 1973, he portrayed the main antagonist, Mr. Han, in Bruce Lee's film "Enter the Dragon," showcasing his martial arts skills, particularly the Northern style, in a memorable showdown with Bruce Lee.
In 1975, he joined TVB as an artist, with "Kung Fu Fever" being his debut TV series. He went on to star in classic dramas like "The Greed of Man," "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber," and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes." In contrast to his film roles, Shi Jian often portrayed gentle and modest elder roles in TV dramas, revealing his true character. Examples include "Long Guan-san" in "Behind the Scenes" and "Su Dapeng" in "Family Ties," and the grandfather in "The Rogue Tycoon."
In the early 1980s, he was invited to film a cooling mint gum ad, successfully shaping his brand image and winning the hearts of the public.
In 1992, Shi Jian retired from the film industry. His last film tailored specifically for him, "The Villainous Family," was released in 1994.
From January to February 2007, the Hong Kong Film Archive held the program "It's Not Easy to Play Villains - Shi Jian," screening thirteen of his famous films.
On the afternoon of June 3, 2009, at 4:33 pm, Shi Jian passed away at Queen Elizabeth Hospital due to heart failure at the age of 97.
In reality, Shi Jian, who portrayed villains, was a personable elder highly respected within and outside the industry. When he announced his retirement from the film industry in 1992, TVB held a grand farewell party for him, which was broadcasted in the variety program "Good Evening," titled "Shi Jian Farewell to the Jianghu Gathering of Heroes," reflecting his prominent status in the industry. Cultural figures greatly admired him, including Jin Yong, who expressed his fondness for Shi Jian's role as the Golden Lion King in the TVB drama "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" and personally titled him "Ji Jian Ru Shi" in tribute. Renowned calligrapher She Xueman presented him with a calligraphy piece reading "Art is as precious as jade, enduring and unyielding" upon his retirement.
Shi Jian made significant contributions to the local entertainment industry. Even after being away from the silver screen for over a decade, he remained actively involved in promoting and developing the entertainment culture in Hong Kong, regularly attending gatherings of the Hong Kong Performing Artists Guild. In 2006, he donated one of his properties for the use of entertainment and cultural groups. The property was originally purchased by Shi Jian, Kao Luquan, Jin Lei, Li Shouqi, and Huang Chushan to provide a resting place and a venue for social activities within the industry.
In 1996, Shi Jian was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Hong Kong Film Critics Association. In 2003, he and Chor Yuen were honored with the Professional Spirit Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards. In 2004, he left his handprints on the Avenue of Stars as a commemoration.
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