Hung Tin Chiu

Hong Tianzhao, born June 3, 1990, is an actor from mainland China of mixed Chinese–Korean heritage. His biological mother is Cao Enyu, and his father is Hong Kong’s well-known director and actor Sammo Hung (Hong Jinbao). Hong Tianzhao has two older brothers, Hong Tianming (eldest) and Hong Tianxiang (second), and a younger sister, Hong Xuyu, who is currently attending university in the United States.

Hong entered the film and television industry in 2002. He made his first appearance in the TV series Tejing Feilong (Special Police Flying Dragon), in which he played the role of Zhan Yi, marking the start of his acting career and co-starring with his father Sammo Hung. In 2004 he appeared in the Jackie Chan and Nicholas Tse film New Police Story, playing the character Tianzhao. That same year he acted in the TV series Around the World in 80 Days (Huanyou Diliu 80 Tian), which also starred Sammo Hung and others. In 2005 Hong starred in the mainland–Taiwan co-production inspirational comedy idol drama Basketball Boy, and for the first time took a leading film role as the detective Lei Sen.

In 2006 he attracted attention for playing the major villain Gao Ming in the TV series Wing Chun. That year he also appeared in the film A Battle of Wits (Mo Gong), portraying General Gao Heyong. In 2007 Hong reprised the role of Gao Ming in the Wing Chun film series Double Dragons (Shuanglongji). In 2008 he starred as boxer Zhang Yaokun in the film Outside the Window (Chuangwai You Qingtian). In 2009 he played the sword-bearing guard Yan Shisan in The Legend of Foguang Temple (Foguang Si Chuanqi) and portrayed the Shaolin disciple Yue Kong in the TV series Shaolin Monk Soldiers (Shaolin Sengbing). During that period he also made guest appearances in the films Empire of Money (Jinqian Diguo) and Wind and Cloud 2 (Fengyun 2).

In 2011 he starred in the action film Choy Li Fut (Cai Li Fo), co-starring with Sammo Hung and others, playing the lead role Chen Yingjie. He subsequently appeared in the films The Viral Factor (Ni Zhan) and The Secret of the Treasure Map (Cangbaotu de Mimai). Between 2013 and 2019 Hong Tianzhao took on a variety of roles across many film and television works — including Cold Eyes (Leng Tong), Storm (Fengbao), The Fantasy Adventure King (Qihuan Maoxian Wang), Purple Haze (Zixia), Dragon Battalion (Tianjiang Xiongshi), Fatal Contact (Weicheng), and Ghost Fist (Gui Quan) — steadily improving his performances and gaining wider recognition.

In recent years Hong has participated in multiple film and TV productions, including the costume fantasy film Journey to the West: Quest for the Way (Xiyou zhi Wendao), the web films Ghost Fist and Breaking the Ice (Po Bing), and the 2024 films Super Detective (Chao Yi Shentan) and Into the Fire (Fu Tang Dao Huo). His 2022 appearances — the film My Father Is a Prince (Wo Ba Shi Wangzi) and the web film Breaking the Ice — also drew attention. In 2023 his works Journey to the West: Quest for the Way and Ace Body Double (Wangpai Tishen) were released, and in 2024 he is scheduled to appear in key roles in the films Super Detective and Nameless Fire (Wuming Huo), as well as the new drama Springtime Land (Chunri zhi Di).

Hong Tianzhao has also been involved in public welfare activities. In 2019 he served as a charity ambassador for a thousand-mile Tibet student-aid project, promoting fundraising and awareness; in 2023 he served as an advocacy officer for the “Light a Reading Lamp” campaign, dedicated to improving reading opportunities for children in mountain areas. Although his public image is often associated with humility and low-key behavior, his professional work in the entertainment industry has been recognized within the field, and he is regarded as a young actor with broad development potential.