Episode 84 - Robert Samuels

Kung Fu Movie Guide Podcast

It was a screening of 1972's 'Five Fingers of Death' (aka 'King Boxer') that would transform the life of Robert "Bobby" Samuels. At that time, he could not have foreseen that he would go on to become the first African American member of the Hong Kong Stuntman Association, a star of martial arts action cinema, a Hung Gar expert training under kung fu master and actor, Chiu Chi-ling, and a close personal friend of Sammo Hung - one of the biggest names in kung fu movies. Bobby's story is one of dogged determination and commitment to a singular vision; to break free from his humble beginnings in West Philadelphia, USA, and launch himself onto the silver screen in Hong Kong. All roads lead to a fateful meeting with Sammo Hung in the early 1990s, and prominent roles in his films 'The Gambling Ghost' (1991) and 'Don't Give a Damn' (1995) followed. The two developed a close personal friendship, one that continues to this day. On this episode, we discuss Bobby's experiences of living with Sammo and his family, collaborating on his films, and working with the best in the business at the height of their powers - people like Yuen Biao, Lam Ching-ying, Yuen Woo-ping, Collin Chou, and many more. Since returning to the USA, Bobby can increasingly be found behind the camera as a director and producer, helping to inspire and promote the next generation of action stars. In 2021, he made his feature film directorial debut with the action comedy, 'Made in Chinatown', starring members of the cast of 'The Sopranos', and co-directing with the Hollywood stunt legend, James Lew. The film is available now to rent and buy on digital platforms.

LINKS

Robert Samuels on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samuels_r

Robert Samuels on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertbobbysamuels

Robert Samuels on IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0760512/

Robert Samuels profile on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/RobertSamuelsProfile

'Made in Chinatown' trailer on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q4n4U9a_qK8

'Made in Chinatown' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/MadeInChinatown2021

'Shadow Fist' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v4tZdwssIBs

'Shadow Fist II' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9yNgHg4xK90

'Jugando Con Fuego' short film on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gkURqr5fRLg

'The Gambling Ghost' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheGamblingGhost1991

'The Red Wolf' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: https://bit.ly/TheRedWolf1995

'Don't Give a Damn' review on Kung Fu Movie Guide: http://bit.ly/DontGiveADamn95

TAKE PART IN OUR 2022 END OF YEAR SHOW

Tell us your favourite fight films of the year - and why - and your comment could be read out on our annual End of Year Show, landing during the week of Christmas and featuring the action movie expert, Mike Fury. And if you're not sure what to choose, please consult this selected list of fight-centric action films released in 2022: https://bit.ly/EndOfYearShow2022Part1

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