Born Cheung Cheun-Nam on April 19, 1950, Yuen Qiu is a Hong Kong actress and martial artist who carved a distinctive path in the world of action cinema, first as a stunt performer and later as a celebrated screen presence. She is an expert in both Chinese martial arts and Beijing opera skills, having trained rigorously from a young age at the prestigious Peking Opera School under the legendary master Yu Jim-yuen. This intensive apprenticeship placed her among a storied generation of performers, making her a classmate and close associate of future action cinema icons such as Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung, a connection that would shape much of her career.

Yuen Qiu began her career in the 1960s and 1970s, working as a stunt double and appearing in supporting roles in numerous Hong Kong films, often under the direction of Chang Cheh and other Shaw Brothers Studio giants. Her martial arts prowess and fearless approach to stunt work made her a valuable asset in the industry, though she largely remained in the background during this era. After marrying and starting a family, she stepped away from the film industry in the late 1970s, seemingly retiring from the spotlight for over two decades.

Her return to cinema came in a spectacular fashion in 2004 when she was cast in the groundbreaking martial arts comedy Kung Fu Hustle, directed by Stephen Chow. In the film, she delivered a scene-stealing performance as the eccentric and formidable Landlady of the Pig Sty Alley apartment complex. Her portrayal of the chain-smoking, hair-curler-wearing martial arts master was both hilarious and intimidating, earning her widespread acclaim and introducing her to a new global audience. The role was a massive success, and she won the Best Supporting Actress award at the 2005 Golden Horse Awards and the 2006 Hong Kong Film Awards for her performance.

Following the triumph of Kung Fu Hustle, Yuen Qiu experienced a career renaissance, appearing in a variety of films and television projects. She reunited with Stephen Chow for a cameo in CJ7 and took on roles in films such as The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Ip Man 2. She also ventured into television, starring in the Hong Kong drama The Legend of the Condor Heroes and other series. Despite her late-career resurgence, she has remained selective about her projects, often choosing roles that allow her to combine her martial arts skills with her natural comedic timing. Yuen Qiu continues to be a respected and beloved figure in Hong Kong cinema, celebrated for her unique blend of toughness and humor that has made her an enduring icon in the genre.