Hong Kong's legendary director and actor Stephen Chow has revealed that his age of 64 and the heavy workload behind the camera are the main reasons why he is no longer acting. Chow last appeared in the film CJ7 in 2008.
In his latest film titled Kung Fu Soccer, set to release on 12 August, Chow only takes on the roles of director, writer, and producer without starring in it. This differs from Shaolin Soccer in 2001 when he was also the film's lead actor.
In an interview about the promotion of his latest film, Chow said that work behind the camera is very demanding and his physical stamina can no longer keep up. He stated that it is impossible to undertake both roles simultaneously.
Nevertheless, Chow has not entirely closed the door on returning to acting. He said that perhaps he is waiting for the right role, giving hope to his fans.
Outside of film, Chow reflected on how his love of martial arts and his admiration for Bruce Lee have shaped his life philosophy. He stated that if he had not entered the film industry, he would likely have become a Wing Chun instructor, a traditional Chinese martial art that focuses on close-range combat and efficient movement.
