On the Chinese calendar, May 11, 1947 (Western calendar equivalent is June 29, 1947), David Chiang was born into a family of actors in Suzhou, China. His parents Hung Wei (mother) and Yim Fa (father) were very popular movie stars. Following in the family trade, he got his first role in the 1951 film, "Murder Case in Macao".

In 1966, David worked as a stuntman and fight instructor for Shaw Brothers Studio. During this period, Director Chang Cheh noticed David’s screen presence and took the young actor under his wing. The pair got along like father and son. "John" is David's real English name; "David" is the stage name given to him by Director Chang Cheh.

In 1969, actor Wang Yu's sudden departure left Run Run Shaw and his senior executives on the hunt for their next leading man. The movie impresario made David an offer he could not refuse. David officially signed a 3 year contract with Shaw Brothers in 1968.

With the guidance of Director Chang Cheh, David won many awards:

1970: "The Best Actor" award at the 16th Asian Film Festival for his role in "Vengeance!"

1972: "The Best Actor" award at the 18th Asian Film Festival for his role in " Blood Brothers”

1973: "The Most Contemporary" award at the 19th Asian Film Festival for his role in "The Generation Gap"

In 1973, David left Hong Kong with his mentor Chang Cheh and set up an Independent Production Company in Taiwan, known as "Chang's Scope Company". With the backing and blessings of Run Run Shaw, their films continued to be distributed through the enormous Shaw circuit. David was able to try his hand at Directing, Producing, and Script Writing.

On May 20th, 1974, David married his wife Maggie Li Lin Lin. Maggie was an actress at the Cathay Studios; she later finished her career at Shaw Brothers. They have two daughters and one son. In 1999, David and Maggie celebrated their 25th Silver Wedding Anniversary.

As the 70's came to an end and the 80's approached, David continued to work his magic on the silver screen, working with Directors Lau Kar-Leung, Hsueh Li Pao, Ho Meng-hua and Lee Han Chiang . 1980 was also the start of his first T.V Series "The Green Dragon Conspiracy", followed by "Princess Chang Ping" and "Dynasty"; all are classics. In the mid 80s, David worked alongside his two brothers, Paul Chun and Derek Yee. Together they directed, produced, and starred in the comedy, "Legend of the Owl". David's talent in comedy was also showcased in Director Eric Tseng’s movies, "The Challenger" and "The Loot.”

In late 80s into the 90's David successfully directed the following movies :

"Heaven Can Help" , "Silent Love" , "The Wrong Couples" , "Mr. Handsome" , "Double Fattiness" , "My Dear Son" , "Will of Iron" and "Mother of a Different Kind

In 1991, David and his family emigrated from Hong Kong to Vancouver, Canada; each year he would return to Hong Kong to make one or two TV series.

As 2000 approached, David worked in the following movies and T.V. series:

"Election" , "Daisy" , "Revolving Doors Of Vengeance" , "Land of Wealth" , "The Family Link , "Lethal Weapons Of Love and Passion" , "Gem of Life" , "Burning Flame III"

2006: Nominated for "Best Supporting Actor" for his TVB role in "Revolving Doors of Vengeance"

2007: Awarded "Best Action Actor" at the Global Chinese Kung fu Festival held in Shenzhen, China

The number of roles in television and movies increased so much for David that the Chiang family, in late 2007, moved back to Hong Kong.

In 2009, he has been busy with the T.V. Series "Anxious Father", "Rooms to Let" and the upcoming movie "Who Rules Over the Destiny of China"

An icon and a legend with over 4 decades under his belt, David is regarded as one of kung fu's top action heroes.