Chan first came to prominence for acting in two Hong Kong films directed by Stephen Chow - as the goalkeeper "Empty Hand" in Shaolin Soccer (2001), and as the Axe Gang boss Brother Sum in Kung Fu Hustle (2004).
Chan pertama kali meraih ketenaran karena berakting dalam dua film Hong Kong yang disutradarai oleh Stephen Chow - sebagai penjaga gawang "Tangan Kosong" dalam Shaolin Soccer (2001), dan ketua Geng Kapak Kakak Sum dalam Kung Fu Hustle (2004).