Cheng was best known for portraying thuggish, brutal types prone to violence, as a homage to his alleged past career as a loan shark.

Cheng was more active in the getai scene as a compere, along with other part-time actors like Lin Ruping, Liu Lingling and Wang Lei.

[2] As one of five children with two parents working to support the family, Ah Nan was neglected and turned to smoking, violence and acts of gangsterism, under the influence of friends.

[3] In the early hours of 22 January 2013, Ah Nan collapsed backstage followed by a performance at defunct Club Cleopatra, in Parklane Shopping Mall.

[6] Reports later emerged that Ah Nan had an unhealthy habit of guzzling 10 cans of Coca-Cola daily, to sustain energy levels for his hectic working hours.