Shih is best known for playing antagonists and villains in several early Hong Kong wuxia and martial arts films that dated back to the black-and-white period, and is most familiar to Western audiences for his portrayal of the primary villain, Han, in the 1973 martial arts film Enter the Dragon, which starred Bruce Lee.

Shih trained at Shanghai's Chin Woo Athletic Association and was among the first generation of students at the school to be certified as instructors.

After becoming certified to teach styles, including Eagle Claw and Choy Li Fut, he decided to start his career as an actor.

Shih and his friends travelled between Guangzhou and Hong Kong to stage drama performances, in order to raise funds as part of the anti-Japanese movement.

In 1940, Shih officially entered the entertainment industry as an apprentice of the Cantonese opera makeup artist Sit Kok-Sin, before becoming an actor.

Shih starred as a Japanese secret agent in his debut film Flower in the Sea of Blood that year.

In 1980, Shih was invited to participate in filming a television commercial to promote Ricola's mint candy products with his popular image as a villain.