Originally named Hao Yiu Chung, Hsiao Hao was born in 1958 in Henan. He was coached by Fan Kuk-fa in Beijing Opera since his early childhood. He also starred in several films as young talent and became a martial arts stunt man at seventeen. Director Liu Chia-liang spotted Hao's talent and gave him the leading role in Mad Monkey Kung Fu. He became Liu's disciple the same year and joined Shaw Brothers as a contracted actor. He starred mostly in Liu's movies in a supporting role, except his eye-catching parts in movies such as Cat Vs Rat, The Fake Ghost Catchers and Disciples of the 36th Chamber.