Benjamin Yuen Reflects on 18 Years in the Entertainment Industry
In the entertainment industry for 18 years, Benjamin Yuen (袁偉豪) met with various obstacles in his career. When his career hit an all-time low, he struggled to make ends meet and had to work as a delivery man. His initial attempt in the film industry fizzled, but Benjamin has successfully established his name after winning Mr. Hong Kong 2007.
When Benjamin was 17 years old, he signed with a record company and filmed several advertisements. His first movie was alongside Nicholas Tse (謝霆鋒) and Shu Qi (舒淇) in Young and the Dangerous: The Prequel <新古惑仔之少年激鬥篇>. With his mind set on earning money, Benjamin forfeited his education and teenage years when he entered the entertainment industry at such a young age.
Taking on Various Jobs Before Mr. Hong Kong
With small roles in various movies, Benjamin remained virtually unknown for years. In 2003, Benjamin remained a struggling acting career. His girlfriend broke up with him, and Benjamin dropped down to a mere 130 pounds. He had to take on a side job as a delivery man in order to make ends meet.
During that time, Benjamin also began to question whether or not he should still continue with his dreams in the entertainment industry. Benjamin recalled, “At the same time, my family also started to wonder and they asked about my future. How long would I have to wait? They suggested that perhaps I should find a proper job and that’s why I went into Marketing for a while. I went to that 9 to 6 desk job, commuted to work via subway, and ate lunch with everyone else. I managed to do that for three months before dropping the idea. I felt bored and constricted when my life had such a rigid schedule. I couldn’t breathe.
“A few months later, I sent in my application for the Mr. Hong Kong competition. When I think back, I’m grateful that I’m a Taurus – if I told myself to give up and said, ‘Forget about it’ I would still be struggling to become a manager. I definitely wouldn’t have everything I have today!”
The Mr. Hong Kong competition paved the way for Benjamin to restart his career with TVB. Despite picking up fairly minor roles for the first couple of years, Benjamin managed to make a breakthrough with his part in Til Love Do Us Lie <結‧分@謊情式>, as well as his comical role in The Hippocratic Crush <On Call 36小時>. Recently, Benjamin starred as second male lead in Over Run Over <EU超時任務>.
Relationship With Jennifer Shum
Besides hard work and dedication, Benjamin attributes his success to his girlfriend, Jennifer Shum (岑杏賢). Stating that Jennifer was an angel that provided him with guidance and positive energy over the years, Benjamin expressed his intentions to get married with Jennifer one day. Before the couple ties the knot, Benjamin hopes to achieve the next level in his career and set his target for the Best Actor award.
Source: stheadline.com
This article is written by Su for JayneStars.com.
Benjamin has a bright future! There aren’t much competition currently. Could be standing in the front middle of the annual TVB photograph in a couple of years time!
@jimmyszeto I’ve seen some of his work. I don’t think he’s very talented.
Gallen Lo, Bobby Au Yeung and Louis Koo aren’t talented but they managed to make it into the big time through experience and dedication. Benjamin has shown grit and determination so he still has a chance.
@jimmyszeto
Gallen, Bobby, and Louis are far more talented and better actors than Benjamin by miles at the same stage of their careers. Benjamin comes off as someone that can’t express his emotions, and he makes the same facial expressions all of the time. In other words, his acting is very “wooden”.
But again, I hardly watch TVB series these days. I’ve only seen him in a handful of dramas. Maybe his acting did improve? I’m just speaking of times I’ve seen him on-screen.
@anon
I think you need to watch Gallen’s series prior to Cold Clood Warm Heart. You would certainly turn off the television. Stiff and wooden. At least Benjamin has done ok in ‘the Hippocratic crush’ and ‘the fixer’. Bobby wasn’t even at the races early in his career and was outshone by everyone. Louis had the same raw acting for many years at TVB but has improved greatly through the years. i think Benjamin will either make it big through continuous improvement or be the ,’nearly’ guy. I remember predicting Michael Tong to be the next big star many years ago but he fell slightly short. The next generation belongs to Vincent, Benjamin, Sammy. I’m going to rule out Edwin Siu,Jason Chan and Tony Hung because I can’t see where they can improve. There’s bound to be some shocks and surprises coming from other actors currently not in the spotlight though.
@anon
Forgot to mention Matt Yeung and Joel Chan.They would have been much bigger stars by now if their personal lives didn’t previously involve so much controversy! Very good actors!!
@jimmyszeto Ah Matt Yeung is another actor that I like too. Cute and is a good actor but liked you said, He messed his own career as at one point he was being promoted. Just too bad.
@jimmyszeto
We have very different criteria’s on what’s “good” and “great”. As far I see it, I haven’t seen any up and comers at TVB that qualifies to be good actors, or even have the potential to be that. TVB is doomed.
Benjamin is like Jason Chan to me. They are never destined to be decent actors, let alone good. Joel Chan and Matt Yeung are decent at best by my standards. Good actors in their 20’s and 30’s are not found at TVB. If you want to see good actors, you will need to watch k-drama’s. Their standards in acting are far greater than in HK (not talking about storyline/production). Many 2nd lead actors in Korean dramas act better than leads at TVB.
@anon Totally agree. Can’t even be compared to the Korean actor/actress. Not only do they have a big talent pool but even their young ones can beat the current TVB 20s to 30s range. For instance. Kim Yoo Jung and Yeo Jin Goo. Only 16 and 18 yrs old but amazing already. Even the 2nd lead in the KDrama world are 1st lead potential. Same goes for Japanese drama. They also have a good group of talents.
And I have to say it’s not always the case. KDrama before used to have lots of lousy acting/bad script but for the past 10 yrs or so, their productions have gone up and the acting have gotten way better. People are not just good looking only but also can act. Even their side character are good. I find with TDrama.. usually their leads are good but their side characters tend to always annoys me…
@happybi
Yes, that’s b/c they are like child stars. Who can you say HK is a child star except for that Leila Tong? ahaha Lol…all these so called Ms. HK, came out from these pagents and straight to acting in dramas and leads? sigh…. that’s just jumping from kindergarden to college? haha lol…That’s why it’s sad I mean all different countries seem to have good actors but HK ones you are rolling your eyes. I haven’t watched a lot of Kdramas but i goggled those names you mentioned. Yes, that girl is probably in most of the kdramas and the guy is cute too and they can act for youngsters for sure. Japanese dramas – watch even less but I did finish that drama called “Tatta Hitotsu No Koi” don’t know if that’s the correct name and that kind of ugly looking jpop boy band lead kind of acted well unlike the ones in HK. It’s quite sad but that’s HK market I guess and see lai’s are used to their acting? lol….Tdramas – most of them are too stupid thou?
@kiki yep! Child actor. Liked i said to jimmy, you don’t see that with tvb. They don’t groom their young talents like Japan and Korea. You should watch moon embrace the sun. Kyj and yjg was the child version of then main lead in that drama and they were awesome. I actually liked watching them more then the grow up version. As i find kyj a better actress then Han Ga In who was the grow up version of her.
Have not wacted tatta hitotsu no koi but i know the two main lead. The guy is from a boy band and is popular. His acting is not bad. Not great but great compare to tvb standard. But i like the girl. Haruka Ayase. Think she is great. Actually with drama. I like their older generation more. Young ones are a hit and miss too in their acting.
Hk talent is pretty sad….it used yo be so good but now.. Sigh. As for tdrama. It actually better compared to before where their main leads are great but the supporting cast are always annoying to me.
@anon
There’s no such thing as destiny in acting. Unless your name is Stephen Chow, nobody starts off as a great actor. Same with the Korean.Improvements can be made over time. Sean Lau and Francis Ng were very average during the 1980s and they are now top notch actors. Aaron Kwok wasn’t even an actor till late on and his dedication in a short period of time has made him the best movie star of the 4 heavenly kings.
@jimmyszeto that I disagree.. I believe some people are destine to act..
@happybi
Oh…it was because anon said Jason and Benjamin are ‘destined not to be good actors’. I believe anyone can be good decent actors. Some take longer than others.It takes some dedication though. Even Stephen Chow who must be regarded the most talented actor in Hong Kong as Tony Leung said was a movie fanatic and had great ambitions even before entering the entertainment industry. I’m not familiar with Korea but if they have such talent, it must be through experience in stage performance whilst growing up.
@jimmyszeto ah gotcha!
@happybi
I hope you have been watching ‘my dangerous mafia retirement plan’. Fabulous cast! Tommy Wong has been absolutely hilarious.
@jimmyszeto nah have not watch. Been taking a break as was watching a lot of kdrama so need to catch up on sleep! Kent is in it so will check it out as I like him.
Kim yoo jung and yeo jin goo are both child actor. Been acting since they were very young. Always play the younger role of the main lead. But finally starting to get meaty role instead of playing child version of someone. Rarely see this happen at tvb.
@jimmyszeto
You misinterpreted what I said, whether you agree or not, you can tell when an actor will be decent/good/great by their first few roles, whether they possess a natural acting ability. Actors like Grace Chan (already given prominent roles, but can’t shine) will never be more than decent, despite that she’s been at TVB for a few years now. She doesn’t have that natural ability to convey her roles. Her ceiling for growth is low. Unfortunately, this is the same way I see most up and comers at TVB. Eliza Sam is another (Sorry Eliza, I heart you as a friend though). TVB does not know how to invest resources and groom actors from the ground up, so I have doubts that most of them can/will improve. Again, this is just my opinion and could care less if you agree.
The difference between Japan/Korea and TVB is that the former are willing to invest, have the knowledge, and the capability to improve their actors. TVB is only in the business to make money with as little money and resources invested as possible to reach for the highest possible financial return. TVB doesn’t care to produce a quality product.
@anon
You have totally rejected perfectly good examples by being in denial. If it’s true that you can determine actors if they will be great from their first few series I advise you to watch Gallens first 10+ series, all Charmaine’s series before return of the cuckoo’, watch Louis Koo in Cold Blood Warm Heart, watch Gordon Lam in the early 1990’s. If TVB don’t groom their actors/actresses then they may have to rely on themselves. Many have shown poor acting but it’s not impossible to make drastic improvements.It is very premature to judge actors based on a small sample of series.
@jimmyszeto
No, I am NOT in denial.
You’re referring to the old TVB regime pre-2000 that was OUTSTANDING at grooming young actors and actresses (regardless of whether they were talented or not, for ex. Carina Lau), transitioning them from the small screen to box office international stars.
The CURRENT regime, post-Run Run Shaw, CAN’T groom even ONE actor from the bottom to the top (leading movie star).
Name ONE, JUST ONE, actor that this TVB regime has groomed from a rookie (post-2000, brought under their wings, not from the past regime) to a leading Hong Kong movie actor/actress in the past 16 years since they’ve taken ownership.
You can’t, because it never happened, regardless of whether their lineup of artists possess talent or not. This management is a disgrace to entertainment.
@anon
This discussion isn’t even about whether TVB can groom actors/actresses. It’s about whether actors with average acting at the beginning of their careers HAVE THE ABILITY to make into the big time in the future based on talent or improvement. I agree that TVB’s poor scripts and management aren’t helping their cause but that’s a different discussion entirely.
@jimmyszeto I actually thought that Ben had potential after the first Hippocratic Crush and felt that TVB should’ve seized the opportunity to promote him back then. But of course, typical TVB, they fall asleep at the wheel and only take action when the prime opportunity has already passed. Ben’s acting isn’t that great to be honest, but he’s not horrible either – he truly did do well in THC and if TVB had kept the momentum going back then and would’ve given him the right training and direction at the time, he probably could be in leading status by now. One thing he definitely needs to work on is consistency, as he seems to be all over the place with his acting – he’s solid and even stands out in certain series, but then goes back to being a block of wood in other series. With all that said though, I do agree that Ben lacks screen presence which could be the deciding factor on whether he goes down a path similar to Gallen Lo let’s say (from block of wood to acting king) or more along the lines of Kenny Wong (block of wood to decent actor but pretty much invisible due to no charisma).
Gallen was indeed a block of wood back then, especially when he started out in the mid-80s (though granted, he started as a singer so acting was more of a side career for him at first). Not sure how many have seen his debut in the sitcom City Japes from 1986 (my favorite TVB sitcom by the way) – his performance was so cringe-worthy that if you told me back then he would eventually become one of TVB’s greatest actors of all time (and 3 time TV King to boot), I probably would’ve told you to get out (lol)! He actually did improve a lot going into the early 90s when he put more focus on his acting, but not enough obviously and he missed his chance to get to the next level when the last of the 5 Tigers left. To me, Gallen’s “knock on the head” was throwing aside his ‘good guy’ image and taking on villain roles, which is eventually what got him noticed (the first significant villain role that got Gallen noticed was actually 1992’s Vengeance, it’s just that he didn’t become popular until several years later with Cold Blood Warm Heart, which successfully made him a household name in HK). And of course, it has been success from there….
Bobby’s situation was a bit different actually, as he didn’t have the advantage of good looks (which, as much as we may disagree with it, truly is something that management looks at when determining who to promote) and was mostly relegated to small roles throughout the 80s (his 2 biggest roles that I remember him in from that era were The Turbulent Decade and Alex Man’s version of Luk Siu Fung). I wouldn’t say that he wasn’t talented, as he actually was quite versatile back then and his acting was quite solid – it’s just that it’s hard for him to get ‘noticed’ when he’s playing smaller roles for one and two there were PLENTY of good-looking actors back then who could also act. The turning point for Bobby was of course Files of Justice, which is what catapulted him to fame (though it took 20 years for him to get there, since he debuted in 1982).
Not much comment on Louis Koo except to say that I was never really impressed with his acting back when he was with TVB. I think he got lucky with the right roles back then that were able to push him to popularity. I don’t follow his movie career at all so can’t comment whether his acting has improved or not.
@llwy12
I think Benjamin was also initially music focused too so it is expected that he isnt aware of how to become a consistently actor yet. The most important thing is that he hasn’t been terrible and that’s the most important thing. Gallen started as a terrible actor where you would notice he was reciting lines. Example ‘looking back in anger’. ‘Vengeance’ he became noticed but was still poor. You would notice how much Chilam was the better actor in ‘Legend of the condor hero’ even though Chilam was a novice at the time. A sudden improvement was shown in Cold Blood Warm Heart when it seemed that he came out of his shell by more freely. It wasn’t until ‘secret of the heart’ till everyone realised that his acting is flawless and then every series after that has been the same since. If Gallen can do it then the current crop of TVB second line actors can too!. If I had to bet,I would back Matt Yeung and Joel Chan. Ben would be a possible surprise and dark horse. No chance- Jason Chan, Edwin Siu, Tony Hung.
Acting wise, no comment. Takes time. Look at Gallen. From Wood he became a great with the right role and a knock on the head perhaps. This one’s problem is he is just no presence. I look at him and I feel nothing. His lookalike fares no better. But who knows, maybe a knock on the head will help.
He needs a meaty role to stand out…his best role to date is oncall 36, but since then not much improvement…
Even run over run he was average….his turning evil at the end wasn’t really that good…compare his acting to Vincent Wong..and Vincent Wong stands out much better..
I think he did a lot better in Speed of Life than in Over Run Over. It’s probably because with serious roles, he doesn’t have much facial expressions and that comes across as “wooden acting” but he has a little more talent with flamboyant/casual roles.
@linvin8 Probably because in Over Run Over he was most likely a side character until past half way, and the lack of chemistry between Benjamin and Tracy didn’t help (maybe it was meant to be like that, no idea).
@lileric Actually that’s what I thought too… the chemistry thing. I wondered if it was like that just so the audience wouldn’t ship Benjamin & Tracy as a couple in the drama – as well as indicating that they wouldn’t have a happy ending.
he was terribe in ORO, so wooden. liked him in SoL.
i think he’s really a bit old to make it big. the only person who really made it big in around the same age is wayne lai. but wayne lai is outstanding, and had been for the past 10+ years prior to his break through role. benjamin is known for his looks not acting, perhaps a bit too late to catch on to become a good actor…. if he was five years younger yeah, too late now
@m0m0
cockroach made it big in his old age too no? I am sorry, I only remember him as cockroach cuz of that old old series I find in the library ahhah lol…. Wayne Li? lol..
he made it big pretty pretty late in life too so never know.
For this guy, Benjamin honestly I don’t think of him as bad looking, averagely cute I would say and I always thought hes just a MR. HK, came out a while ago but 18 years??? WOW, that’s a shocker actually. Even now, he gets better roles but still it’s like I had no clue he’s only in his mid 30’s and already in the industry for 18 years. Shocking and sad. Hope he can make it even bigger b/c TVB sucks right now.
Watch a bit of ‘Over Run Over’. His acting is still wooden in the series.
Of all the Mr.HK alumni, he is the most successful, and received the most promotion. I wonder why. How does TVB decide which Mr.HK to promote? William Chak and Jack Hui are also Mr.HK, but, they are less promoted.
I guess he’s the most handsome of them all?
@kidd
From what I’ve seen so far William Chak and Jack Hui are much worse actors than Benjamin if based comparisons on their debut roles.
I’m curious. What did Matt do wrong? He’s been doing a lot of small roles and only had meatier roles recently. Don’t agree that his acting is good but I can tolerate watching him becos he’s reasonably good looking and if given a memorable role like Yat Yuen in MLOR, i find him likeable. In fact i voted him in the Most improved category and best supporting in last year’s awards. Like him best of the newly “being promoted” second/tjhird liners.
@isay he was caught drunk driving a few time and property damage if I remember correctly….so his image became bad..
@isay
It was ‘ Yat Yin’ in MLOR and he was brilliant.I think Matt was arrested for drunk driving just when he was about to be promoted to bigger roles. TVB places a lot of emphasis on image of their actors/actresses so Matt was relegated to minor roles after that. He’s very much back now and it’s not too late to push on to full lead status.
@jimmyszeto k thx i did mix up the character name a little lol! Thx for the info and thx to @happybi too. Drink driving is socially irresponsible and dangerous and should not be tolerated. I’m glad TVB didn’t choose to turn a blind eye jusr becos he was being promoted then.
@isay he was young then.just glad he didn’t hurt anyone during those incident. but glad he got his act together.
@isay
I always wonder about this guy too. He’s cute enough but always just barely memorable in any show. His acting is not bad and like you said, tall and cute good looking enough.
@kiki hi 5 kiki! Yeah he was/is mostly bland with his acting. Not much expression in his eyes and speaks with monotone. Acting-wise i put him on par with kenny wong with his one note expression. But at least he’s much cuter than kenny! I’d root for Matt over Ben Jason Edwin Oscar Him etc any time.
@isay
Kenny Wong is much older but it’s also sad that he’s this age now and still hardly ever a lead right? He’s actually not that bad but yes nothing memorable either. 🙁 TVB what else can people expect, they promote others and some never even know their names just like kalefe status.
@kiki i believe he’s the lead in The Executioner? And he has a role in the new Roger Kwok drama as a villain so it’s a new challenge for him. He always has a “fu gwa” (bitter melon) face lol, not exciting in the least, age aside.
@isay
Is that ancient drama? I mainly watch contemporary/modern dramas only. 🙂
Fu Gwa haha lol….Yeah, but it’s just sad how they have been kalefes for so darn long n still just supportings you know… TVB just sucks. lol
@kiki yep it was an ancient drama. Have not watch but my mom enjoyed it. Said it was good.
Even when wayne wasn’t the lead he still stood out imo. Liked you I remember him since his “cockroach” character. Can’t say i am impress with Benjamin..
@kiki
At least Kenny had been noticed enough to participate in many movies and have been involved in some top TVB series which is not every actor can boost of. Wayne lai is an example of someone becoming lead at an old age and now is living comfortably. It shows that they have made the correct decision in sticking with the entertainment industry. Most never make it in their whole career.
@jimmyszeto
That’s very true and that’s what i am saying someone says this guy above is too old to make it. I know that Wayne didn’t make it until he was really old right? Never know…. it might happen to the ones hanging there now since it’s not like they are many talents left in HK dramas.
@kiki
So many examples Francis ng,Gordon lam, Wayne lai. Too them a long time to make it. As long as actors are able to carry on with the tiny wages they are getting then there may be light at the end of the tunnel.