From Kung Fu Stuntman to Actor: Spotlight on Jimmy Au

TVB actor Jimmy Au (歐瑞偉) has been in the entertainment industry for over 34 years. Throughout the span of his career, the veteran actor has starred in a variety of roles, and each was portrayed fantastically. His most recent portrayal as a crude peddler in Finding Her Voice <牛下女高音> is vastly different from his staple presence as a penny-pincher in Come Home Love: Lo And Behold <愛回家之開心速遞>.

Despite not being a staple lead actor, Jimmy’s meaty supporting roles have made him a recognized face among Hong Kong drama fans. Emphasizing the importance of supporting characters, Jimmy expressed, “I have portrayed roles ranging from a beggar on the streets to an emperor. If every drama only had main characters and did not have significant supporting characters, I don’t believe the drama will be enjoyable at all.”

The 57-year-old started his career in 1987 as a kung fu stuntman. Under the encouragement of Andy Lau (劉德華), Jimmy decided to become an actor. “Being a kung fu stuntman is a very short-lived career. You get hurt easily. I remember being injured quite severely one time. I had to film a chase scene and jump over the railing. My back leg missed the job and my whole body just fell forward. My face collided straight on to the metal railing and swelled immensely. After the swelling subsided, the right side of my cheek was bigger than my left side. That was more than 30 years ago though.”

Although known for his stellar resume of supporting roles, Jimmy was given the chance as a main lead during his earlier years. When he first joined TVB, he was hand-picked by screenwriter Siu Sang (蕭笙) to star as the lead in the 1986 drama, The Blood-Stained Intrigue <神劍魔刀>. “When I was in TVB Artistes’ Training Course, he picked me out. I was scared because I had no experience. Fortunately, I had other actors around to help me. If you ask me to re-watch that drama, I wouldn’t dare to do it! But because of this experience where I had mentors, I would be very patient when I come across new actors today. I wouldn’t go as far as to say I am teaching them anything, because I would not tell other people what they should or shouldn’t do. Everyone has their own way of thinking. However, I would give them some advice based on my own experiences.”

Jimmy’s Happy Family Life

Jimmy is happily married to former Malaysian actress, Wendy Lee (李愛玲), with two grown children. Jimmy shared, “My married life is a very happy one. My wife and I have never controlled each other. For most things, we know what our duties are and will do them without being told. My wife manages the household very well, so I never have to worry. If there are a lot of worries and burdens waiting at home after work, who would want to go home? There have been people who invited my wife to make a comeback in Malaysia, but she didn’t think the time was right. Even now, she is still getting contacted, but I will let her make that decision.”

On how the couple’s children were raised, Jimmy was full of compliments for Wendy. “I have to praise my wife in this aspect, because she gave our children a lot of freedom to develop themselves. She would talk to them with logic and reasoning, letting our children think things through on their own. As a parent, you can only give them advice on not taking the wrong path or making the wrong decision. In the end, they have to consider decisions and handle things on their own.”

With a happy family life and stability in his career, it is no wonder than Jimmy does not look his age at all. In very fit shape, the 57-year-old actor is also full of energy and vigor. Unless his body can no longer function, Jimmy has no plans to retire. On how he keeps fit and maintains a youthful mindset, he shared, “Of course, I have gray hair. If it is not a lot, then I do not need to dye it. It’s important to maintain a positive outlook on life and not always be frowning. Everyone has their worries. When you cannot find a solution, then it is best not to think about it. If you overthink things, you will instead push yourself into a dead end. Relax your mind and stay happy. You’ll naturally feel younger that way.”