Have Tolerance: Michael Miu On 30-Year Marriage with Jaime Chik

Despite being 61, Michael Miu (苗僑偉) remains to be one of Hong Kong’s most popular and hottest television stars. But the charismatic and likable actor has had his fair shares of ups and downs in the entertainment industry—and for a period of time, he had to even quit showbiz to pursue full time in his eyewear business.

From Tiger to Fallen Star

Michael’s childhood was not easy. His father died from cancer at a young age, leaving Michael and his mother behind. To help provide for his family, Michael spent three years studying woodwork before quitting and auditioning for the TVB acting academy when he was 21 years old. As the leader of the Five Tigers—a group comprised of five of the most popular TV actors—Michael was definitely considered as one of the OG idols of Hong Kong television.

But that glory didn’t last. To catch up to the fast and efficient styles of HK filmmaking, Michael had no choice but to overwork himself. He once experienced five days and five nights of ongoing work without any rest. He could barely stand without losing his balance. His speech was slurring. Not willing to go through that same pain again, he and fellow Tiger Andy Lau (劉德華) decided to not extend their contract to another five years, which prompted TVB to freeze both of them.

Michael was without decent work over a year. After riding out his contract, he tried to pursue the film industry, but that did not work out as planned. Fortunately, both he and now-wife Jaime Chik (戚美珍) had been investing on an eyewear brand so their income was stable. Seeing potential in the brand, Michael quitted acting to dedicate his time to the business. He went from being the owner of a sunglasses store to the chairman of a business group. The group went on to open business in Hong Kong, Canada, and the mainland.

The Big Comeback

After putting 14 years in the business, Michael decided to sell it and return to acting, his true love. He accepted a filming offer from Tommy Leung (梁家樹), and was cast in the 2005 TVB drama The Academy <學警雄心>. He was nominated Best Actor for his role as the cadet training teacher, Sergeant Sunny Lee.

The Academy grew so popular that it spawned several sequels and spin-offs, including 2009’s E.U. <學警狙擊>, in which he returned as a different character, Kong Sai-hau. Michael became a staple actor for Hong Kong crime shows, including 2010’s Gun Metal Grey <刑警>, 2014’s Line Walker <使徒行者>, and 2018’s Flying Tiger <飛虎之潛行極戰>.

Loyalty to Jaime Chik

A career valley was not the only obstacle Michael had to overcome. There were times when he considered breaking off his relationship with fellow actress Jaime Chik, his wife of 29 years. Around the time they were getting married, Michael and Jaime had fought so much Jaime threatened to break up with him, even professing that she could never love Michael Miu again.

But Michael, forever loyal and patient, learned how to maintain their relationship. “First,” he said, “you must show tolerance. The eight years we’ve dated felt like a war, but fortunately Jaime is very easy to please. ‘Take a step back, and you will find more space.’ I abide to that.”

Secondly, Michael shared, is that he would always stay away from rumors with his costars. “I’m not going to give more problems to myself.”

Thirdly, is to be more empathetic and responsible. Alan Tam () once jokingly referred to Jaime as fat, but Michael defended Jaime in a heartbeat. “Everyone’s body shape changes as they age. There’s no reason for me to dump her after she had my children. As a man, I need to be more responsible. I’ve been with you for so many years. There’s no reason for me to leave ou halfway. I will take care of you forever.”

And lastly, is to always protect Jaime’s bare face! Reporters noted that Michael would take the time to chat up with reporters whenever he’s going out with Jaime—it’s a good strategy to stop reporters from filming Jaime’s face!

Source: ulifestyle

This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.

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