Kenneth Ma Explains His Passion for Acting
Despite being in the entertainment industry for 20 years, Kenneth Ma (馬國明) confessed that he is still passionate with acting and continues looking forward to playing new roles. Sharing the secret to his successful career, Kenneth revealed, “I never feel any pressure from acting. It’s because I am an irresponsible actor. I don’t care about the awards. I just enjoy the filming process.”
Playing a Villain in “Line Walker: Bull Fight”
While known for his clean public image, Kenneth took a big step in his career when he accepted his first villain role in Line Walker: Bull Fight <使徒行者3>. Despite being different from his usual roles in both the character’s demeanor and styling, Kenneth was interested in the growth of his character and did not hesitate in accepting the role.
In addition to being interested in the role, Kenneth was also excited to collaborate with Raymond Lam (林峯) again after working together in 2015’s The Four <少年四大名捕>. Kenneth explained, “It brought back so many memories. After getting to the set and taking a quick glance, [Raymond and I] already knew what we both are thinking. It’s similar to when we were filming The Four.”
Although they both starred in the same drama, Raymond’s career grew at a faster pace and shortly became the leading star in many dramas. While Kenneth had a slower start to his career, he was not envious, “I didn’t crave to be a leading star, and I don’t like to compare. At the time, I didn’t think I could act well and I didn’t think I was handsome. It’s just that the audience has been watching me for a long time and thought I don’t look bad.”
Finding Fulfillment When Filming
Recalling when he first joined the entertainment industry, Kenneth revealed that he used to weigh over 180 pounds and had acne all over his face when he first arrived in Hong Kong after graduating university in Vancouver. “I wanted to be an actor, and never thought I would become a celebrity. Even though I was unattractive, I could still try. The economy was very bad in 1998. I sent in 60 to 70 resumes in Hong Kong, but no one responded. TVB’s artiste training class was the only response I received.”
Explaining why he loves acting, Kenneth enjoys experiencing different characters and doing things that he would not be able to do in reality. “It’s nice to get a good script but if that is not possible, I will have fun playing a good character or working with my co-stars. Therefore, I never received a script that I didn’t enjoy.”
He may have passion, but he has no talent for acting.
@anon EXACTLY! I was just about to make the same comment but you beat me to it! lol He definitely has no talent or maybe he is in his head too much so he portrays his characters the way he thinks they should be whereas asking the director and screenwriter how he could better play the role. And if he did ask yet still act this way then poor guy doesn’t have talent at all lol.
@anon one-note actor
Good actor:)
Can he explain his terrible performance in LW3?
@tt23 looool. And his terrible styling. I want to comb down his hair.
@bubbles23 eh the way they look is not in their control
@stmlw20 I think as an A list actor you have to know what makes you look bad and work it out with the crew. It’s part of character building.
@tt23 lol
He is such an overrated artiste; decent acting, can not sing, okay looking, boring personality. Someone explain his popularity to me please.
@jcc10 L-U-C-K
The Four is from 2008 not 2015.
i am okay w/ seeing him on screen. he’s not the greatest actor but has improved throughout the years. i like him b/c he comes across as a genuine good person.
Lol. Give this Man a break! Wasn’t he also a villain from Grace Under Fire? It’s almost towards where the end he became villain. I remember he’s been working with Raymond Lam in The Three Kingdom and Tai Chi Master?
@cutie777 Yes, Kenneth was a villain in Grace Under Fire. He was a way better villain there than LW3. I think his character was poorly written in LW3. I didnt like Moses in LW Prelude either.
acts best as taxi driver and market seller, nothing else! takes an idiot to cast him a villian!