Patrick Tam Refused to Play Second Fiddle to Wayne Lai and Rejected “Big Eunuch”
Patrick Tam (譚耀文) was previously unwilling to play second fiddle to Wayne Lai (黎耀祥), turning down TVB series, Big Eunuch <大太監>. Patrick immediately filmed a similar eunuch role in mainland series, The Emperor’s Harem <后宮>, which was recently broadcast in mainland China. As result of this series, Patrick Tam’s popularity skyrocketed. A production company offered Patrick $20 million for a two-year contract.
Recognized for his outstanding acting, Patrick appeared frequently in mainland dramas in recent years. Each year, he earned a significant amount of income. Collaborating with Ady An (安以軒) and Tavia Yeung (楊怡) in The Emperor’s Harem, Patrick portrayed an eunuch. His performance was exceptional and received wide critical acclaim.
With a sudden popularity surge in mainland China, Patrick’s market value increased dramatically. A mainland company that was interested in partnering with Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) wished to also sign Patrick for two years, offering a very attractive price. Asked to confirm the rumors, Patrick said, “Currently, I have been in discussion with many production companies. We will need to discuss the details at greater length. However, the price is really attractive.”
Regarding rumors that he did not wish to play second fiddle to Wayne Lai and thus rejected Big Eunuch, Patrick said, “No, I want to cooperate with Wayne Lai. The role was very good. However, I portray a villain in The Emperor’s Harem, in which the role offered more opportunities for expression.”
Aside from considering filming offers, Patrick was also very popular among mainland commercial promotional events. Earlier, Patrick appeared with Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼) and Lynn Hung (熊黛林) at an event. Patrick noted, “Right now, going back to China is similar to returning to TVB. I often come across old friends. In fact, such a big market [in China] is a good thing for actors.”
Excerpt from Oriental Daily
Jayne: Congratulations to Patrick in achieving greater popularity in mainland China. Patrick possesses a distinct charm in him and he is quite a natural actor.
From what I’ve seen of Patrick Tham’s acting and looks I’ve been impressed by what he’s done and often wondered why he appeared so seldom in any of the series, perhaps not realizing that he isn’t with tvb. I’m so glad he’s doing well.
He’s smart for leaving tvb a while back. He’s a great actor that has a lot of layers. He stole the entire show of EMperor’s harem.
I agree that Patrick stole the entire show of The Emperor’s Harem. Most good things I heard about the series are about him.
i still remember his disastrous and messy character in Angels of Mission. Such a horrible male lead. lol.
but i like that he’s so natural in that spineless role.
Ping,
I actually enjoyed “Angels of Mission,” the novelty of the three leads of Charmaine, Sonija, and Shirley on special missions. I enjoy series about secret agents.
Despite Patrick Tam’s unlikeable character, his acting was fine in there. The writing and love triangle was a little messy, but I liked Patrick.
He’sso arrogant. When his popularity goes down, he will be begging TVB even to be “an extra”
He doesn’t need TVB anymore. It’s TVB who’s begging him now to play second fiddle to Wayne and it’s smart of him to reject it.
So true, he is fine in China. If TVB wants him, pay up!
@Larry3: How fine in China, do you know?
BTW, he is the only good factor in this Harem series. I watched it for FSF and Ady and their love is disappointed. Too typical. Someone should tell TY that glare and rolled eyes aren’t a way to act villain. Or she can just look at Patrick. He also glared, but his glared way isn’t extreme as her, especially when it dun happen whenever he has a scheme. Ppl will know you have a scheme if you continue to do so! Like you put on a witch’s hat and keep denying that you are not a witch.
Yes most of the comments about about this show are talking about how good Patrick is and not much about others including Feng Shao Feng and Ady who are very popular.
He is a great actor, one of those older actor who left TVB ages ago. Acted in some great series
I like Patrick Tham. His acting is good and he’s also a good singer.
Looking forward to watch this drama
Patrick is a great actor. TVB give him to less opportunities 🙁
I remember him in File of Justice V & IV at TVB.
The Duke of Mount Deer (CTS, 2000) and To Where He Belongs (ATV, 2001), Relentless Justice (ATV, 2006) was awasome!!!!
It’s a pity that I can’t mandrian. So I did not watch the mainland drama’s.
Anyway, It’s a good thing that he is in China. At least he got recognising.
He’s a very good actor and I hope to see him partner with worthy “opponents”.
Wayne Lai play Second Fiddle in tvb Seed of Hope behind Patrick in 2003 ,is time to play back .
Waynei Lai is ahead of him now since Seed of Hope ,i wonder will Felix Wong play second fiddle to Stephen Chow in movie of tv since Steven was kelefe in legend of condor hero 1983.
So true he is way better to play second fiddle to someone like Wayne.
everyone seems to be pimping in mainland
mainland is the main income
Patrick went to China long ago.
I don’t think Patrick should return to TVB; I don’t want him to show up all the younger generation actors/actresses. Moreover, I don’t think TVB can produce a worthwhile script to warrant him taking a pay cut.
I think Patrick will lose his face if he play second fiddle to Wayne Lai become of the serial Seed of Hope ,he want to protect his own pride ,image will Ekin Cheng play second fiddle to Patrick movies or drama if invited since Patrick too play second fiddle to Ekin in movies The Legend of Zu,The Legend of Speed 2,same as why Felix Wong reject start in movies with Stephen Chow When Stephen Chow invite him to start in his movies in 1990an,this because of pride and dignity.just like Stephen was once at the feet of Felix in condor hero .
Aiyah!! Fake Jayne or no other name? Or maybe your real name is Jayne?!??!
By the way Stephen Chow is godfather so yes, Felix is under his feet. Even now. Even then.
Patrick started out as a singer in the 1990s, a career that never panned out. His career would have tanked had TVB not given him chances in some early series, such as “The Hitman Chronicles” opposite Leung Siu Bing and “The Golden Lotus” opposite Kenix Kwok, some very likable actresses. Patrick already caught my eye back then…. 🙂
I am happy for his success right now. With his success in mainland, I doubt he will be interested in returning back to Hong Kong for the smaller market.
actually I think he started early in the late 1980s.
Jayne isn’t he deaf on one ear? Or going deaf?
@(the real) Jayne: I agree with you. He caught my eye too!!! A long long long time ago 🙂 There is something special about him. He is not that handsome. Bus he has something ( maybe the X- factor?!? Lol). Anyway, it’s definaly loose his face when he turn back too TVB.
TVB too too late!!!!
I’m so glad Patrick rejected TVB then and went on to find his success in China, I’ve always found him to be good looking and a good actor since his TVB/ ATV days.
Anyway I think someone mentinoed that he should not have rejected since TVB gave him so me leads in the past…well it’s a two way street, TVB also saw something in him that could help them make PROFITS hence they gave him the leads…I’m sure TVB made some earnings from his TV series so you can’t really say who owes who unless of course Patrick was still under contract etc..
Anyway, good job Patrick!!
Patrick Tam’s character was very nicely portrayed in The Emperor’s Harem.
No one mentioned about TVB’s Split Second, Patrick Tam was great in that, so was Kevin Cheng. But Alex Fong sucks though.
When you mentioned of it, all I can rmb of this series is Alex Fong’s role :).