Raymond Wong: A Father’s Love Takes Time to Grow
Since filming for TVB in 2008, Raymond Wong (黃浩然) has become a staple in Hong Kong dramas. Considered to be many producers’ blue-eyed boy, Raymond’s subtle and mature performances have made him a pillar in many series. Once a workaholic, fatherhood did not come easily for Raymond, as his son once felt like a stranger to him.
A Producers’ Favorite
After starring in producer Leung Choi Yuen’s (梁材遠) 2009 production, When Lanes Merge <情越雙白線>, Raymond appeared in Leung’s 2013 Slow Boat Home <情越海岸線>. Producer Lee Tim Sing (李添勝) also enjoys working with Raymond and cast him in Rosy Business <義海豪情> and Bottled Passion <我的如意狼君>. He is also heavily used by producers Marco Law (羅永賢) and Mui Siu Ching (梅小青). Raymond is ever grateful to TVB executive Catherine Tsang (曾勵珍) in providing him with so many opportunities.
Raymond said, “I have worked with different producers and always insisted on being open and frank with them. There’s nothing I cannot talk with them. I do not seek any rewards, only to enjoy the process.”
Currently appearing in Karma Rider <師父．明白了>, Raymond saw the role as a different challenge. Compared to his more outlandish role in Slow Boat Home <情越海岸線>, Raymond had to cut down his exaggerated body language and mannerisms. Raymond said, “This is the third time I worked with scriptwriter, Shek Kai Ting (石凯婷). She really understands me well. She will always improvise the roles by making use of my personality or acting skills and then adding in a challenging element.”
Fatherhood Felt Strange
For years, Raymond has put his career ahead of family. “Before, I could work for 365 days because I knew what I wanted. Getting into TVB was to film as many dramas as I could in a year. However, once the kids came along, my mentality and priority have changed.”
Raymond was not always a family man and it took effort and a conscious shift in values. When Kayden was born in 2011, Raymond was still very much a workaholic. During his times with Kayden, Raymond’s heart and mind were only on his work. “In the past, when I saw Kayden, he felt like a kid I saw on the street to me. It felt awkward and he was almost a stranger to me.”
When his wife, Kaka, became pregnant for the second time, the responsibilities of taking care of Kayden fell heavily on Raymond. After spending almost every day with Kayden, Raymond finally realized that love is a lifelong investment. “I love telling stories and going swimming. Each day, we sleep together and I gave him baths. When I picked him up from school, he rushed over and hugged me. It was a wonderful feeling. What kids need the most is love, and love takes time to build. Spending time on the kids naturally meant that my work load had to decrease.”
Realizing that his family is now his priority, Raymond let his career take a back seat. After his second son Ransley was born in April 2013, Raymond took a six-month leave-of-absence to spend time with his loved ones. Raymond said, “When a person grows old, who will be the people around him? His family.”
Raymond’s parenting style is simple but effective. Both he and his wife hold traditional family values. “I hope they are happy, and happiness comes from a harmonious family. The most important thing is to teach by example. It seems very old-fashioned but it’s true.”
Source: ihktv.com
This article is written by Karen for JayneStars.com.
I’m glad to see that Raymond is realizing the rewards of family. Can’t say I shared his experience though… I loved and was involved with my son right from the day of his birth 🙂 Even took 6 months off work to stay home with him (in Canada parents can share Parental leave…)
TVBFanatic,
Very generous parental leave options! Most dads in our area take off 1 to 2 weeks using their vacation time to help out with their new babies.
I admire Raymond’s honesty and humor, in that his own son felt like a stranger to him. What may put off some men are the domestic aspects of raising kids, cleaning them, feeding them and teaching them.
Although fatherhood didn’t come naturally to him, glad to hear he put in effort and cares more about his family.
Yes, glad to read that as well. I was talking to my wife about his comments here…and his comments earlier about not being sure love can last. She wonders if maybe he had a difficult childhood/family life when young.
Thanks for sharing your info TVBFanatic and what a great father you are. My 3rd brother took a month off to care for my nephew while his wife had 3 months off for maternity leave. But here in the US,parents can’t share parental leave. My brother had to use his vacation days since he had not taken a vacation in a very long time. IT is part of his benefits package since he works for the government,but of course not everyone gets that.
and the fact that the parent usually get 80% of their pay if they do (i live in Canada too-specifically Winnipeg) and i know that maternity leave is 1 year. i’m not sure if paternity leave is the same.
Wow, really?? You guys are lucky in Canada. In the US, my sister in law only got 3 months off for maternity leave and only 60% of her income. My brother took one month off because he had a lot of vacation days that were not used yet. I do not think paternity leave even exists in the US but correct me if I am wrong.
‘After starring in producer Leung Choi Yuen’s (梁材遠) 2009 production, When Lanes Merge ‘
The English title for ‘情越海岸線’ is Slow Boat Home
Allie,
Corrected the mix-up.
He is a Johhny To reject and had to go slaving in TVB after kicked out by Johnny To from Milkyway movies.
DILF
It is great that Raymond was able to take a 6 month leave to be with his family. However, sadly not everyone is able to do so or are financial stable enough to do that.
So true HeTieShou,a lot of dads would love to spend time with their newborns, but cannot to do so due to financial difficulties
Raymond always struck me as a decent family man with good head on his shoulder
Yea, and these days it is not just dads but also moms too since moms have to help bring home the bacon as well…
I think Raymond is a good family man too. Hope that he brings up his children well.