Shaun Tam is Not Seeking Fame or Fortune
Because of his stern looks, Shaun Tam (譚俊彥) has always been cast in more serious roles and only had the opportunity to star in his first comedy role in The Forgotten Day <失憶24小時>. Filming with a consistent output at TVB, Shaun has been a frequent face in dramas in the past three years. Reflecting on his patchy start, Shaun is content with where his career is at right now.
As a second-generation actor, Shaun’s skills and abilities were overshadowed by the fame and popularity of his father Ti Lung (狄龍). Similarly, his father’s connections also blessed Shaun with many opportunities that other newcomers may not have enjoyed. Despite opportunities to work alongside superstars like Anita Mui (梅艷芳) and Jacky Cheung (張學友), Shaun admitted that his youthful stubbornness and pride caused him to not take advantage or appreciate these valuable opportunities.
Recalling times when he would choose not to pick up his phone, get drunk and act out, and was scolded by the producer, Shaun did not get any job offers for a period of time. It was only when director Andrew Lau (劉偉強) gave him another chance and coached him on his behavior that Shaun began to turn a new leaf.
No Longer After Fame and Fortune
After marrying Chinese actress Yann Ren (任祉妍) in 2015 and later welcoming two children, Shaun decided to settle his career in Hong Kong. “If I continued with my career in China and my wife stayed in Hong Kong, we would get divorced eventually. This is because our social circles would be too different. Also, I was born and raised in Hong Kong, so I hope to raise my children following my own roots. When I was young, I only got to see my parents one day out of the week. Now, I want to ensure proper presence and give my children a suitable family life.”
The 40-year-old actor is no longer hoping for fame and fortune. Instead, the father-of-two hopes to earn a good living to provide the best for his family. “Children are expensive, so I hope to work hard and earn enough money to give them a comfortable life. When I come home from work and see my wife and two children asleep together, I am reminded that this is my biggest driving force.”
When deciding to focus his career in Hong Kong, Shaun was offered the opportunity to write 10 episodes of a drama for a station, but the confirmation was stalled. “While waiting, I instead received a phone call from Catherina Tsang (曾勵珍), so I ended up signing with TVB. When I brought my contract home, my wife saw my salary and was shocked. At the time, I did not have any other choice. I had already decided to move back to Hong Kong and not return to China. Unexpectedly after signing the contract, the other television station contacted me and said the drama got the green light. I could only laugh to myself and trust fate!”
Source: Sky Post
This article is written by Huynh for JayneStars.com.
His wife is from china. She could have moved to china with him for his career. I dont get why stay in hk when he had a career in china. And he doesnt have stern look. He has a serious face, yes but that’s not stern. Anyway he is getting too thin. That’s the hk effect.
@funnlim It should be obvious, HK is the better place to be, duh! 😛 Props for her in wanting to stay there.
@applelim Same, I didn’t know that either. He’s an alright actor though. But glad he’s putting family first.
Shaun isn’t great in this drama, I don’t think comedy is his thing tbh. I also think the storyline lacks something… I’m intrigued enough but it’s not exciting enough for me like every moment. I don’t find myself chasing it everyday. I’ve been waiting until the end of the week to watch it.
Other than that I believe he is not that type of person, it seems like he genuinely enjoys acting and that’s it.
@tt23 Exactly! He probably does not have any demands in the mainland or else why would he come back to TVB’s payroll of all places? Nowadays, everyone goes to China for the $$$$$$ and not the other way around. Wife is an actress but never heard of her either.
I watch him in that Stunt it was ok nothing memorable thou. I am a little shocked to learn he’s only 40. He looks older than that.
Didn’t know that he is Ti Lung’s son!!!!
He should really be thankful that he is Ti Lung’s son. Shaun can’t act a lick.