Why Kenny Wong left TVB
The former TVB actor was reportedly upset about playing second fiddle to Mat Yeung and Billy Luk in “My Commissioned Lover”.
In currently airing TVB drama My Commissioned Lover <婚姻合伙人>, Kenny Wong (黄德斌) plays Xing Wei, a playboy character who competes onscreen with lead actor Mat Yeung (楊明) over Samantha Ko (高海寧).
Last Drama at TVB
Working at TVB for 25 years, Kenny left the station to explore films after wrapping up My Commissioned Lover in 2017. According to sources, part of the reason Kenny ended his long-term relationship with TVB was because he felt disheartened at playing a supporting actor in the drama, behind Mat and Billy Luk (陸永), despite the fact that Kenny had already rose to lead actor position in Speed of Life <鐵馬戰車> and The Executioner <刀下留人>.
Career Trajectory
Kenny entered the industry as a model, and was part of TVB’s artiste training class in 1988.In 1993, his contract was not renewed and he left to venture in the film circle, taking on lead role in category III film Erotic Ghost Story 3 <聊齋三之燈草和尚>. His career development remained lackluster, and he returned to TVB in 1997, gaining viewer recognition after starring in A Kindred Spirit <真情>. Until 2004, he was a favorite of golden producer Johnathan Chik (戚其义), taking on significant roles in many of his productions including The Dance of Passion <火舞黄沙>, When Heaven Burns <天與地>, Beauty at War 2 <金枝慾孽2>. His acting was recognized when he picked up Best Supporting Actor award for The Dance of Passion.
Upset About “Downgrade”?
It was said that a few months before his contract ended, TVB started talking to him about renewal and even offered a pay increment in an attempt to keep the actor. However, Kenny eventually decided to leave. A close friend revealed, “Just before it was time to renew his contract, Kenny told us how that he felt dejected while filming the drama, as he didn’t know he would be under first male lead Mat. Not only that, Kenny had to be third billing behind even Billy Luk who had more screen time. If it were anyone else, he wouldn’t feel good too!”
Film Career Blossoming
Last year, Kenny married his long-time girlfriend of 18 years after ending his contract with TVB. Focusing on film projects after leaving TVB, he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the well-received film Men On the Dragon <逆流大叔> at the 38th Hong Kong Film Awards, and has recently wrapped up filming for Shockwave 2 <拆彈專家2>.
Source: East Week
This article is written by JoyceK for JayneStars.com.
Good for him for leaving TVB at this time. He’ll probably get more exposure and income from a consistent stream of movie roles anyways
It’s unfortunate that he’s third in line behind Matt Yeung and Billy Luk, particularly Matt Yeung, whom can’t act, and is arguably the worst of the 3 as Billy Luk has more charisma.
With that said, If leading, or second-in-lead career acting is what he hope to pursue then he will surely be disappointed as his acting isn’t first nor second-lead material, and he is expressionless overall.
The only reasons why he had opportunities to play lead and second-lead at TVB are obvious.
TVB is so screw up there…. in a few years when they notice new actor / actress cant help with ratings he’ll ask him to comeback for a serie just wait and see. He a golden actor with lots of experience, TVB lost to not cherish him.
The funny thing is that Kenny has done really well when lead or co-lead and TVB pushes him back into support….hmmm
I’m sure he’s making tons of money now after leaving Tvb. I’m glad he’s moving on. I prefer Matt acting than Billy.
Kenny has always been a boring actor, no charisma whatsoever, so it’s actually not tremendously surprising why he hasn’t gotten many lead roles given how TVB operates…with that said though, he’s competent enough an actor that I don’t think he’ll have a problem finding work outside of TVB.