1983-1986: HK Screen Idols Tony Leung
These essays are written by Tony in Chinese, taken from Hong Kong Screen Idol Magazine from 1983-1986.
It’s now translated into English.
Written by Tony in 12/1983
Acting? I never thought I will become an actor, but I am, love it and crazy for every moment of it.
I shot my first ever tv serie “Xiang Cheng Lang Zi” while I was still attending tvb training school.
At the time, acting to me was fun and enjoyable, the fame and fortune came with it was not. They spelt trouble for me. My first shooting day was so relaxing. I was so engrossed into the role and absorbing the moment.
But acting is not always so fun. Most of you have tried to work 20 hours day job, but have you tried to work 20 hours for six months straight?
Many of you have tried to work outside during the winter when the temperature drops to 4 Celsius. But have you tried swimming in the pool during winter time while suffering high fever for the seventh consecutive day?
But an actor, had tried all that, and done much more.
All jobs can be sweet or bitter, you have to decide if it’s worth your time.
Acting brought so much joy in my life. It releases the inexpressive feelings I have inside of me. The tremendous satisfaction comes with a successful performance is that is so rewarding. If one day I couldn’t bring happiness to the audience, then there is nothing happy about me anymore.
Written by Tony in 1/1984
I don’t mind telling you what kind of guys I like. Honest, Stubborn, with a kind heart, just like Wong Yat Wah.
Indeed, I like Wong Yat Wah’s character a lot, not anything specific, but if you hang around him long enough, you will feel the “goodness” from his heart.
While filming “Xiang Cheng Lang Zi” with Wong, seeing him smoke one cigarette after another, I was very worried about him. At the time, smoking seems evil to me. Never thought today, I would become one of the addictive smokers.
You ask why do I smoke? Perhaps I should ask you why you like to chew the gum adults chew.
You sound surprised I graduated high school age 15. I am not lying, because I went to school early, and jumped couple grades.
There is no real advantage with an early graduation. The only good part that comes with it is perhaps starting work while young. I started working at age 15 and a half. My first job as a paper boy at my uncle’s grocery store, I remember all the prices on diapers and shampoos. But I have bad luck with sales. From there, I moved onto TVB training school. I was always a good kid, I gave my mom 1000 dollars while only making 2000 a month.
Now answering your last question: mom and little sister are the people I love the dearest.
Time to say goodbye to you.
Written by Tony in 10/1985
Recently, I declined several movie offers. Friends think it’s rather foolish of me not to cash in the opportunities.
I agree money is important to a degree. But, health is vital too. Without a healthy body to enjoy the wealth, what’s the point with all the money in the world?
I know opportunities are hard to come by, and the fame does not last forever. Once it’s gone, it’s not coming back. But I am telling you today, a few million dollars does not mean a thing to me. Maybe one day back to ghetto I might regret it.
Health is my top priority. Money comes in 2nd or 3rd. One of my media friends said this to me once, “If everyone is so satisfied about life, there is no challenge left in you. Nothing to improve on.”
I would say, “Not everyone needs to be challenged everyday. Do you want to be challenged to live a day-to-day life?”
“I am Tony Leung, not Alan Tan. He may need to wake up early each morning to take Breathing/Vocal Exercises. But not me. I only want to make one good film at a time.”
I believe I will a long acting career ahead of me. If I over-exhaust myself now, where is my future?
Maybe I can make a few million dollars today, but who knows how much more I can make in the future? How much one can spend has a lot to do with what fate has stored in for you.
Written by Tony in 9/1986
Today is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Sitting alone reflecting on life, I wonder if I really need a girlfriend. Who doesn’t want to spend the Moon Festival with a lover?
My mixed feeling on Relationship. I am such a workaholic, I had gone through periods when I totally forgot about my girlfriend while working.
My reservation to share my feelings with my girlfriend often gets me into trouble. I feel like there should be a mutual understanding between us. If I have to be forced to tell her my love, it will add unnecessary stress to the relationship. I don’t think every girl would understand it.
With Casual dating. Many say it’s pressure free. But that’s not fair for both parties. If companionship is all I looking for, then I am not respecting my true feeling about love.
Right now I rank my work as my top priority. I won’t rush out to find a date because I feel lonesome. A few months ago, I met this wonderful girl during my vacation in America. Even though we get along great, but long-distance relationship rarely works out. Rumor says she is my new girlfriend. I would like to clear this up myself. We are just good friends.
Written by Tony in late 1986
Busy Shooting “Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre” lately. I tend to lose a lot of weight during long shooting hours – if I haven’t had enough sleep, I couldn’t be eating much at the same time. But now I am changing my diet habits to take better care of myself.
After an all-night film-takes, I would eat a mid-night meal before going to sleep. Sure everyone knows the fact it’s very easy to gain weight if we eat too much before sleep. That’s probably why I had gained a few more pound even though I had been quite busy lately. Friends thought I better start losing that extra weight. Contrary, I am planning to gain more.
Being an actor, I know I have to look fit. But I am gaining weight for a legitimate reason. My next commitment “The Grand Canal,” the role requires a well-built, muscular dominant male figure. I will have to put on some sideburns and mustache. Thus it’s quite necessary to build my body to that level.
Right now I weight about 150+ pound. My goal is 170. I would have to eat a lot more just to combat the Winter in the outdoor sets of Xi-An (located in the Northern China). So I’m expecting my weight will be going straight up.
Actually, I always thought I look better with a bit more baby fat. Will you guys accept a chubby Tony Leung?
Written by Tony in late 1986
I enjoy reading novels, but due to my busy schedule, I rarely have the spare time to read. But if there is a need to read (such as Jin Yong’s novels), I would spend day and night reading the scripts.
For instance I finish reading “Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre” while shooting this series. The book is alright, but I would always favor “Legends of Condor Hero.” Kwok Jing and Wong Yung are the most intriguing characters.
As for “Duke of Mount Deer”, I enjoy reading it and playing the role of Wai Siu Bo. The book is funny and very entertaining. However I have to stick with LOCH(“Legends of Condor Hero”). It’s my absolute favorite.
As for the book after LOCH “The Return of the Condor Heroes”, it does not interest me as much. Because the entire book talks entirely about “Love”, perhaps it’s romantic and beautiful to some, but I’m more interested in reading the heroic actions from a Kong Fu novel.
I want to finish reading all of Jin Yong’s novels, and compare each.