EXCLUSIVE: TVB star Shaun Tam on why it's harder to make friends as men age

The 40-year-old father of two admits he found it hard balancing work and family initially. Photo: Handout

The subject of friendship comes up quite a bit during StarLifestyle's exclusive interview with Shaun Tam.

Tam can be currently seen leading the cast of TVB comedy-drama, The Forgotten Day.

Two characters from completely different backgrounds cross path during a kidnapping – one an interior design business owner, played by Tam, the other a waiter struggling to provide for his family, played by Roger Kwok – and forge an unlike friendship along the way.

"As they get to know each other better, it turns out that they share some similarities in their marriage. The two men spend most of their time focusing on their own lives and have somewhat ignored their wives. They are also both simple-minded, good people. I think the bond between these two characters is really special," he shares via email correspondence.

To portray that friendship, Tam says he drew inspiration from another buddy comedy.

"When I was a teenager, there was a Jim Carrey movie called Dumb And Dumber. I think what Jim Carrey and Jeff Daniels (who played two friends embarking on a cross-country adventure) shared was truly magical. I did borrow some of that energy and visualise my character's relationship with Roger's character as an odd couple. The laughs were there but their true emotions showed as well."

The 40-year-old father of two also reflects on the friendships in his own life.

Asked if it's harder for men to make friends as they get older, Tam replies: "That's absolutely true! Since the birth of my first child I have decided to spend most of my free time with my wife and kids."

Tam, who has been married to Chinese actress Yann Ren for six years, says he prioritises being a family man and believes his friends understand the responsibilities that come with raising a family.

"At first, it was a struggle to balance between work and family, but I am happy with my decision and I would rather create more memories with my kids in their childhood. As my friends are mostly dads or mums now, I think we have a mutual understanding."

After The Forgotten Day, Tam will star in the second season of Brutally Young this year.

The Forgotten Day airs every week day at 8.30pm on Astro AOD HD (Ch 311). It is also available on Astro Go.

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