“I’m not envious, but I do feel bad for him.”
That was the response actor Kent Tong gave when asked by Hong Kong media if he was jealous of Andy Lau’s popularity.
Tong was once a household name in Hong Kong’s film industry in the 1980s and is among the Five Tiger Generals Of TVB which comprised Lau, Michael Miu, Felix Wong and Tony Leung Chiu Wai.
However, Tong's reputation was tarnished in 1985 after the public blamed him for the suicide of his then girlfriend, actress Barbara Yung.
The 64-year-old left TVB later that year to avoid more negativity. He then concentrated on his food business and occasionally accepted film roles in China.
Meanwhile, Lau made a splash in his career and was even branded as one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Cantopop in the 1990s alongside acclaimed singers Jacky Cheung, Aaron Kwok and Leon Lai.
Speaking to Hong Kong media recently, Tong admitted that although he is no longer as popular as Lau today, he does not feel envious of his friend’s success.
“Andy is very popular, but he has to face all kinds of media each day and do various shoots. There’s not enough personal time.
“Even though I am not as popular as him now, I am free and at ease. There’s no paparazzi following me, I can eat what I want ... There’s no burden. Life is much easier,” he said.
Tong then added that if reporters interview Lau in the future, they should ask if he knows what “meat” tastes like.
“Andy lives like he's not human. In order to keep fit, he has not eaten meat or rice for decades, and he has to exercise too! Most people can’t live such a life,” he said.
According to Sin Chew Daily, Lau once revealed in a television show that he had been eating only oatmeal and yogurt for breakfast for 30 years.
The publication also reported that the Infernal Affairs star is vegetarian and prefers drinking hot and warm water over iced water and carbonated drinks.
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