Hong Kong actor Keng Cheng may be successful today, but there was a time when he was drowning in debt.
According to reports, the 73-year-old found himself at the brink of financial ruin in 1993 after accumulating a staggering debt of HK$17mil (RM9.8mil) following a series of ill-fated investments.
At the peak of his career, Cheng co-founded a film production company with friends, but mismanagement led to substantial financial losses.
Cheng’s situation became so dire that he was forced live in a low-income neighbourhood for over a decade. The TVB star also sold his car and home to stay afloat.
Many of Cheng’s friends distanced themselves during this difficult period, but one Hong Kong superstar remained steadfast by his side: singer-actor Andy Lau.
The 63-year-old not only offered Cheng financial support but also provided him with opportunities to help him get back on his feet. For instance, Lau enlisted Cheng as the producer of the 2007 film Brothers.
“I will never forget Andy’s kindness for the rest of my life,” Cheng told Taiwan's TVBS News.
The actor also said in a previous interview: “How many people in the film industry truly help others? I never expected Andy to help someone like me.”
While Cheng has managed to clear his debt today, new challenges persist.
According to reports, his wife is battling an illness that requires costly medical treatment. Hence, he has taken on more acting roles to cover the expenses.
Cheng made his debut with the 1976 series Hotel and has since starred in projects like When Lanes Merge (2010), The White Storm 2: Drug Lords (2019), Ip Man 4 (2019) and more.
Over the course of his career, Cheng has earned two Best Actor laurels at the Hong Kong Film Awards – one for his role in Why Me? (1985) and another for his performance in The Log (1996).
