Hong Kong singer-actor George Lam has opened up about his childhood struggles. Photo: China Press
Hong Kong singer George Lam is no stranger in the Asian entertainment scene, having pioneered a variety of genres in Hong Kong’s music industry.
With a career spanning nearly five decades, the 77-year-old has earned many accolades – including a Hong Kong Film Award for Best Original Film Song in 1986, the Golden Needle Award in 1994, a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 and more.
Yet behind his prolific career, Lam’s life wasn’t without hardship.
In a recent YouTube interview, the singer opened up about his childhood struggles.
Lam recalled enjoying a comfortable life with his younger brother until their parents divorced when he was just four.
The siblings were then raised by their mother, who later relocated to the United States.
In 1965, the brothers were sent to Britain to continue their studies. However, their life took a difficult turn, and the two even ended up on the streets at one point.
“There was a time when I had nothing to eat. We had no money and lived like orphans. We were even kicked out of school,” he shared.
Although his father was a doctor, Lam said he refused to provide financial help, adding: “I think he was also struggling financially, so we had to fend for ourselves.”
To make ends meet, Lam took on various jobs – including working at a fast food restaurant, cleaning apartments, delivering newspapers and more.
“Whatever I earned was gone quickly. Renting was expensive, so I had to juggle many jobs. It was hard,” he said.
His wife, singer-actress Sally Yeh, who was also a guest on the show, then shared a poignant memory from one of their trips to Britain.
While at a subway, Lam tearfully pointed out the spot where he and his brother were once knocked to the ground.
"As he spoke, he started crying. I never imagined things had been that serious," she said.
After nearly four years of struggling, Lam eventually found stability.
Despite the painful memories tied to his childhood in Britain, the singer said he still likes the place.
"It was the toughest period of my life, but I never saw it as a nightmare," he added.
