Hong Kong actor Ti Lung received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur. Photo: Handout
When Hong Kong action star Ti Lung first got word that he was to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) in Kuala Lumpur, his initial reaction wasn’t one of pride but suspicion.
“I thought it was a scam because there are so many tricks going around these days,” the 79-year-old admitted during a roundtable interview joined by StarLifestyle.
Even after his wife, former Chinese beauty queen Tao Min Ming, confirmed the legitimacy of the invitation, Ti Lung remained uneasy.
He insisted that he hadn’t done anything particularly remarkable to merit such an honour.
The 78-year-old is among the most recognisable faces in classic wuxia cinema. Photo: Handout“I’ve just worked hard in this business. That’s all,” the actor said modestly, adding that he spent several nights quietly reflecting on his journey in cinema.
“I wondered if people were simply giving me too much credit.
“I can’t claim to have made any major contributions, but if others are willing to recognise you, it’s something to be happy about.
“MIFFest was also very sincere in offering me this Lifetime Achievement Award, and I consider it a priceless honour,” he said of the gong that he received in July.
Started from the bottom
Born in Guangzhou and raised in Hong Kong, Ti Lung never imagined a future in the spotlight.
After losing his father, he quit school at the age of 11 to help support his family – first working as a grocery store delivery boy, then training to become a tailor by the time he was 17.
During those years, Ti Lung also took up Wing Chun to defend himself against street gangs.
Ti Lung quit school at a young age to support his family, working as a grocery store delivery boy. Photo: ONG SOON HIN/The Star“Because of this, I understood what ‘low skill, low pay’ meant,” he said.
Ti Lung’s acting journey began by chance when he came across an open call for new talent at Shaw Brothers Studio.
Intrigued, he enrolled in its acting course and, soon after graduating, landed a minor role in acclaimed Chinese director Chang Cheh’s 1967 film Return Of The One-Armed Swordsman.
Impressed by the actor’s screen presence, Chang then offered him a lead role in the 1969 action flick Dead End.
The film’s success launched Ti Lung into stardom, making him one of the most recognisable faces in classic wuxia cinema.
“There’s a saying, ‘no business like show business’. I worked hard like a labourer, and things developed from there... Now, I’m almost 80 years old,” he reminisced.
Throughout his career, Ti Lung has starred in a variety of films – including Vengeance (1970), Four Riders (1972), The Blood Brothers (1973), Shaolin Prince (1983) and more.
He won his first Best Actor trophy at the 25th Asian Film Awards for his performance in The Avenging Eagle (1978) and followed up with another Best Actor laurel at the prestigious Golden Horse Awards in 1986 for his role as a triad member in the box office hit A Better Tomorrow.
Living modestly
Despite being a prominent figure in Hong Kong cinema, Ti Lung leads a simple lifestyle.
While he still dabbles in show business, the actor has greatly reduced his presence in the limelight.
His last project was the 2023 film Lonely Eighteen, according to IMDB.
These days, Ti Lung finds joy in spending time with his grand- children, reading books and watching films.
He’s especially fond of French cinema and even took French classes to better appreciate their stories.
“I never miss a good film. I love watching and learning from others’ work,” he said.
When asked if he travels often, Ti Lung laughed and admitted that modern technology has made things tricky for him, which is why he leaves all the planning to his wife.
“All the facial recognition technology and mobile apps... I rely on my wife for that.
“She manages my schedule, so if she has time, then we’ll go somewhere together,” he shared.
Ti Lung revealed that it was his wife who convinced him to take on two Malaysian films, which turned out to be sleeper hits – The Kid From The Big Apple in 2016 and its 2017 sequel.
In the story, he plays a grand- father who reconnects with his estranged granddaughter after she moves from New York to Malaysia.
Ti Lung plays a grandfather in the 2016 Malaysian film 'The Kid From The Big Apple'. Photo: Handout
“My wife read the scripts and said they were good. She was right – the films were warm, realistic and full of heart.
“I even saw people watching them on flights. I’m thankful to the (Malaysian) directors and actors who worked with me so well,” he said.
Passing the baton
As for future acting projects, Ti Lung admitted he’s become more selective, stressing that he’s no longer interested in reprising roles he’s played time and again.
“The script has to be unique and different... I don’t want to repeat myself with gang boss roles or characters I’ve already played,” he said.
He is also inspired by the new generation of action stars, such as those in the 2024 Hong Kong film Twilight Of The Warriors: Walled In.
“They gave it their all, and it was super refreshing to watch because it had heart.
“What’s important now is giving young people opportunities to try and break through, only then can cinema thrive,” he said.
Ti Lung shared that his son Shaun Tam – a successful actor in his own right – has urged him to prioritise his health and enjoy his golden years.
“My son told me not to push myself too hard as he’s financially stable, independent and living comfortably now.
“He also encouraged me to only take on roles that suit me and aren’t too taxing,” he added.
Tam, 45, is contracted to TVB and is known for his performances in dramas such as Succession War (2018), Brutally Young (2020) and Take Two (2021).
His performance in Take Two earned him the Best Actor trophy and the Most Favourite TVB Actor In Malaysia title at the 2021 TVB Anniversary Awards.
Ti Lung with his wife, former beauty queen Tao Min Ming, and his son, actor Shaun Tam. Photo: HandoutDespite Tam’s success, Ti Lung insisted that he has never given his son formal acting lessons.
“Acting isn’t something that can be taught.
“As Picasso once said, ‘Bad artists copy. Great artists steal.’ What he meant wasn’t literal theft, but taking inspiration or referencing others.
“We learn from others’ strengths and improve ourselves that way,” he said.
As the session drew to a close, Ti Lung shared one final message on the power of movies.
“Films aren’t just for entertainment... They’re cultural drivers that help people make sense of life.
“That’s why when you watch a great movie, you wonder, ‘How did they do that?’ That’s the power of story- telling,” he concluded.
