Hong Kong television host Natalis Chan has reflected on his wealthy upbringing. Photo: China Press
Hong Kong television host Natalis Chan has declared bankruptcy twice in his life.
The first came in his 20s, after a clothing factory business he founded failed.
The second followed when management issues at a talent agency he started left him mired in debt.
Despite these setbacks, the 75-year-old has since rebuilt his finances and now reportedly lives in a multi-million-dollar mansion in the affluent Kowloon Tong district.
According to China Press, a recently resurfaced video of Chan speaking about his late father has offered a glimpse into his wealthy upbringing.
The TVB star recalled that before he turned four, each sibling had their own domestic helper, saying: "I was a rich kid. If I choked on a shrimp dumpling, I'd just call the helper for assistance."
However, the family's fortune eventually dwindled after his father lost much of it to gambling.
"I only discovered later that my dad had lost everything through gambling… Mostly betting on horse racing. That's why I'm not really into horse racing even now," he added.
Chan also shared that he supported his father financially once he began working, continuing until the former passed away in his 90s.
"I gave my dad monthly allowances. He raised me for some 10 over years, and I raised him for a few decades," he joked.
Despite everything, Chan made it clear that he always regarded his father as his role model.
"I really looked up to him. His Chinese and English were excellent, and he worked as a customs officer," he said.
