Former Hong Kong actor Liu Wai Hung, fondly known as Ah Chan, surprised fans in 1996 when he left TVB after wrapping up filming for the drama Mutual Affection.
In a recent interview on a web programme, the 68-year-old opened up about his decision to walk away from the broadcaster at the peak of his career, revealing that concerns about his long-term financial security were among the key reasons behind the move.
“One reason was that people inevitably get older. As you age, you can no longer play lead roles. And when you can no longer take on leading roles, your income will naturally decline,” he said.
Liu, best known for his performance in the 1979 drama The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, also recalled a piece of advice from his acting school teacher when he enrolled in an artiste training programme in the 1970s.
“My teacher told me that art comes from life, so I wanted to return to real life and gain a new understanding of it. Once I had figured everything out, I decided to leave,” he said.
Having ventured into several businesses during his years in the entertainment industry, Liu eventually found success in organic farming.
Today, he grows his own produce in Guangdong and is the founder of Ya Can Mi, a popular rice brand in China.
His entrepreneurial journey has even brought him to Malaysia.
In 2022, Liu – who shares a son with a Malaysian-born woman – and his organic farming team earned the nickname “Doctor Durian” after successfully rescuing hundreds of dying durian trees at a farm in Seremban, Negri Sembilan.
He expanded his food business with a fish ball joint in Cheras earlier in March.
