Alex Man: The King of All Actors
Alex Man (萬梓良) was a household name in the 1970s and 1990s among Hong Kong drama viewers. After appearing in 1995’s Down Memory Lane <萬里長情>, Alex left the Hong Kong entertainment industry at the peak of his career to establish his own apparel business. Acting remained as his true passion and two years ago, Alex Man returned to flex his acting power once again.
The 54-year-old Golden Horse Film Award Best Actor was known for his passionate nature and dynamic onscreen performances. In the 1970s, Alex Man joined RTV and starred in many memorable historical dramas, such as Dynasty <大內群英>. Portraying the role of Emperor Yongzheng when he was only 23 years old, Alex Man’s charisma left a deep impression among the audience.
Earlier, Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) professed that as a child, he had grown up watching Alex Man act in television dramas. Wayne saw Alex Man as the eternal TV King due to his stellar acting. Many fans of Hong Kong entertainment will agree, as Alex was a powerhouse actor with a rich legacy.
An Unbridled Passion
In The Feud of the Two Brothers <流氓大亨>, Alex gave one of the most memorable tearjerker scenes opposite Carol Cheng (鄭裕玲) in TVB history. The Feud of the Two Brothers was directed by Jonathan Chik (戚其義) and it turned out that scriptwriter Wai Ka Fai (韋家輝) was unable to pen the ending scene due to lack of inspiration.
Bravely, Alex rose to the occasion and promised the producer to write the memorable lines in the final scene of The Feud of Two Brothers. Alex said, “I had acted in episodes 1 to 29 of the drama, thus I understood the content well. I wrote the entire final scene, including the line, ‘So what?’ Carol’s tears in the scene were included in the script because we wanted an open ending.”
Allegedly, costar Carol Cheng was uncertain what to expect during the filming. Despite amassing a fortune at the end of the drama, Alex’s character was unable to resusitate his wife, Carol Cheng, who had fallen into a coma. Alex’s tears rolled down his cheeks and his voice trembled at the fear of losing his wife.
It was Alex’s passionate energy that allowed him to embody the characters he portrayed. He applied the same passion in all pursuits of life. After starring in TVB drama, Big Family <大家族>, in which he portrayed a wealthy businessman, Alex had a strong desire to start his own business. In 1995, he retired from the entertainment industry to establish a men’s apparel business in mainland China. At the height of the company’s success, there were 61 retail stores. The number has since dwindled down to 3 stores.
Alex recalled that while growing his apparel business, he had to go drinking with business partners every night. “In one year alone, I drank more than ten years’ worth of alcohol!” Admitting that his apparel business was currently nearing its concluding stage, Alex said, “The production costs are growing increasingly expensive. It is very difficult to maintain in the long-term. Then it is best to reduce the operations and maintain only 2 or 3 stores for interest. I do not owe any debts. My financial situation is not a problem!”
Turbulent Love Life
Born under the astrological sign of Leo, Alex possessed intense emotions, loving fiercely in his relationships. In the 1980s, Alex dated Sheren Tang (鄧萃雯), when she was only 18 years old. Sheren later described Alex as a father figure and mentor in their romantic relationship, in which she had yearned for paternal love due to growing up in a single-parent household.
In the 1990s, Alex married and divorced Taiwanese actress, Tien Niu (恬妞). He later married, divorced, and remarried his current wife of 10 years, with whom he has a 9 year old son together.
A Mother’s Love
The last twenty years have etched wrinkles on Alex’s face, turned his hair gray, and thickened his waistline. Aside from experiencing three marriages, Alex was most shattered by his mother’s death. Growing up in poverty without his father’s presence, Alex and his three elder sisters were raised by his mother and maternal grandmother. With his sisters’ earnings, Alex had the opportunity to pursue a tertiary education. After taking 5 months of classes, Alex dropped out due to the burdensome costs.
Alex said, “My brother-in-law has a restaurant in Great Britain and invited me to study there. But I did not wish to leave my mother and grandmother, thus I joined an acting training class instead.”
In her senior years, Alex’s mother’s diabetes advanced, in which the doctor warned that amputating her leg was necessary. Mrs. Man refused and several days later, she died in her sleep.
Alex said, “In my life, I felt the most helpess when my mother died. I became numb and did not film any projects for 3 years. From the time I was born until her death, we had lived together. My biggest regret is that my mother died in December 2002 and my son was born in February 2003. It is quite a mystery. One life ends and a new life is born. Her greatest wish was to have a grandson before she died. I regret that I was unable to fulfill her last wish. Her wish was not that difficult to fulfill; do you know how I felt as her son?”
A Father’s Love
Alex’s son was currently 9 years old. Alex enjoyed telling his son about his own childhood experiences, hoping to lend his wisdom. The pair played sports and engaged in outdoor activities together. His son will play the guitar while Alex sings. “I am very satisfied that I have a warm family, a good wife and a son!” Asked what aspirations he had for his son, Alex laughed, “Health always comes first! We can talk about other things later!”
Alex’s blood sugar levels were high and he was pronounced as a diabetic. He was required to adhere to a strict diet with low sugar intake. However, he did not quit his smoking habit. He continued to smoke one-and-half pack of cigarettes each day.
Laughing frequently throughout the interview, Alex maintained that he was cheerful in nature and easy to get along with. He denied the past explosive image that the Hong Kong media had bestowed upon him.
Happy to Work With Younger Actors
Returning to acting in 2010, Alex has appeared in mainland drama, The Years of the Proud Sun <歲月驕陽>, theatrical production The Devil’s Contract <魔鬼契約> and recent film The Bounty <懸紅> portraying Fiona Sit’s (薛凱琪) father. Alex said, “I always enjoyed working with young artists, which can stimulate an aging mind.”
Despite the upcoming television wars between local stations, Alex said that he has not been invited by TVB or City Telecom (CTI) to appear in their dramas. Alex said that the new competitive environment in the Hong Kong television industry was beneficial. “The pie should be shared by everyone. I have seen many television wars in the past. It is the most important to produce dramas that suit the audience’s tastes. Dramas are the ‘main course’ for television stations. Dramas are hotly discussed by people because watching acting performances is a basic joy.”
Alex Man has delivered impressive performances that thrilled audiences for decades. Similiar to his Chinese name, “Chi Leung,” which meant the finest timber suitable for the emperor’s use, Alex Man represented the best among the best actors in Hong Kong entertainment history.
Source: East Week Magazine, ihktv.com
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Jayne: I hope this Alex Man article brought you down RTV and TVB’s memory lane. Alex is one of my favorite actors, due to his dynamic energy and explosive charisma. His love for acting is clear in all his acting performances. Many fans liked Chow Yun Fat in the 1980s, but my favorite actors from that period are Alex Man and Felix Wong.
Was Alex Man part of your TVB childhood?
I didn’t like Chow Yun Fat until his movies era. In fact, I have not seen a single TVB series of Chow Yun Fat, including the Shanghai series that people love.
I actually love Alex Man, Felix Wong, Michael Miu and Lui Lang Wai (guy from Born Rich) growing up and then I moved on to Gallen Lo. Miss them all so much! They all work so well with their co-stars .. hard to find these kind of guys nowadays at TVB!
thanks for a great article jayne!
Pandamao,
Glad to hear you are an Alex Man fan! Surprisingly, not much discussion about him in online forums anymore. Perhaps he has been gone from the small screen for too long.
The series that Chow Yun Fat left the deepest impression upon me was “The Good, Bad, and Ugly” (also known as “Man in the Net” 网中人). He had amazing chemistry with Carol Cheng. I don’t really like Chow Yun Fat in comedies and did not think “A Better Tomorrow” was that groundbreaking.
I remember his poweful acting in Dynasty and Dragon Strikes too. Really miss seeing him in series so much!!
Jayne, thanks for the article. I don’t know much about Alex Man, but I vaguely remember watching him in some dramas, and decided he’s not my cup of tea. Good actor; yeah but I thought he’s too “intense”. Perhaps I shall visit his films where he won his Golden Horse award and HKFA nominations.
I held Fat Gor better than Alex Man in my book. Fat Gor’s best for me was in “All about Ah Long”. I also visited some of his old comedy films, and decided he’s not meant for comedies…..:P
Masaharu,
“Good actor; yeah but I thought he’s too “intense”.
Alex’s brand of acting is quite “theatrical.” But I find that Dicky Cheng is also the same way, where their overacting actually works and involves the audience. 🙂
“But I find that Dicky Cheng is also the same way, where their overacting actually works and involves the audience”
Perhaps..and perhaps why Dicky Cheung isn’t my cup of tea too..however, I accept and like Dicky Cheung’s “overacting” in comedies; because I find it fits more in this area 😀
I also found Felix Wong “intense/theatrical”. What I prefer is Bowie Lam’s delicate style 😉
People always complained about Steve Ma Jing Tao(taiwanese actor) overacting and all too. I think he has the same style as Alex and Dicky in some ways. Some may like it but others may not.
Yeah perhaps “dramatic/theatrical” isn’t my thing. I appreciate Bowie Lam’s “delicate” style more 🙂
@Masaharu: Alex man is a great actor and I don’t get by what you said too INTENSE. I don’t find him overacting at all. It’s what dramatic should be all about!
CYF is over rated. Alex and Felic are better than him
I agree about the ‘intense’ and thestrical drama part about Alex Man.
While he is very convincing … I also get the feel he can be maniacal (ie like a maniac) in behavior – be it reel or real.
I believe in every good actor – he can be that role so well, because he also draws upon some facet of his real inner self.
That manic drive may power his acting to that intensity, but I also get the feel it’s also what charges his real personality offscreen. (which also leads me to believe he can be abusive too)
Mr Chow has a different style totally – I was addicted to Man In The Net – their chemistry was awesome. The one following that —- Chan Ching, also with Carol Cheng was nowhere as enjoyable.
Did NOT really like his brand of acting (esp in movies) before Men In The Net. In fact my mother would try avoid going to any movie starring Chow Yun-fatt when I was a kid.
These days …. he’s refined himself. Enigmatic Mr Chow can be diabolical or suave, he keeps you guessing …
Whereas with Alex Man sometimes comes across as odious and uncouth, even just looking at him.
I remember Tony Leung Chiu Wai talking about his acting style as well. He was saying how if he needed to cry for a scene, he would just need to think about a sad moment in his life and the tears would just come out. Basically, people are convinced by his acting because the emotions are all real.
Tony Leung is being modest. He is a terribly good actor. That’s why he is convincing.
I agree that he is being modest and it is great that such a good actor like him is so humble.
I dont get it, he married, divorced, remarried the “current” wife” and have a son of 9 years old? So who’s his wife now?
Veejay,
Alex married his current wife twice. Same thing as how Stephen Au and his ex-wife got back together.
I read awhile back that Alex’s current wife was a flight attendant in the past.
Oic, thanks for the info Jayne.
I thought his wife is still Tien Neu..so it’s someone else.
Veejay,
Alex has been married 3 times to 2 women.
It’s a miracle for two people to want to give each other another chance after getting divorced. Crossing my fingers for Cecilia Cheung and Nicholas Tse.
I like Alex as well and thanks so much for this great article about him Jayne! He watched his wedding to Tien Nu and it was great to watch. Sadly, their marriage did not last. I grew up loving many of his performances and one my favorites was from the Legend of the General who never was. He was hilarious in that one… Hope to see him back to the small screen when he has time.
If I’m not wrong, the reason for his unsuccessful marriage with Tien Neu was due to Alex being unfaithful and was an abusive husband that’s what I heard from some fans.
Really? That’s not what I heard but then again, I don’t remember the details… But I thought it was her fault since I remember that Alex cried and was really hurt over the divorce. Does anyone remember??
Well I’m not very sure myself but I remember Tien Neu once mentioned that she has to seek for divorce because Alex “hit” her something like that. The rumour was published many years ago.
i also heard the rumor that he was abusive. i think reporters fabricated that story though. they probably linked his character on screen and made a lot of assumptions about his character off screen to the fall of his marriage. I know he’s an intense actor but that doesn’t necessarily equate to an abusive person.
@ Jayne, thanks for the clarification, i get it now as i was confused lol
“If I’m not wrong, the reason for his unsuccessful marriage with Tien Neu was due to Alex being unfaithful and was an abusive husband that’s what I heard from some fans.”
Nah.. I happen to know him in real life. He is a good guy.
I could felt for Man who was unable to full fill his mother’s wish to see a grandchild..so sad..
I hope Alex would consider filming for tvb series again..I’d like to see his power acting really.
Veejay,
Rumor has it that Alex is a very passionate actor with his own mind and manner of doing things. I can imagine him being very principled in changing lines a certain way. Maybe that is why TVB has not invited him back.
Last year, Alex said in an interview that he was interested in filming TV dramas again, but TVB has not invited him.
Alex would be doing a good thing to stir some fire into current young actors, where some have lazy eyes as if they are sleeping while uttering the script.
@Jayne,
I can’t name out any of the tvb’s current fadan/siu sangs who can actually bring “life” in a drama/series probably due to the reason that u mentioned..lazy eyes as if they’re sleeping while reading their script.. it’s just darn boring imo..even Kenneth Ma, LF, Bosco or Michael Tse can’t carry out those “feel” like how Alex Man shown in the old series..
People won’t remember their performances after the drama ended but ppl will remember those dramas that have Alex Man just because Alex like you mentioned was a passionate and daring actor who can really lead a drama and attract audiences.
Alex is an amazing actor and I remember him in Genghis Khan. He gave such a powerful performance and TVB wanted him to do a sequal but he refused due to all of the hardships that he had to endure for the first one… I hope that TVB will invite him back sometime.
I also heard of Alex Man being a difficult Actor who has his own opinion and etc (just like Jessica Hsuan being called as difficult actress)..I guess that’s why TVB rather use their new inexperienced actors than using someone who would argue with them.
@Veejay and Jayne,
I must say that many actors from the 70s and 80s were just soo special and had that talent and passion that many of the stars of today just lack. I wonder if you can now see why I often get nostalgic?? That is one of the main reasons why. I really miss such great acting that many of the actors and actresses of today just don’t have…
HeTieShou,
Have you seen Alex Man in “Dynasty” and “Tai Chi Master” from RTV days? He already shined for me back then, especially paired with beautiful Michelle Yim.
I find Alex Man to be even better in modern series, suits his robust acting style more.
@Jayne,
Of course I have seen him Dynasty and the Tai Chi master. I can never forget those great performances by him. I think he looks great in ancient but I did not care for modern series back then so was not sure how he did in them. Did you see Dragon Stikes?? If it is an ancient series from back then, then I have seen pretty much all or at least most of them. However, I have only started watching modern series recently. I used to really dislike modern series and only watched the classics such as the Bund, Shell game, Yesterday’s glitter,etc.. Otherwise I would mostly watch ancient series only.
Veejay,
“I can’t name out any of the tvb’s current fadan/siu sangs who can actually bring “life” in a drama/series probably due to the reason that u mentioned..lazy eyes as if they’re sleeping while reading their script..”
I don’t know how many hours of sleep veteran actors such as Alex Man had while filming in the old days. Presumably same level of sleep as current actors.
Probably that young people in each successive generation want to accomplish more with less effort. Maybe TVB artists are about speed and efficiency, recycling the same expressions to conserve energy. The problem is still inconsistency.
I happened to watch Kenneth’s proposal scene to Tavia in “The Hippocratic Crush.” While the dialogue was written nicely and Kenneth had nice eye contact, the method in which he delivered the speech was not emotionally moving. It was just uttering the words and slowing down, ejecting more emotion would have been better.
Another problem is that TVB artists can now become millionaires. Money becomes a greater priority over one’s craft. Acting becomes a job where you do it proficiently enough to get promoted, win ads, and buy a luxury home. Acting becomes an means to achieve materialistic ends.
Actors such as Alex Man found success because he honed his craft. He went to the trouble of writing his own final scene in “The Feud of Brothers.”
You’re right, people do not remember the convoluted TVB plot years after seeing it. All they need is one or two powerful acting scenes to remember the show/ actor for life. Alex Man is very good in triggering these emotional reactions.
My entire family happens to be Alex Man fans.
HeTieShou,
No I have not seen “Dragon Strikes” but I happen to watch “Dynasty” a few years ago, so his performance was more vivid to me.
Many actors from the 70s and 80s grew up in poverty and suffered hardship. They were honed by life experiences to be able to convey wider range of emotions.
If you are nostalgic for old actors, you can always whip out the old discs to watch. While I appreciate the acting, sometimes the pace and camera work are a bit slow for me.
Rumored difficult actors/actresses:
Chow Yun Fat (new add due to Jayne’s recent article)
Wong Hei
Jessica Hsuan
Alex Man
Stephen Chow (changing scripts and adding his opinion)
Steven Ma
Passionate people are the ones that want to fix the flaws and questions the flow of things. TVB cultivates and rewards individuals that are unoriginal and obedient.
@jayne,
You really should see Dragon Strikes. I actually just saw that recently. I saw Dynasty several years ago and Tai chi Master when it first came out. Yea, I often whip out the old discs to re watch old series since I often feel nostalgic. Regarding sleep, honestly the veteran actors slept even less in many cases then the actors of today. I remember reading about it all in an interview that Felix Wong had several years ago. I have to look for it if you want to read. He talked about many hardships that he suffered being an actor.
I felt that many actors and actresses back seemed more into their craft rather than just money
since they did not get paid well back then but worked harder. I remember us all talking about this
before. Of course we all need money to live,however, you can clearly see or have an idea about someone that truly has passion for what they do versus someone who only does it for the monetary rewards.
I also wanted to add that the pace was not too bad since it depends on the series too. The camera work for the 70s series are a bit slow, but the 80s are fine for me. The legend of the book and sword
from the 70s was too slow to me and the fight scenes felt like kids fighting. But I enjoyed it overall since I think it was pretty accurate to the novel.
with the new trend on focusing to become the money-making powerhouse, i want to refrain from blaming the artist. it’s a top down corporate message that tvb sent to their employees.
to make a living, an artist will have to sign on as a management artist. as a management artist, s/he will have to attend galas and fund generating venues but also continue to participate in series to gain recognition.
i hate what the tv series world has turn into but my blame is entirely on tvb and not so much on the artist.
so happy about the new companies coming out to take a piece of the pie, albeit pretty rotten by tvb’s doings!
“Rumored difficult actors/actresses:
Chow Yun Fat (new add due to Jayne’s recent article)
Wong Hei
Jessica Hsuan
Alex Man
Stephen Chow (changing scripts and adding his opinion)
Steven Ma ”
Chow Yun Fatt – he is A++++ list so he can be difficult
Wong Hei – well.. look where his career now
Jess – I believe depends on situation
Alex Man – was he?
Stephen Chow – he is the boss, he can be difficult if he wants and look how good it does to his movies. And some of his earlier works are crap but his performance is all 100% good
Steven Ma – really?!
I heard Dynasty is quite a classic. But I can’t find it so I can’t watch it. No one will ever re-release these classics in DVD at all?
Gah, sometimes in Jaynestars I can feel like a “loner villain” because some of the people whom I like their “work” aren’t exactly popular appreciation while popular appreciation aren’t what I appreciate..haha, but hey..it’s not feeling that bad muahaha…
Let me list: Daniel, Bosco, Angelababy, Chrissie Chau, Kate, and some more…:P
@ Masaharu
You are not a lone ranger. I like Angelababy, Chrissie Chau, Bosco Wong and Kate too, and I don’t mind Daniel (I assume you are talking about Daniel Wu). 🙂
@jayne: no jayne I disagree I think ma ming was great in hippocratic crush and his crying scenes especially made me think ma ming can be alex man’s successor. Tavia is the one recites her lines just like her every other series. Qhy don’t anyone pick on that
the best artistes are always the humble one. Ma ming for example don’t show off his wealth by buying expensive houses or cars but saved them and he only get a smartphone recently.
fiona sit’s acting are lazy although she’s a movie queen nominee. She’s lucky she got to act with alex and learn to act properly
@fiona,
I’m a fan of Kenneth Ma too but I do not find his acting to be mesmerizing or remarkable. His acting skill is just so-so and is only getting better nowadays. I do agree with you being a good artist, he/she shouldn’t flaunt their wealth like purchasing sport cars..etc. and Kenneth isn’t one of them but that has nothing to do with acting hehe.
I guess audiences just love to see “exegerrating” acting skill from Alex Man that make him remarkable and memorable. I kinda like it when Alex’s thick saliva fell out from his mouth when he cried in his old series haha.. funny but Alex really was a passionate actor who can show the real emotion better than many young actors.
@fiona
I’m not sure if KM is Alex Man ‘successor’ yet but he did perform great and improved in THC and yah a humble artist 😀
@Masaharu
LOL I don’t like all the names you put down! and LOL why you don’t think Alex Man is awesome? ROFL
I totally agree with pandamao that part of the lackluster performances by the artists nowadays is attributed to TVB and its management. They need to somehow inspire their actors and actresses to arouse that inner fire in them so that they can deliver stunning performances.
but TVB script also has no fire anymore unlike in the 80’s and 90’s where there are many epic series!
Vivien,
“but TVB script also has no fire anymore unlike in the 80′s and 90′s where there are many epic series!”
That was because TVB had Wong Jing as a scriptwriter in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Mr. Wong scripted the classic, “Man in the Net.”
Wai Ka Fai was another brilliant storyteller in the late 1980s and early 1990s, using daring topics.
Cheung Wah Biu is a bit more tame and less original compared to Wong Jing and Wai Ka Fai.
How often do we come across remarkable talent that spans decades, whether in acting or production work? In the old days of British Hong Kong rule, the talent remained in Hong Kong. They could only find work in television or film industries.
After the Hong Kong handover and current rise of mainland China (big investors), HK talent has crossed over to China for the big money.
So what remains in HK are most likely fresh, undeveloped talent.
that Wong Jing who produces crap movies nowadays? What happened to his ‘talent’ back then? LOL
Vivien,
:”that Wong Jing who produces crap movies nowadays? What happened to his ‘talent’ back then? LOL”
Wong Jing is first a businessman with commercial interests. While some of his film humor is quite crude, I wouldn’t dismiss him as untalented or no longer producing any hits.
Wong Jing produced consistent box office results in the 1990s. He is already a legend in the novel ideas he churned out.
I think what hurt Wong Jing’s reputation the most his ventures in Category III for money. Women especially are quick to dismiss him because of this, calling his works sleazy and such.
But he is still a talent. The matter is being able to remain creative and spin out stories that appeal to changing audience preferences. It’s a hard job and I already commend Mr. Wong for his past successes, spanning more than 2 decades.
Now artists act for $$ and one of them keep talking about $$ in every of her interview and answers making it plain obvious LOL
I used to dismiss Wong Jing too until I saw him on a TVB show where he displayed his poetic side and I was amazed at his handwriting, his ability to write beautiful prose and the way he spoke. He may not speak well but he is in fact articulate. People always forgot he was a scriptwriter, his father was a scriptwriter because Wong Jing took the commercial route. After that show I believe he is an intellectual who made a very obvious commercial choice. I don’t begrudge him for that but would hope perhaps one day he would sink his critics by coming up with something more thoughtful than degrading towards whatever subject he chose to do.
A lot of people only know Wong Jing for his silly comedy and Cat3 movies, but, he has also produced and written some serious movies. Examples:
I Corrupt All Cops
Colour of the Truth
Color of the Loyalty
Wo Hu
So he is acting casually or full time? I hope he comes back to TVB for one last show. I miss him. His acting is dramatic but NEVER over the top. There is always an emphasis of sincerity in his performance, and I always remember the joke of his saliva flying whenever he did an emotional scene. I can still remember his many series, one of which my all time favourite Stephen Chow series. Yes he is older, he kinda lost his good looks but if a man can act, he can act.
Funn,
“So he is acting casually or full time?”
Alex currently lives in Guangzhou with his wife and son. I suspect he reviews his filming offers and adjusts his schedule appropriately. He’s not just acting for the money, but returning to it because he is still an actor at heart.
So his time committed to filming is based on demand and his own interest in the project.
” After appearing in 1995′s Down Memory Lane , Alex left the Hong Kong entertainment industry at the peak of his career to establish his own apparel business.”
He didn’t totally quit. I remember seeing him in ATV drama ‘A Dream Named Desire 2’.
i do enjoy alex man’s series from the 90s. people say he overacts, but i think his performances are super convincing. it would be so great if he could film series in hk again.
It does takes me back memory lane. Remember everyone was watching The Feud of Two Back then!! People were talking about the last scene with Dodo Cheng in that series for months.
I like Alex Man and Idy Chan in TVB Series The Key Man (1992).
He did came to New York to film and I was suppose to be in TVB series…. they edited out.
Larry,
“He did came to New York to film and I was suppose to be in TVB series…. they edited out.”
Do you work as a temporary actor? Please tell us this interesting story!
No, I walk by shoot when they film the “scenic scenes” in Lower Manhattan. I did not see any TVB actors, just the TVB film crew. I was little kid back then. I was living in the projects and I did not realize TVB was shooting there.
Larry,
Cool story! It would have been nice to make the final edit. 🙂
Alex Man is a very good actor…I remember his shows back in the early 90’s. In fact I bumped into him at Victoria Peak (HK) back in 1991, he just finished filming with Elizabeth Lee and I was taking some photos. Then he signalled me and my younger cousin to go over to take photos with him. I was sooo excited as I came over for a trip from the UK without expecting this to happen. He was really nice and was happy to have photos taken with me.
Alex is a great actor and full of passion in acting. I don’t get why some people said he’s overacting. He’s giving his all especially in his dramatic scenes. This is what lacking nowadays in TVB series
Alex Man is a great actor ,I think he is ATV answer to TVB Chow Yun Fatt in 1970an-1980an,just like today rival between real Madrid Ronaldo and Barcelona messi ,well
He also appear in ekin movies Young and dangerous 4,,5,6 movies as cheung tin yong leader of hong hing.
I remember he also teach Stephen Chow how to survive in Tv and movies industry in HK,I remember I reading a news that Stephen said this in late1980an.
I like Alex Man in Down the Memory Lane. My favorite actors from the 80’s are Felix Wong and Michael Miu even though I didn’t watch TVB series until 1994.
Alex Man is epic. TVB should invite him back!
No comments, Alex indeed an awesome good actor !
Was Alex Man part of your TVB childhood?
Yes, he was :d
Yes Alex Man part of our childhood! 😀 LOL
He is indeed one of the best actors, one who could always be relied upon to deliver a dramatic and powerful performance. My favourites are The Justice of Life and there’s another one that also has Stephen Chow in it along with Kathy Chow and Francis Ng. That was also a really good one, I can’t remember the name though….does anyone remember it?
Great to see this. I always thought Alex Man was a compelling actor.
I did watch many Alex Man series when I was young, but I have to admit that I did not understand the storylines so maybe repeat viewing as adult is in order.
Most memorable role for me was his portrayal of Sit Yan Gui (eating 10 bowls of rice every meal and having the strength of 9 ox and 2 tigers). I don’t know how I would evaluate that series as an adult but that is one of my favorite characters.
Other memorable series is Ta Loy Zi Gong Wu (Justice of Life??).
I enjoyed him in the role of Sit Yan Gui too. His strength in the actual is actually 9 ox’s, 2 tigers and a dragon. The goddess Jiu tian xuan nu gave it to him. But that was not mentioned in the series.
If he is ever come back to TVB, he needs to lose some weight. A Giant!
It’s called aging. See him when he was younger, really cute with his dimple. Like Jayne, my two favourite: Alex and Felix Wong, they have such passionate and energy in their actings. Love their series…happy memories of the 80’s and 90’s!
You don’t necessarily need to get fat just because you age. My grandma lived until 100 and she was always thin.
It’s not aging. He is fat and out of shape. He still is in his element during his recent interview, look up him on youtube.
i heard he’s really good and my mum love watching him but i haven’t really seen his series.
My childhood fav is Gallen Lo (Buddy Time Buddy), Dicky Cheung (Journey to the West)
*old time buddy
Many of you may think that he’s a very good and very famous actor in normal series and movie category but do you all know that all these were not the best that you could witness from him?
To me, he’s the best and most outstanding in CAT III films. In fact many of the old generation housewives I know crazy of him
and desperate to see him acting in CAT III films again.
I remember how this gigalo alex in the film fight with a few prostitutes for a rice bowl to survive….. Great!
oh wow…i love his dimples and his acting skills. my mom really likes him though.
I miss Alex Man’s dimples the most 🙂
I have a dream. I want a mega production, modern, ancient, I don’t care, but with the following cast BY TVB;
– Deric Wan (I miss you!)
– Alex Man (I miss you!!)
– Nick Cheung
– Louis Koo (though I am no fan but I am sick of the current batch so I want veteras)
– Sean Lau
– Dicky Cheung
– Esther Kwan (but not as Nick’s love interest- they have no onscreen chemistry at all!)
– Felix Wong
– Tony Leung (like dream on!)
– the other Tony Leung (only in dreamland!)
– Stephen Chow (not even in dreamland!)
Mixed with current batch of the actors EXCEPT Moses (I like him but please no more!)and some actresses (majorly, no Jess!! No myolie!!)
– Lee Heung Kam for the reunion with Alex Man and Stephen Chow!
– Kent Cheng!
Mixed with some other non-TVB people;
– I know, you all want Daniel Wu but remember dreamland?
– Nic Tse because this guy can act but he needs a TV series to flex his acting skills a bit
– and some China mainland actors without bloody dubbing but I know these will never ever ever happen
Bare essential cast is Deric Wan, Alex Man,Stephen Chow, Felix Wong, Dicky Cheung, Louis Koo.
Ok, throw in Raymond Lam who was amazing next to Deric Wan in Golden Faith and even Myolie because throw these OTT actors next to veterans and great actors, somehow they tone down and become better actors.
One can only dream!!
And throw in Gallen Lo somewhere. Now that is a possibility.
And errr… Chow Yun Fatt? No? Not even in dreamland?
Anyway why can’t I name the girls? Are they so unmemorable? Ok maybe Marianne Chan?
My comment is awaiting moderation. Let me guess… because of d-i-c-k-y???
Oh and add in Kong Wah. I want Kong Wah back!!!
Haha! Someone here praised The King of yesterday and tomorrow so I decided to watch it and so far at episode 9 I’m liking it a lot. Except for the earlier qing dynasty scenes in the 1st epi which I fast forwarded I am totally enjoying this series. I absolutely love Kong Wah and Maggie and having Gilbert Lam there is a total bonus to me. Now this is what I called a character being funny and conveying comedic humor and performing comedic antics without going ott or through slapstick gestures. What a delightful series, love the dialogs too.
Have you watched Secret Battle of The Majesty? I believe it is a remake of Alex man series which was a classic and I heard a benchmark for such series. Anyway it is about Yong Zheng except this one is darn serious and Kong Wah was exquisite. Unfortunately this is an ATV series so I am not sure if you can find it anymore.
@Funn Lim:
No, haven’t watched Secret Battle of The Majesty. The other Kong Wah series beside this one that I have watched are:I Have a Date with Spring, and A Step into the Past. And I like him there too.
Just baidu, the series is available in several Chinese video websites. So definitely will check it out.
Oophs, posted my comment in the wrong section.
@Claimine,
I highly recommend Secret battle of the Majesty. It is a good series. I don’t think it was a remake of the Dynasty. I think it is just another series based on the same story…
Oh boy, I miss those old series so much 🙁
Love his portrayal of Luk Siu Fung. Very charismatic. One of the best series of the 80s. I still watch it today. All the new versions don’t come close to the quality.
I beg to differ on the Luk Siu Fung portrayal. Both Damien Lau and Julian Cheung portrayed a better Luk Siu Fung than Alex Man.
Damian did a good job but not sure about Julian since I have not seen it yet. However, Alex did a pretty good job too.
Nice to see comments referring to Kwong Wah! Both him and Gallen Lo are my favourites from the 90s. I hear the word versatile being thrown around a lot, but these two are, undoubtedly, befitting of such a description. Although, I think the former pulls off the antagonistic roles better – I absolutely hated Gallen’s version of Yang Kang.
As for the earlier generation, TV only:
– Tony Leung Chiu Wai (Duke of Mount Deer; Police Cadet)
– Chow Yun Fat (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly; The Bund)
– Felix Wong (LOTCH, Soldier of Fortune)
I wouldn’t necessarily call these their best work to date, but it certainly left an impression on me as a child. I like Alex Man too, but I guess I was too young to appreciate his works, apart from 薛仁貴. My mum’s a big fan so I was exposed to a lot of it back then, but maybe the dramas were a bit too heavy and didn’t hold my interest. Especially any modern series set in a corporate world.
I’ve also got a soft spot for Deric Wan ever since watching him as 陳夢吉. My mum adores him and is always up for watching whatever series he’s in. I’ve just never seen her love an actor so much, yet REALLY cuss at the TV whenever he appeared in Looking Back in Anger.