Alex Man Flushed Over HK$10,000 Down the Toilet!
In a recent episode of Walk Together <一起走過>, a radio talk show hosted by Elena Kong (江美儀) and Gary Yeung (楊紹鴻), guest stars Michael Tao (陶大宇) and Eddie Kwan (關禮傑) opened up about their struggles hustling during the 80s and 90s television boom in Hong Kong. They also shared about a hilariously unfortunate event that happened in mainland China while they were shooting for TVB’s 1987 historical epic, Genghis Khan <成吉思汗>, surprising the hosts.
Genghis Khan was the first TVB drama to film in mainland China. According to Chinese laws at the time, international visitors were only allowed to bring in a limited amount of cash into the country. Every one hundred Hong Kong dollar bill must be exchanged for a voucher.
As they passed through security, most of the Genghis Khan cast members claimed that they didn’t bring in any cash, except for one, who couldn’t lie and told security he brought over 10,000 Hong Kong dollars in cash.
Surprisingly, that cast member was allowed to pass through. After checking in their hotel and eating dinner, a large group of Chinese police stormed in. In a panic, Alex Man (萬梓良) grabbed the cash and flushed it down the toilet!
“We were all terrified!” said Gary Yeung, who was also part of the cast. “They just stormed in! We don’t know if we would be arrested or executed! So we tried to flush it down the toilet, but it got stuck! Maybe some of the cops found it, but fortunately all of us were safe!”
Michael and Elena Were Chased Down By Fans
Speaking about working in mainland China, Michael and Elena recalled a rather horrifying experience with fan culture while in Shenyang, Liaoning. They arrived early in the morning, and had plans to head straight to the hotel to get some sleep before performing later that day. Unfortunately, their fans caught wind of their arrival time, followed them as they boarded their van, and stopped them on the road several times while they were en route to the hotel.
“We just got off the plane and weren’t in our best shapes,” explained Michael. “We also have to consider that we had to attend a function the next day.”
Elena said Michael had taught her to wait by the door so she could easily escape into her room when she sees fan stalkers approaching her. They had to alert police in the end to remove them from the premises.
Newcomers More Disrespectful?
Reflecting on their careers, Michael pointed out that many rookie actors in the past would refer to their seniors respectfully (adding “gor” or “jeh” at the end of their names), but this practice is slowly disappearing.
Elena quickly chimed in, “They actually call you? You’re having it good then! [Rookies] don’t even acknowledge me, even the ones who I’ve collaborated with! Also, nowadays, no one’s awake for an 06 schedule!”
Source: Weekend HK
This article is written by Addy for JayneStars.com.
I really like the actors back then so much more, like Michael Tao said people just used to have more respect for each other. A rookie calling a more experienced actor gor or je, is another reason why actors were better back then too. Because they ACKNOWLEDGE they are rookies and are willing to learn. Actors now a days when they become a celeb, they think they’re superior or better then others and hence not learning from others.
@abcd
I agree and it feels like times have changed now. I really miss the good old days a lot. The actors these days seem much less respectful of the elders. I find that very sad.
I did not know Genghis khan filmed in China. I knew that The grand canal did and the crew and cast members said it was an unforgettable experience. The story of Alex flushing the money down the toilet is hilarious. I never knew that happened and glad they shared it.
@hetieshou It’s not just actors, there are many people in the younger generation that disrespect elders.
@abcd
b/c back then actors were from the grass roots. very few had college degree and most are from poor underprivileged families. they knew that they had to work hard and learn while they are on the job. unlike today, many are well off and have high education, esp the popular ones.
Guess then, actors act as they treat it as a career and want to excel in it. Now, it’s treated as a means to fame and fortune, skills are no longer important. That’s why I always respect and admire those that make an effort to improve vs those that only cares about their public image
@conan2209
I totally agree and felt that back then the actors seemed to really love acting and actually have a passion for it. But nowadays, the actors seem to just care about money, fame and no longer care about the craft itself. I find that so sad…