Can Natalie Tong Survive Outside of TVB?
Working at TVB for 19 years, Natalie Tong (唐詩詠) is surprisingly leaving the station. With the 40-year-old wanting to fulfill her dream to explore the world of theatre, many wonder how she will fare outside of TVB.
Since joining TVB in 2003 and starring in her first drama Hearts of Fencing <當四葉草碰上劍尖時>, Natalie has filmed 55 dramas. After her breakout performance in A Fistful of Stances <鐵馬尋橋> which resulted in her Best Improved Actress win, Natalie was subsequently nominated for Best Supporting Actress several times. Finally in 2017, she won Best Actress for her role in My Unfair Lady <不懂撒嬌的女人> and officially joined the ranks of top-tier fadans by starring in Stealing Seconds <棟仁的時光>, Big White Duel <白色強人>, and The Kwoks and What <我家無難事>.
If she were to renew her contract with TVB, Natalie would likely be filming similar roles and working with the same co-stars. Entering her 40s, Natalie seems ready for a new change to challenge herself professionally and personally.
Former top TVB actresses are faring well in the Chinese market, but need to continue their exposure levels and starring in buzzworthy productions. Charmaine Sheh’s (佘詩曼) career peaked in 2018 after Story of Yanxi Palace <延禧攻略> aired, which allowed her to make a lot more money in China instead of the Hong Kong market, while Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) made appearances in popular variety shows.
On the other hand, Tavia Yeung’s (楊茜堯) only significant release was Modern Dynasty <家族榮耀> since leaving TVB in 2016 and becoming a mother. The drama’s cast was comprised of mostly former TVB artistes which demonstrates their popularity in China. For example, Cheung Chilam (張智霖), Jordan Chan (陳小春), and Michael Tse (謝天華) have exploded in popularity after participating in music competition Call Me by Fire <披荆斩棘的哥哥> and earning new fortunes with endless performance invitations.
Natalie also seems to be primed for new opportunities outside of TVB, as she has many fans in China and Asia. Even if she pursues theater exclusively in the coming year, she can still focus on the Chinese market afterward. She can also sign with TVB’s sister company, Shaw Brothers, as executive Virginia Lok (樂易玲) had already expressed her welcome.
Source: On.cc
This article is written by Kiki for JayneStars.com.
For me is a no… she will be 2 or 3 in China & she is probably too old for China market
She won’t survive outside of TVB and Shaw Brothers. Sorry but that’s the truth. She can’t act, has no talent, and has no looks. Therefore she has no market value. She got lucky at TVB only because they pretty much have no talent left and so she was given lots of opportunities and even awards. But the reality is she is not a good actress and should have never gotten the Best Actress award and continue to be lead in so many dramas. I wish her the best and hope she finds something that works for her but if she is trying to expand to the China market, then she is dreaming.
Totally agree,
Is that right? Guess you and I think differently. I have had a crush for many years. Read somewhere that she enter TVB after being a model. Also disagree. She’s a great actress. Much better than Ali.
Perhaps she should explore acting in a Western movie. Just a thought.
Guess you and I think differently. She’s been a great actress. I’ve had a crush for a very long time. Am watching her recent program. Also I read that she was a model before joining TVB.
If she likes she should follow Selena Li and act in a Western movie. I’m sure that her English skills is good, so that would be an option.
Fans of Natalie, no worries, she will be back with TVB very soon.
It is a cruel world out there. Only TVB can protect the mediocre and create the illusion that you are popular.
I agree with the previous person. It would not be good. She should stay. So what if she has to work with the same people. I’m sure Moses Chan has had to in the past. Don’t hear him complaining. She would loss a lot of fans here.