Shaun Tam Reflects Upon His Accomplishments This Year
In the industry for 21 years, Shaun Tam (譚俊彥) sees 2021 as his best year yet. Receiving a Best Actor nomination for Take Two <換命真相>, will Shaun win the coveted award at the TVB Anniversary Awards on January 2?
“Squid Game” Helped Increase Shaun’s Exposure Level
“Squid Games” actor Lee Jung Jae and Shaun Tam share a close resemblance.
When Netflix’s Squid Game became a global hit, many Hong Kong viewers noticed Shaun’s resemblance to Korean actor Lee Jung Jae. This led to Shaun’s increased media exposure, and being featured in many local commercials and variety shows this year. When asked if Squid Game helped with his fame, Shaun said it did play a factor, but a lot of other elements also need to fall into place.
Competing Against Former TV Kings
This year is Shaun’s first time entering the Top Five for Best Actor. He faces stiff competition from Kenneth Ma (馬國明), Ruco Chan (陳展鵬), Kevin Cheng (鄭嘉穎), and Owen Cheung (張振朗), with former three being past Best Actor recipients.
“After looking at the list, I think I have a better chance for Most Popular Male Character, because everyone in the Best Actor lineup are all veterans. Ruco’s drama has high ratings and a great reputation, so I think he will win since he also has a big fan base. Nevertheless, I will try to collect more votes. I want to take this time to thank fans in Singapore, Vietnam and Malaysia,” Shaun remarked.
While gaining more recognition, Shaun hopes to take his time to improve each day and thinks there is still a long road ahead before winning Best Actor. “It took a lot of effort to film Take Two, because the role was so difficult. I was also simultaneously handling my role for The Ringmaster <拳王> and we were still in a pandemic, so it was definitely unforgettable.”
Known as Ti Lung’s Son
Coming back to Hong Kong three years ago, Shaun was initially known for being veteran actor Ti Lung (狄龍) son. As Shaun had the opportunity to film great dramas including Succession War <天命>, Brutally Young <十八年後的終極告白>, and Forensic Heroes 4 <法證先鋒IV>, the 41-year-old gradually built a reputation for being a fine actor himself.
However, Shaun is afraid to ask for his father’s vote for Best Actor, as Ti Lung never compliments him because there is always room for improvement. “My dad believes that family and career are both important, so I have to push myself to do the best. Even if I win an award, he will not compliment me.”
As for his mother, Shaun told her not to get her hopes up. Since Shaun has been very busy, he has been unable to talk to her often. He understands that mothers are even more upset when their children do not win, because they always think that their sons are the best.
Regardless of the results, Shaun is already having an excellent year because he won Favorite Athlete in TVB’s All Star Sports Day <明星運動會> and Best Chef in Oppa’s Cuisine <男神廚房>. “At home, we have a trophy case for my kids’ accomplishments. I put my two awards on the shelf too. I look at them when I am on the treadmill as a form of motivation. I hope to be able put more awards there in the future.”
Source: On.cc
This article is written by Hailey for JayneStars.com.
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He has room for improvement, but currently I don’t see him as BA material. Needs better facial expressions, need to be more natural in his acting. Some scenes from Takes Two and Brutally Young, you can tell that he’s forcing it, like literally read and act out of script, instead of immersing in the characters he was given.
Agree,
I think Owen will win, as Ruco, Kenneth & Kevin have all won before and their roles weren’t that outstanding.
So not a fan of Owen’s acting…if he wins, TVB is really desperate…smh
Definitely a fan of Shaun and glad he won.
Definitely not a fan of him. Toooo wooden, more worst than Benjamin Yeun. Don’t know how he could win BA tho. Arghh
Totally agree. I never liked Ben’s acting, but Shaun’s is so unnatural.
Yea no idea how he won…oh wait, I guess the public votes count?