#SHOWBIZ: Darren Lim goes bald for Hollywood debut in 19th-century period drama

Singaporean actor Darren Lim is preparing for his Hollywood debut in the upcoming American period film, Hudson & Maria. The 53-year-old star has shaved his head to portray a Qing Dynasty official, his first instance of going bald for a project since playing a cancer patient nearly two decades ago. Lim joked that shaving a man's head is never as shocking as a woman's, adding that it might make a woman famous for life, but a man simply becomes bald.

The biographical drama unfolds in 19th-century China during the Opium War and chronicles the true story of British missionary Hudson Taylor, played by William Moseley. Taylor discards colonial norms to embrace local customs and language while spreading religious teachings alongside his wife Maria, portrayed by Poppy Drayton, and close friend Wang Laijun, played by Ludi Lin.

The international production, which commenced filming in Malaysia, boasts a star-studded cast, including Tan Kheng Hua from Singapore, Bobby Tonelli, Rupert Graves, and Jeremy Swift.

Reflecting on the project, Lim expressed his enthusiasm, noting that although his role is not large, it is a key character and he is delighted to be part of the production.