#SHOWBIZ: Joey Wong on exiting showbiz at her peak: 'Fame never suited me'
BEIJING: Nearly two decades after stepping away from showbiz at the peak of her career, Taiwanese actress Joey Wong has finally shared why she chose to leave the scene in 2005.
Over two decades after departing from the entertainment industry at the height of her fame, Taiwanese actress Joey Wong has finally divulged the reason behind her exit in 2005. The 59-year-old, who kicked off her acting career in 1983, discussed her decision on a Chinese talk show called Follow Each Other, which aired on September 23.
In her interview with Li Dan, Wong confessed that she never felt comfortable in front of the cameras and struggled to grasp the true essence of being an actress. Her mother had initially encouraged her to pursue showbiz, but after years of grueling work, she found herself yearning for something more. As she began to decline professional engagements, Wong questioned whether there was more to life than stardom.
When asked whether she ever missed acting, Wong chuckled, stating that the industry now felt alien to her. She emphasized that she takes opportunities as they come and does not cling to what she has lost. Wong also revealed that she did not seek counsel from her industry mentors, director Tsui Hark and the late producer Shi Nansheng, before making her decision. "My mind was made up," she explained. "If I had discussed it with them, it would have turned into a long debate, and I was set on leaving."
Addressing widespread rumors surrounding her departure, Wong dismissed the notion that heartbreaks were to blame. She prefers to keep her personal life private, as people tend to concoct stories regardless of whether she clarifies matters or not. "I've made peace with how things turned out," she said, expressing that she feels she has settled any emotional debts.
Post-retirement, Wong relocated to Canada to embrace a more tranquil lifestyle. She subsequently ventured into alternative health, opening a moxibustion center in Vancouver in 2024, followed by another in Silicon Valley in 2026. Reflecting on her film days, Wong fondly remembered working with Hong Kong legends Leslie Cheung and Chow Yun Fat.
She remembered Cheung's support in easing her anxiety when she struggled with Cantonese on set, and admired Chow's modesty, noting that he carried equipment for the crew and treated everyone with genuine kindness. According to Wong, Chow exemplified the qualities of a true star and she sought to emulate his behavior. She shared, "He taught me a great deal."
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
