#SHOWBIZ: Not just the pay cut: Carl Lau exposes why he really left TVB
HONG KONG: Veteran TVB actor Carl Lau Kong has been a familiar face on the small screen for fans, having starred in more than 300 dramas during his 38 years with the Hong Kong broadcaster.
Veteran TVB actor Carl Lau left the Hong Kong broadcaster in 2020 after enduring a significant pay cut of 50 per cent. The 76-year-old, who earned up to HK$60,000 (around RM33,070) monthly as a full-time artiste, was offered only HK$7,500 (approximately RM4,130). While money was a factor, Lau confirmed that it wasn't the sole reason for his departure.
During an interview on Radio Television Hong Kong's programme, The Years We've Walked Together, host Gary Yeung brought up rumors of a lack of good co-stars, to which Lau admitted the sentiment. He explained that if they discuss the topic, it may offend many people, and they should omit it from conversation. Lau acknowledged that while TVB still possesses many talented actors, they seldom collaborate in the same drama, leading to a solitary working experience.
Despite his discontent, he mentioned a few exceptions, such as his role as a villain in the 2018 period drama, The Forgotten Valley, which earned him a nomination for Best Actor at the TVB Anniversary Awards. When Yeung expressed concern about Lau's departure being a significant loss to Hong Kong's entertainment industry, Lau assured fans that he has no intentions of retiring just yet.
He emphasized his continued passion for acting and openness to new roles, provided the script is compelling.
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.
