{
  "id": 11599615,
  "title": "Singaporean comedian Suhaimi Yusof recalls how Lydia Shum helped turn a two-cameo gig into four seasons (VIDEO)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/singaporean-comedian-suhaimi-yusof-recalls-how-lydia-shum-helped-turn",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-03T04:36:24.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2026/10/03/singaporean-comedian-suhaimi-yusof-recalls-how-lydia-shum-helped-turn-a-two-cameo-gig-into-four-seasons-video/237506"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Singaporean comedian Suhaimi Yusof credits Hong Kong star Lydia Shum for transforming a two-cameo gig into a four-season sitcom. At 57, Suhaimi began his acting career as a radio DJ from 1987 to 2001 before landing the role of a maintenance man in the beloved English-language Singapore-Hong Kong sitcom Living with Lydia. The show, featuring late actress Lydia Shum, ran from 2001 to 2005 in four seasons. In an Oct 1 Instagram post, Suhaimi reminisced about his early days, stating he had never acted in Malay TV dramas before this. His character, Sulaiman, first meets Lydia in episode three of the second season, leading to a memorable exchange. Suhaimi revealed the scene marked his first acting job and his debut on English-language Channel 5. He emphasized that Lydia encouraged and taught him comedy acting, while he taught her English jokes. The cast grew close, and the producers, writers, and directors trusted his skills. After Lydia's passing from liver cancer in 2008, Living With Lydia continued to air. Suhaimi fondly recalled the experience, sharing a teary photo of the sitcom, and expressed gratitude, saying, \"Miss you Lydia.\"",
  "summary": "SINGAPORE, Oct 2 — Suhaimi Yusof is now a renowned comedian in the local showbiz scene and he had help from a big...",
  "key_points": [
    "Suhaimi Yusof credits Lydia Shum for sitcom success.",
    "57-year-old began acting career as radio DJ.",
    "Lydia Shum's passing in 2008 didn't stop show."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lydia Shum's mentorship and collaboration with Suhaimi Yusof not only launched his acting career but also helped shape the success of the sitcom Living with Lydia.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}