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http://ecentral.my/news/story.as ... 3278&sec=movies
There’s something about Maggie
By CHEW WAN YING (chewy@thestar.com.my)
Friday July 2, 2010
From television to the silver screen and now, the business world, Maggie Siu has much to offer.
IT takes a great deal of hard work, ambition and luck for one to rise to be a fa dan (leading lady in Cantonese) in the cut-throat world of Hong Kong showbusiness.
While Maggie Siu Mei Kei has achieved leading lady status after 24 years in the industry, the TVB veteran is not unwilling to take up roles other fa dan may hesitate to accept or deem insignificant.
Unlike her peers like Sheren Tang and juniors like Charmaine Sheh, who vie for pivotal spots in various TVB productions, Siu is content to play any role assigned her. For instance, in 2003, she played the mother to Sonija Kwok (then aged 29) and Ron Ng (then 23) in Perish In The Name Of Love and Find The Light respectively.
However, it would be a mistake to write Siu off as a has-been. On top of playing supporting roles, Siu remains the top pick of some TV producers.
A chat with the 45-year-old reveals her dedication to the craft that has made her a household name in Asia and Chinese-speaking communities around the world.
“I love all the characters I’ve played. Every one of them contains a part of me and reflects different aspects of myself. As to whether I was good at those roles, it’s for the viewers to say,” the Hong Kong star said modestly during an exclusive interview with The Star last week.
Looking decidedly sassy with a casual get-up accentuated with hoop earrings and gladiator heels, Siu had flown in to Kuala Lumpur for the launch of In’ Health & Beauty Expo 2010. The event starts today at the Malaysia International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Mines Resort City. Siu will be sharing beauty tips as the ambassador of the skincare range, RëJeune, at 2pm throughout the three-day expo.
Malaysians will remember Siu from one of her most noted roles in recent years, that as Sylvia Hong in The Gem Of Life, the 82-episode epic series she headlined with Gigi Lai and Ada Choi.
Back in 1985, the then-20-year-old had a great head start in her career, starring opposite Andy Lau in the costume drama Take Care, Your Highness. But it wasn’t until Blood Of Good And Evil in 1990 that she rose to prominence as one of the most popular starlets in TVB, the main broadcaster in Hong Kong.
The former nurse went on to star in a string of hit series and became the generation’s icon for the modern career woman – smart, independent, strong-willed.
From Conscience to the Healing Hands series (II and III), At The Threshold Of An Era and The Dance Of Passion, Siu has proved that she is capable of portraying more than just the strong modern woman.
In the last few years, her versatility is further recognised on the big screen. She was named Best Supporting Actress at Hong Kong’s 9th Golden Bauhinia Awards in 2004 for her portrayal as the calm but strict Officer Kat in Johnnie To’s PTU.
Since then, she has stolen the scene in almost every film she has appeared in, be it as the tough-as-nails Mrs Big D in the hit gangster movie Election (2006) directed by the multiple-award-winning To or as the foul-mouthed inspector in Eye In The Sky (2007) produced by To.
Her brilliant performances in the two films as well as in 2005’s Breaking News helped her garner three Best Supporting Actress nominations at the Hong Kong Film Awards.
Would Siu be channelling more time and energy into film acting then?
“It depends on the opportunities I have, and if my schedule allows it. If the film director thinks I’m suitable for the role and if I can manage my time, why not? If not, I would not try to make it happen,” said a nonchalant Siu. “You should know where your abilities lie. Don’t be greedy. And don’t reach too high.”
When it comes to awards and acclaim, Siu prefers to let fate take its course.
“I am happy if I win an award, but I would not mind it so much if I don’t. It would be a lie to say that I don’t want recognition, but winning an award comes with a lot of pressure. I give credit to myself where it’s due. Sometimes even words of praise from my friends count as a form of acknowledgement,” said a smiling Siu.
In the last few years, apart from becoming a staple in To’s flicks, the actress has also ventured into business, having invested in RëJeune Lifestyle, a Hong Kong beauty brand focusing on inner health.
Looking good for her age, the actress has this to say about being in her 40s: “You have to accept ageing and learn to enjoy it. You should cherish the present and enjoy the future. Ageing is part of one’s life and it’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
Not forgetting to plug RëJeune, she added: “It’s not only about looking beautiful; if you are healthy, you will look good. This is something in life that you can have control over.”
Obviously enjoying herself as a first-time businesswoman, she remarked: “Acting and business have taken up most of my time. There is so much to learn about the beauty industry that I find myself acquiring new knowledge every day.”
Fans, however, need not worry: even though her business is thriving, Siu is far from giving up her acting career, what with several projects lined up in the second half of the year.
“I will next play a concubine in a China-produced costume drama. And I am working with (TVB colleague) Kenny Wong again in a new series in September,” she noted of her co-star in the serials The Dance Of Passion, The Gem Of Life and the upcoming Heaven And Earth.
With such a packed schedule, does that mean there’s no room for romance in her life now?
Unfortunately, we never got a definite answer. The fiercely private Siu has reportedly remained single after her bitter split from actor Ekin Cheng in 2006 following an eight-year relationship. The lady chose to keep mum over the subject.
■ For more information on In’ Health & Beauty Expo 2010 (admission is free), call 03-8949 5566 or log on to ihb.com.my. |
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