Former actor Xie Shaoguang to make show-business comeback

SINGAPORE – Former actor Xie Shaoguang has come out of retirement to make a comeback after nearly 20 years away.

The 62-year-old local actor, who starred in popular Channel 8 dramas such as The Legends Of Ji Gong (1996), Stand By Me (1998) and Holland V (2003), has signed with Mediacorp’s celebrity management arm The Celebrity Agency, Mediacorp said in a statement on Sept 5.

The broadcaster added that Xie will “take on opportunities both in front of and behind the camera – to rekindle the magic of his acting, mentor up-and-coming artistes, and apply his deep knowledge to co-develop shows with Mediacorp”.

The star, who began acting in 1989, left the broadcaster in 2005 after his contract expired, and retired from acting and public appearances. He kept mostly out of the public eye and reportedly turned down director Anthony Chen’s offer to star in the award-winning local movie Ilo Ilo (2013).

Xie, who launched a public Instagram account in June, wrote in a post on Sept 5 that he was compelled to return to acting after seeing 90-year-old Chinese actor You Benchang star in the period series Blossoms Shanghai (2023) directed by Wong Kar-wai. Both You and Xie acted as the legendary Chinese historical character of Ji Gong in separate television productions. 

Xie wrote: “When I was asked if I would like to return to acting, I was not against it, but neither was I particularly enthusiastic. So much time has passed. My works have accompanied those from a younger generation as they grew.

“These works have faded in my memory, but audience members still remember these works and characters so clearly. The emotional bonds with audiences are formed through various characters.”

He added: “At my age, there aren’t many suitable roles, so I never actively considered the idea of acting again. But when I saw Mr You Benchang act in Blossoms Shanghai as Ye Shu, I was deeply moved. Since audiences are keen to watch me act again, I’ve signed on to Mediacorp once more – a rekindling of the relationship I had with my former employer.

“My performances have always been inspired by my life experiences. After all these years away, I hope to contribute to the performing arts in every way I can.”

In the 19 years he spent away from the spotlight, Xie undertook various ventures. In 2013, he became an ordained monk. By 2016, he had returned to secular life and worked as a chef at a vegetarian eatery in Johor Bahru. He also opened an animal shelter in Malaysia.

In 2017, the veteran star conducted a two-day workshop for Mediacorp artistes such as Elvin Ng, Desmond Tan and Romeo Tan, and actresses like Felicia Chin and Ya Hui.

Fans have long hoped for Xie’s return to acting. He was at one time the record-holder for the most Best Actor wins at the Star Awards, Mediacorp’s annual awards ceremony focusing on Chinese-language entertainment programmes. Xie’s record of five wins was broken by Chen Hanwei in 2019.

Xie’s peers have welcomed his return, with many stars like Zoe Tay, Aileen Tan, Xiang Yun and Bryan Wong commenting on his Instagram post.

Tay wrote: “You’re finally back. This is so exciting; audiences are in for a treat.”