HK Actor, Who Was Temporarily Ordained As A Monk, Announces His Departure From Showbiz

Hong Kong actor Don Li Yat Long, 43, has officially retired from showbiz. 

He first confirmed the news in a Douyin video posted earlier this month. 

"I have not been acting in dramas for quite a few years now. I worked on a few films during the pandemic, as far as I remember, but they've yet to hit the screens," he later shared on Instagram on June 10.

He continued: "I'm now working on being my best self, and I hope the speculation as to [whether I'm still in showbiz] can be put to rest. I wish to have a peaceful life, where I can focus on my work, spend more time with family, hang out with close friends, and go on holidays. That's more than enough for me."

Don sparked discussion in February when he was seen donning a monk robe, with his head shaved in his social media posts. It was later revealed that he was temporarily ordained as a monk in India. 

"Regarding my experience as a temporarily ordained monk — it's a solemn and serious practice, so I will not talk about it. There can be many different stages in life, and I like the current stage I'm in the most. Thank you for all the love I've received all this time," he wrote. 

Don made his showbiz debut in 2003, and later began his music career alongside Taiwan-based Hong Kong singer Mandy Chiang as a duet couple, known as Don & Mandy. He went on to star in TVB dramas including A Handful Of Love (2004) and Ten Brothers (2005), but ultimately experienced a plateau in his journey as an actor, only appearing in supporting roles in films.