Ex-TVB Actor Lau Kong, 76, Left The Company ‘Cos There Are No Good Co-Stars & Scripts

Fans of TVB dramas will remember veteran Hong Kong actor Lau Kong.

The 76-year-old is a familiar face on television, having starred in more than 300 dramas in his 38 years with the Hong Kong broadcaster.

He left TVB in 2020 following a 50 per cent pay cut, which made it difficult for him to get by.

In a recent interview on Radio Television Hong Kong programme 一起走过的岁月, loosely translated as The Years We've Walked Together, Lau Kong said there were other factors for his departure.

When host, veteran TV producer Gary Yeung, brought up rumours that he left due to the lack of good co-stars, Lau Kong admitted: “Yes, that’s right.”

“If we talk about it, we will offend many people, so let’s not talk about it,” he continued with a sigh.

Lau Kong acknowledged that while there are still many good actors in TVB, they may not be cast in the same drama.

“As a result, you end up working with those...” he said with a laugh. "I can’t describe it, it’s like I’m leading a bunch of kids on set, it's that simple.”

“They are very polite and obedient, but there’s not much improvement.”

When Gary pointed out that him leaving the small screen is a loss to Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, Lau Kong reassured him that he’s not retiring yet.

“I’m addicted to acting,” he reasoned, “but the thing is someone has to want you and the role must be good."

He added that everyone who’s approached him with a role is a "cheat", telling him how important the role is and that he’s the only one who can play the part.

“At the TV station, the quality of the scripts is average. And when we go on set, we have to constantly think of ways to make the scene better. It’s actually very tough… So when you go to work, you feel less motivated,” he bemoaned.

But, of course, there are exceptions, such as 2018 period drama The Forgotten Valley, a standout villainous role for which he was nominated Best Actor in the TVB Anniversary Awards.

"Actually, I intended to quit that year. When we were discussing the contract terms, they mentioned that there was a drama they wanted me part of, so I listened to the story first… I felt the role was quite challenging, so I signed on for another year,” said Lau Kong.

He added that he is still very passionate about acting and as long as there is a good script and role, he would accept it.