TVB’s “Go-To Doctor” Marcus Kwok, Who Just Quit The Station After 13 Years, Is A Doctor In Real Life Too

Fans of TVB dramas would definitely recognise Hongkong actor Marcus Kwok, 40, as the “go-to” doctor in almost every TVB drama that, well, has a doctor in it.

In fact, reports say Marcus, who has acted in dramas such as The Hippocratic Crush, Divas in Distress and last year's Kids' Lives Matter, has played a doctor, from dentists to surgeons and even physicians in period dramas, at least 47 times.

While it may appear that he had a good thing going on in TVB — at least he was constantly employed — it clearly wasn't the case for Marcus.

Earlier this week, the actor announced on his social media that he has "regained his freedom", and has officially left the broadcaster.

According to Marcus, he hasn't been fully contracted to TVB since 2015.  “Back then I was a 99 per cent free man, now I’m officially a 100 per cent free man,” he wrote. 

Turns out, Marcus doesn't just play a doctor onscreen. He is actually a licensed doctor in real-life too.

Before he joined showbiz, Marcus majored in medicine and surgery at Monash University and graduated in 2005. 

He then worked as an ER physician in Melbourne for four years before deciding to pursue a career in acting. Guess that explains why he plays a doctor so well? 

Marcus got his start in showbiz after taking part in the Mr Hong Kong competition in 2009. At that time,  he was known for looking like Hongkong singer Victor Chen, who is the younger brother of Hongkong star Kelly Chen.

Even though Marcus didn't win the contest, he decided to give up his high-paying job as a doctor to chase his acting dreams. He also said that his parents had wanted to stay in Hongkong for them. 

That started Marcus' journey as an onscreen doc, and in 2019 was even asked to be the medical advisor for hospital-themed drama Big White Duel, which starred Roger Kwok, Kenneth Ma and Natalie Tong. 

That's not all, it's been said that many stars also turn to Marcus for medical advice, as though he's their family doctor. 

As for his departure from the company, Marcus seems extremely hopeful and optimistic about his future. 

"Every time there is a change, it means that you are one step closer to achieving your "ideal life", to become a better version of yourself," he says, adding that "[we should] never be afraid of change. Always look forward to exciting times ahead."

Check out Marcus' full post below.
 

Photos: Marcus Kwok/ Instagram