Stephen Chow Reveals Why He No Longer Acts: "I Really Don't Know How To Act"

It's hard to imagine Hong Kong cinema without Stephen Chow.

The 64-year-old actor-turned-filmmaker has starred in some of the most beloved comedies of all time, but according to him, he "really doesn't know how to act".

Stephen recently made an appearance on Chinese livestream host Dong Yuhui's show to promote his latest directorial effort, Kung Fu Soccer, which is set to open in Singapore on August 6.

The film has already grossed more than 2 billion yuan (S$382mil) at the China box office.

During the livestream, a fan asked Stephen when he plans to act again.

"I don't really have that strong a desire to act now... Maybe I'm still waiting for the right role," he replied.

He then added in Cantonese: "I really don't know how to act."

Stephen's remark drew laughter from those on set. It's perhaps no surprise, given that his signature mo lei tau (Cantonese for "nonsensical") comedies — including Fight Back To School (1991), Flirting Scholar (1993), and Shaolin Soccer (2001) — have become some of Hong Kong cinema's most beloved classics.

Explaining what he meant, Stephen said: "That's honestly how I feel. I really don't have much of a concept of acting. I don't know what it means to get a performance exactly right. I just do things my own way, and it comes out naturally."

Despite his modest assessment of his own abilities, Stephen's acting credentials speak for themselves.

He won Best Supporting Actor at the 1998 Golden Horse Awards for Final Justice, and later clinched Best Actor at the 2002 Hong Kong Film Awards for Shaolin Soccer.

However, after starring in 2008's CJ7, Chow stepped away from acting to focus on directing and producing.

Since then, he has remained behind the camera, helming hits including Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons (2013), The Mermaid (2016) and now Kung Fu Soccer.