HK Actor Sunny Chan’s Son With Autism, 18, Is A Talented Pianist, Speaks 4 Languages

Hong Kong actor Sunny Chan, best known for 1990s TVB dramas such Secret of the Heart and At the Threshold of an Era, put his career on hold in 2011 to care for his young son after he was diagnosed with mild autism.

The 59-year-old devoted himself to his son’s development, seeking professional support while personally guiding his growth.

More than a decade on, that decision has borne fruit. Edgar, now 18, has grown into a talented pianist. He took up the instrument in 2019 and within seven years, attained a piano performance diploma.

He recently performed and sang ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ at an event organised by an educational organisation for children with special needs.

Beyond music, Edgar also demonstrated strong language abilities. In addition to Cantonese, he speaks fluent English, Mandarin and German, an aptitude that Sunny said was the result of years of patience and dedication.

Reflecting on the journey, Sunny said he feels a strong sense of achievement seeing his son grow and improve.

“Being able to raise him, to see him happily go on stage and interact with people — that is already a great accomplishment for me,” he told Hong Kong media.

Sunny publicly revealed his son’s condition when he was six. Now, 12 years on, he said he is proud of how far his son has come.

“I’m very happy with what we’ve achieved over the past 10-plus years,” he said.

The actor has said that while acting brings satisfaction, it does not compare to raising his son.

“Every day, I think of ways to help him improve,” he said, adding that the experience is “more rewarding than acting” and has made him a better person.

In recent years, Sunny has taken on performances in China. These days, Edgar has also stepped into the role of teacher, coaching his father in singing and Mandarin.