Would You Run Down Orchard Road Naked For A Million Bucks? One Of These Stars Would

“Shave my head bald. For a million dollars, can lah. Last time, I was not willing to shave my head bald for [1999 Ch 8 drama] Stepping Out. (Laughs) I was the first choice [to play Cynthia Koh’s role]. But I didn’t want to shave my head bald. At that time, I felt the plot didn’t require me to do so. What’s more, after shaving my head, I’d have to wait a few months for my hair to grow back. And during that period, I wouldn’t be able to take on any other shows or endorsements. So I thought it was quite a big sacrifice. I do feel a bit regretful ’cos it’s a very good role, but I felt that shaving one’s head bald was a gimmick more than [anything else]. I told them I really wanted to play that character, and that I could cut my hair until it was so short that it looked like it had been bitten off by a dog. But they insisted that I had to shave my head bald. Everyone has a different viewpoint. No one is to say who’s right or wrong.”

“If you give me a million dollars, I wouldn’t mind piling on the kilos for a role. The most I’m willing to put on would be 28kg, which is a lot leh! I currently weigh 72kg. I wouldn’t call it a big sacrifice. But at [48 years old], if I put on weight, it won’t be easy for me to slim down.”

“Do public speaking for a whole year. I still have a fear of public speaking. I think it’s ’cos I judge myself too much. (Laughs) [When I was speaking in front of the media at this drama’s press con,] I was going crazy inside my head. My palms felt sweaty. And my mouth was on autopilot while there were all these thoughts running through my head. I was like, ‘Oh my god, what am I rambling on about? Am I still on point? What was the question again?’ (Laughs)”

“Eat dead bugs. I have a phobia of cockroaches. There was once I was sitting on the floor when I felt something run across my thigh. I thought it was a strand of hair, so I grabbed it and flung it away. But something didn’t feel right. When I looked over, I saw that it was actually a freaking huge cockroach. I quickly ran off without even packing my stuff. Even thinking about it now [makes me shudder]. So I’d never eat a cockroach, unless you give me a million dollars. (Laughs) In China, there are people who barbeque rats and eat them. I’ve seen pictures of rats that are at least 20cm long. If you give me a million dollars, I’d eat that… after it dies. (Laughs) If it’s alive, I don’t think I will lah. It’s too gross.”

“If someone gave me a million dollars, I’d wear a bikini to go swimming in a public pool. (Laughs) What type of bikini? If someone pays me to do that, it means that person is out to ‘tackle’ me, so it’d be the very sexy kind that can cover my front but not my behind! (Laughs) Maybe to others, wearing a bikini is nothing. But to me, it’s a very big challenge. If I wear a bikini, I won’t even dare to go out in public!”

“I’d run completely naked down Orchard Road. But not too long a distance lah. (Laughs) I’d do it on a weekday during non-peak hours, over a 100m distance, or from Mandarin Gallery to Takashimaya. It’s a weird thing to be doing. (Laughs) And I wouldn’t do it, unless I get a million dollars.”

“If someone offers me a million dollars to leave the company and not act anymore, I‘d accept it. ’Cos it should be time for me to retire already! (Laughs) I’d treat the money as my pension!”

This is the first time the father-son duo will be acting in the same drama.

The BFFs play husband and wife in the drama.

The A Million Dollar Dream cast at the drama's press conference.

A Million Dollar Dream debuts Apr 11, on Ch 8, 9pm.