Jesseca Liu: The 5 Roles That Defined Her Career

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It seems like just yesterday when Jesseca Liu propelled to fame for playing Ruan Mian Mian, the shy, demure Vietnamese bride, in 2005 Mediacorp drama Portrait of Home.

Just like that, it’s been 19 years since the 45-year-old Malaysian-born actress was named Best Newcomer at the Star Awards in 2005.  Come this Sunday, she will be ascending the All-Time Favourite Artiste altar along with fellow inductee Ann Kok. 

8days.sg reached out to Jess for a peek into her past 20 years in showbiz, and find out what she thinks are the roles that made her a star.

Surprise, surprise, Ruan Mian Mian isn't one of them.

Falling in Love (2005)

Jesseca's road to stardom began after she was scouted by a producer, who offered her a role in Mediacorp drama The Champions, in 2004.

Her career took off the next year after playing Ruan Mian Mian and Jesseca quickly became known to audiences as the gentle, soft-spoken beauty with long flowing tresses. 

That's when the actress suddenly had a complete change of style for what she considers her "big breakthrough" in 2005 series Falling In Love, a co-production between Mediacorp and Malaysia's ntv7.

"In the drama I had to act like a tomboy and it was quite memorable because I got rid of all my 'idol baggage' for that role," recalls Jess, who chopped her hair off for the show. 

"During one of the promo events, everyone was stunned when I appeared [as my usual self] because it was too different from my character in the show," she adds.

Secrets For Sale (2011)

The Ch U blockbuster saw Jess playing an ex-cop who inherits a private detective agency from her missing husband and sister. It was a project that ticked all the boxes for Jesseca. 

"I really liked the character and script for the entire show," says the actress.

Jesseca also enjoyed her time on set with co-star Christopher Lee, and shares that they had "impeccable chemistry" working together.

Who Killed The Lead (2014)

We all know Jesseca's a natural on camera, but who knew she's such a pro behind the scenes too? 

"This was the first time I tried scriptwriting and it was really memorable for me," she reveals. "That was also the time I gained interest in backstage production work, which was why I decided to take on this role."

The Queen (2016)

Nothing bonds women like a common hatred towards men who broke their hearts, and nothing brings them together like revenge.

That's basically what the 20-episode revenge drama was all about, with Jess, a merciless divorce lawyer, the leader of their girl gang.

While that experience may or may not be something the cast, namely Jesseca, Apple Hong, Jayley Woo, Priscelia Chan and Michelle Chia, relate to in real life, the friendship they forged on the show was so strong, they remain close til today.

"I really enjoyed the entire filming process. After the show, us Queens also became very close and we still keep in touch frequently," she shares.

Once Upon A New Year's Eve (2024) & Mind Matters (2018)

They say one would never understand how it feels to be a mother until you become one, and we're sure Jesseca agrees.

The actress has been married to Mediacorp actor Jeremy Chan since 2017 and the couple has no kids.

"For Mind Matters, that was my first time acting as a mother and it was very memorable for me because I couldn't convince myself mentally to pretend I was a mum," explains Jesseca.

"But this year, when I played a mum in Once Upon A New Year's Eve, I somehow gained a different understanding. I suddenly could feel the emotions, be it happy or sad, of a mum."

In fact, the feelings were so real that Jesseca even started treating her on-screen children, played by He Yingying and Brian Ng, like her own.

While it's definitely been one hell of a ride for Jess, we couldn't help but wonder if she has at any point regretted leaving Malaysia to start a career in Singapore.

"I believe everything in life serves as a lesson and I won't regret any decision I've made since I'm someone who prefers to look ahead," she answers.

"If I didn't come to Singapore back then, people wouldn't have gotten to know Ruan Mian Mian, which means the Jesseca Liu we see today won't exist."

That said, Jesseca, who's currently filming upcoming Mediacorp drama Unforgivable, does find it a pity that she had to sacrifice time spent with her family in Malaysia.

"But I make it a point to set aside some time every year to plan a trip with my family and make sure we have ample family time," she tells us.

Photos: Jesseca Liu/Instagram, mewatch, Wawa Pictures/Youtube

Catch the Backstage LIVE event of Star Awards 2024 from 3.30pm - 10.30pm on mewatch or Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel on April 21 (Sunday).

The Walk Of Fame will be from 5pm - 6.30pm, on mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel on the same day.

It will be followed by the Star Awards 2024 Live Show from 7pm - 10pm on mewatch, Ch 8, Ch U, and Mediacorp Entertainment YouTube Channel.

The repeat telecast for the Walk of Fame and Award Ceremony will air on Ch 8 from 2pm - 6.30pm on April 28 (Sunday).