Phyllis Quek, 50, Doesn’t Think She Is A “Hardcore Tai Tai”, But Feels Blessed To Be Able To Do Whatever She Likes

If you watched Mediacorp drama Soul Detective, which just finished its 20-episode run, you would've spotted Phyllis Quek, 50, in a guest starring role.

The former Mediacorp actress was dubbed the “fourth Ah Jie” after Zoe Tay, Fann Wong and Ann Kok in the late '90s. After her contract with Mediacorp ended in 2001, she went on to further her career in China and Taiwan.

Since marrying Australian businessman David Cox in 2012, Phyllis has greatly reduced her workload and only appears in local dramas on an ad-hoc basis.

So what was it about her role as a scheming tai tai in Soul Detective that made her want to return to our screens?

Turns out, Zheng Geping, who is the show’s executive producer, had something to do with it.

“When he called me I just accepted the role (laughs). I didn’t even read the script," she said. "But my purpose of coming back is [to fuel] my passion. I still miss acting. I enjoy the feeling of coming back, catching up with my colleagues and the production crew. So I just wanted to enjoy the process of filming."

The actress revealed that she still thinks of acting, and is “always open" to opportunities as long as timing allows it and that the roles offered are “suitable” for her.

When 8days.sg met Phyllis at the press conference for Soul Detective a couple months back, the actress was dressed in an elegant yellow pantsuit.

A lot of has been written about her age-defying beauty, and true enough, she barely looked a day over 40 in person.

According to Phyllis, her youthful appearance has a lot to do with how she keeps a positive outlook on ageing, and the effort she puts in to maintain her mental and physical health.

And well, it may also have something to do with how she now has the time and ability to keep to a routine which works best for her — something she lacked when she was a full-time actress.

8DAYS SG: When you decided to make a comeback for this drama and you first told your husband about it, what did he say to you?

PHYLLIS QUEK: He’s always very supportive. Whatever I do, whatever I choose, he’s fine with it.

Does he watch local shows?

No, he doesn’t. He will watch if I’m in the show though. He [reads] the subtitles. (Laughs)

How did he find out that you’re an actress then?

Through friends. But when we [first met], he didn’t know that I’m an actress. I didn’t tell him either, because I like people to know me as a person [before finding out about my job]. I think that’s more real.

You play a tai tai in Soul Detective. And from the pics and stories that you post on IG, it would be easy to assume you're a tai tai in real life too.

Um, I mean I have the… I’m blessed enough to just enjoy my life and do whatever I like. I count my blessings. But I don’t think I’m a hardcore tai tai (laughs). You know, like [those with] chauffeurs and all. I’m sure you’ve seen more ‘tai tai’ people around.

I guess when I was younger, I worked hard and I’ve been through a lot of challenges and ups and downs. Now, [I] just want to lead a more balanced life, spend time with my family and husband and see the world.

During your recent appearance on Hear U Out, you mentioned that you thought of having kids, but it just never happened. Did you consider other alternatives such as IVF or adoption?

Yes, I did IVF, but I never considered adopting [a child]. I’m not into [the idea of] adopting a kid. But I love and care for my nieces and nephews, so that’s how I show my love.

The IVF experience was pretty challenging. I only did it once, and I decided that I did not want to put myself through it again.

You’re known for your youthful appearance. Do you feel the pressure to look young and always look good?

Inevitably, kind of. But I’m also quite a disciplined person. And I’m a Virgo (smiles), so whatever I do I try to do it to the best of my ability. Maybe that helps me in maintaining a self-care [routine], and staying disciplined. I think that helps. You know, keeping to whatever I [incorporate] into my lifestyle, and making sure I look healthy and stay in shape.

Does growing old make you feel stressed?

For sure. One day I’ll grow old and have white hair and be like a 70-year-old granny. But I guess you just have to accept the changes in you and age gracefully. I think the most important thing is [your] mentality. Just always stay positive and stay grounded.

Would you say you’re a vain person by nature?

I guess, kind of, to a certain extent. But I try not to be too overboard. But I do love taking care of myself and I place a lot of attention on it.

So what are some things you do to keep yourself young physically and mentally?

I’m sure a lot [of people] know that I love to exercise. Exercise is a big part of my life, and it is not about losing weight. It is also a mental thing for me. When I exercise, I [gain] endorphins and I feel good about it. It helps me destress.

Sometimes when I’m sick, I know that it’s not right to go to the gym and exercise but ah! (exclaims loudly) I really can’t wait. I just want to go and sweat it out.

It must have been hard for you to stop exercising after getting your Covid vaccines then.

It was very hard. So I did very light [activities] like swimming or just going for a brisk walk. At least they weren't too strenuous on my body.

What would you recommend someone start with if they want to exercise for better mental and physical health?

It’s all about your lifestyle and routine. I know that everybody is very busy, and they always say they don’t have time. They are busy with their kids and with work, so I think it’s how you fit [an exercise routine] into your lifestyle. But it must be sustainable, and not like a one-time thing.

For me, I started exercising back when I was still acting. It’s basically a part of me. The most important part is that your routine has to work for you. Food wise, I try to have balanced eating habits but I also have cravings. I love desserts. So sometimes [I] have cheat days, just like everyone else. I’m not hardcore [about it]. You know how some people are very hardcore, to the extent that they count [calories].

And then skin and hair wise, just take care of it. Basically if you have self-love and you care about yourself, you will do anything for it. And you have to maintain it, it’s really an ongoing job.

When did you realise the importance of loving yourself?

When I kind of slowed down my acting career, and I was not so busy with work. [I started] having more me-time, and [it was good for] my health. And that’s how I [realised] that it is very important to find myself instead of giving my all to work. Previously, I had no me-time at all. I didn’t have the chance to say “I want to do this, I want to do that". It was all about work.

So when you were busy with filming Soul Detective, how did you take time off to relax?

For my role… it’s actually not too bad. It’s just a guest appearance. So after a few days of intensive filming, I could just rest. And of course I still went back to workout lah (laughs). And then I slept as much as I could (chuckles).

Photos: Phyllis Quek/ Instagram, meWATCH, Mediacorp/ Photo Unit