Xie Shaoguang Wins Praise For Playing A Cancer-Stricken Tycoon In Mediacorp Comeback Drama

We've waited long enough, but Xie Shaoguang's highly-anticipated comeback drama is finally out. 

And the five-time Star Awards Best Actor did not disappoint. 

In new Mediacorp drama  The Gift Of Time, the 64-year-old actor stars as Huo Yan, an arrogant tycoon whose life takes a drastic turn after he’s diagnosed with cancer.

Once pompous and self-centred, Huo Yan rediscovers his humanity after crossing paths with his long-lost benefactor, played by Chen Hanwei, who is also terminally ill. Together, the two embark on a heartfelt journey to fulfil the final wishes of others facing the same fate.

Even though The Gift of Time marks Shaoguang’s first acting role since 2005’s Baby Blues, the veteran slipped back into character with remarkable ease.

In a clip shared on @mediacorp.re.dian’s Instagram, Shaoguang’s character is seen reclining in his lavish mansion, a satisfied grin spreading across his face as he listens to the rhythmic whir of a money-counting machine and the crisp chime of bills.

But the moment of calm quickly unravels, no thanks to the sudden wail of an ambulance siren piercing the air. He clutches his head in distress, visibly tormented by the sound.

Netizens, and we can’t say we’re surprised, were full of praise for the actor’s nuanced and powerful performance.

"He's so good. Not only his eyes, his whole body as well. A [Star Awards] Best Actor winner is just different," gushed one fan. 

Another also effused that the clip had completely taken them on a trip down memory lane.

"In a short one-and-a-half-minute video, I saw Du Han Ming from Stand By Me (1998), Bai Ze in The Crime Hunters (2004) and Sai Wei in The Golden Pillow (1995)," the netizen wrote. In case you don't know, those were just three of Shaoguang's iconic roles before he retired from showbiz in 2005.

Even before the drama premiered, the actor was already receiving rave reviews. Fans flooded social media with compliments after a trailer clip was shared a few days ago.

"I watched the first two episodes on mewatch. I think both Shaoguang and Hanwei were great. Shaoguang's acting skills did not turn 'rusty' at all even after so many years," noted one viewer. 

"I almost got a meltdown just from watching the trailer," said another netizen.

Fans also surmised that the show would sweep all the awards at next year's Star Awards. But who will win Best Actor?

Also, did they forget about Emerald Hill?  

The Gift Of Time is available on demand for free on mewatch; premieres October 23, weekdays 9pm on Ch 8.

Catch the first episode of The Gift Of Time in the video below: