#SHOWBIZ: Eric Tsang: My kids opposed my TVB executive role

New Straits Times

21-05-2025

HONG KONG: Popular actor Eric Tsang took on the role of TVB's general manager in 2021, aiming to revive the station and win back audiences.
Now, four years later, the 72-year-old Hong Kong star has admitted he may have bitten off more than he could chew.
Dimsum Daily recently reported that Tsang, appearing as a guest on the talk show Friendship Has No Limits, spoke openly about the challenges he has faced since becoming a TVB executive.
He told hosts Carol Mui, Louis Yuen, and Elvina Kong that his children initially opposed his decision, asking why he would take on such a high-pressure role at this point in his life.
"They told me you're already under so much stress – why add more to your plate?" said Tsang.
When Mui mentioned he had to wake up early to be in the office by 8am, the father of four replied, "I also thought it wouldn't be that hard at first. But it turns out I really overestimated myself."
He also noted lifestyle adjustments such as following a schedule and keeping track of public holidays – things he rarely considered while working on movie sets.
Despite the challenges, Tsang feels a duty to give back to the industry that shaped him.
Since taking the job, he has made it his mission to support new talent, often sacrificing sleep to review scripts from emerging directors and writers.
Kong observed that Tsang "could fall asleep anywhere" because he was constantly exhausted.
Tsang explained, "Back then, the hardest part was finding a boss willing to invest in a shoot. Now, I try my best to help where I can."
As a mentor, Tsang looks for newcomers who are not only talented but also possess good character.
"I don't want to bring bad people into this industry," he said.