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The Star
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Henry Golding says he misses Malaysia, wants to return soon and eat laksa
Henry Golding may be living oceans away, but his heart still beats for Malaysia. Born in Betong, Sarawak to an English father and a Malaysian mother, Golding spent his early years in Dungun, Terengganu before relocating to Surrey in England, the United Kingdom, at the age of eight. Long before making it big in Hollywood, Golding was a hairdresser in England. He returned to Malaysia in 2008 to chase his dream in broadcast television – a decision that set him on a globe-spanning path: a decade in Singapore, some time in Los Angeles, the United States, and a return to Surrey in late 2024. 'It's been a long and amazing journey,' the 38-year-old told StarLifestyle in an exclusive virtual interview. 'I'm used to moving around, so I'm sort of transient in that sense.' But no matter where life takes him, Malaysia remains close to Golding's heart. The actor, whose last Instagram post from Malaysia was in November 2024, shared that he often feels left out whenever he sees his friends posting about their adventures here. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henry Golding (@henrygolding) 'Oh my gosh, I miss Malaysia tremendously! "I have to do an extended trip someday just to catch up with everybody and go eat a good bowl of laksa. Hopefully, I'll have a chance to return,' he said in his charming British accent. Reflecting on his globe-trotting experience, Golding admitted that it hadn't been easy. For one, he used to face racism as an Asian minority trying to assimilate in Britain. Still, those experiences shaped him, and he slowly began taking pride in his heritage over time. 'It was a little jarring getting used to being there at first, but at the same time, there's also so much joy and exploration.' 'Fake it to make it' When talking about Golding, it's hard not to think of his breakout performance as the suave Nick Young in 2018's Crazy Rich Asians – the first-ever Hollywood flick featuring an all-Asian cast since 1993's The Joy Luck Club . The movie propelled him to global stardom – a feat made all the more impressive by the fact that he had no acting experience before bagging the role. 'I went out and was like: 'I've got to fake it to make it. I've got to pretend I have experience.' Sometimes, you really have to put yourself on the line to get the results you really want,' he told British daily The Guardian . Golding starred opposite Michelle Yeoh (left) and Constance Wu in the hit movie 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Photos: Handout Golding first launched his career as a television host on the local variety show 8TV Quickie in 2008 before going on to present for ESPN, the BBC and Discovery Channel Asia. Building on the success of Crazy Rich Asians , Golding starred in films such as Last Christmas (2019), Snake Eyes (2021), Daniela Forever (2024) and more. Over the years, the actor has been hailed by international media as one of the more prominent Asian leading men in movies today. New retreat, new faces He's currently starring in the second season of the Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers . The first instalment, based on Australian author Liane Moriarty's 2018 novel of the same name, featured Oscar winner Nicole Kidman as Masha – a Russian wellness guru who uses psychedelic therapy to help nine guests heal at her resort in California. Oscar winner Nicole Kidman reprises her role as Russian wellness guru Masha in the second season of 'Nine Perfect Strangers'. The latest season, however, strays away from its source material, shifting the setting to the snowy Austrian Alps and introducing nine new characters. This time, Masha invites a fresh group of strangers to a one-week transformation retreat: A formerly devout nun (Dolly de Leon), a socially awkward puppeteer (Murray Bartlett), a tense mother-daughter duo (Christine Baranski, Annie Murphy) and more. Other new faces introduced include Golding's Peter – a young man longing for his billionaire father's (Mark Strong) approval. 'It's rare to find a series with such strong and compelling characters... Like, Peter has everything, but the one thing he can't have is his father's love,' Golding told StarLifestyle . Golding (left) is thrilled to work alongside fellow actor Mark Strong, who's one of his biggest idols in the film scene. Photo: Reuters 'That distance with his father makes him a sensitive soul, but the moment he has any interaction with his dad, he becomes like this puppy... basically a child. 'He's kind of wacky and easily freaks out, but he's really just a sensitive young boy in a man's body, so it was fun exploring that.' A golden opportunity For Golding, Nine Perfect Strangers is more than just another role – it's an exciting experience that marks many firsts for the actor. The eight-episode project took him to Munich and the Austrian Alps for the first time, where he spent months filming and exploring. 'We spent a lot of time in Salzburg city, went deep into the mountains and explored everywhere. 'Filming began in January and ended in June, so I literally saw all the seasons – from winter to spring and all the way into summer. 'By the time filming ended, we were all in shorts and T-shirts,' he said with a laugh. Golding had the opportunity to explore the Austrian Alps for the first time while filming 'Nine Perfect Strangers'. Golding also joked that if Nine Perfect Strangers has a third instalment, it should be set in the jungles of Borneo so everyone could 'sweat a little'. Beyond the picturesque scenery, Golding had the privilege of working alongside industry juggernauts Kidman and Baranski, who have graced the screen for over 40 years. Describing it as an inspiring experience, Golding shared: 'I love being surrounded by talented people on set... It's such a gift. 'As an actor, you're constantly motivated by others' performances in the best way possible. You watch them, see their process and take on board their choices.' Another memorable aspect of the project for Golding was the opportunity to star opposite actor Strong, who's one of his biggest heroes in the film industry. Strong, 61, is famous for movies such as Stardust (2007), Sherlock Holmes (2009), Kingsman: The Secret Service (2014) and its sequel Kingsman: The Golden Circle (2017). 'I grew up watching Mark's works, so it was a joy to find out he would be playing my dad. He's such a regal and phenomenal actor who has cultivated his art and craft... He oozes control,' added Golding. Finding room for improvement Ever the perfectionist, Golding is constantly pushing himself to grow as an actor by embracing various challenges. In Nine Perfect Strangers , the biggest hurdle came in the form of filming out of sequence – a daunting task given it's his first series since 2009's Goda . 'Nine Perfect Strangers' marks Golding's first series since 2009's 'Goda'. Photo: Henry Golding/Instagram 'It's always challenging to film out of order, especially when you have eight episodes that, sometimes, aren't fully finished. 'Like, I've already done this, but now I'm doing this and then I've got to come back here. 'That's just the nature of filming something so big,' he said. Despite the challenges, Golding successfully brought the emotionally intricate character of Peter to life, thanks to his determination and the support of his co-stars. That same drive to grow carries over into his personal life. In August 2016, Golding tied the knot with Taiwanese television presenter Liv Lo in Sarawak. The couple, who first crossed paths at a New Year's Eve party in 2010, are now proud parents to two daughters – Lyla, four, and Florence, two. For Golding, no role is more important than that of being a father. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Henry Golding (@henrygolding) 'I think you can never stop being a better father. 'No matter how much time I spend with my daughters or how patient I try to be, I always look back and wonder if I should've spent more time with them,' he shared. Though he admitted that parenthood is tough, it's also his greatest joy and blessing. 'Being a parent is probably life's biggest challenge because you can be hard on yourself. 'But at the same time, you know you're trying your best, so I think that's something that I can always improve on.' Nine Perfect Strangers Season Two is available on Prime Video, with new episodes out every Thursday.
The Star
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Eiza Gonzalez says she nearly fainted filming 'Fountain Of Youth' in Bangkok
In Guy Ritchie's new movie Fountain Of Youth , audiences are dropped into the middle of an action sequence featuring lead star John Krasinski expertly weaving through Bangkok's infamous traffic on a motorcycle. His character, Luke Purdue – a tomb raider of sorts – is trying to escape Thai mafia goons who are after him for stealing an old painting from their boss. In a brazen escape, he jumps onto a moving train – only to encounter a beautiful but deadly opponent, played by Eiza Gonzalez. That thrilling sequence is just the beginning of a globe-trotting, puzzle-solving heist that features not only iconic locations but also several high-octane action scenes. Filmed over five months, the cast and crew travelled to cities around the world – including Bangkok, Vienna, Liverpool, London and Cairo – to showcase the characters' quest for the mythical fountain mentioned in the film title. The film's climactic scene, set in Egypt, features none other than the Pyramids of Giza, where the production team was granted unprecedented access. Mexican actress-singer Gonzalez says that this is one of the most exciting roles she's ever taken on, as she performed many of her own stunts. Speaking to StarLifestyle via Zoom about the challenges of filming action scenes in various locations, she highlights the sweltering heat in Bangkok and Cairo. 'When we watch movies, we rarely think about the weather or the surrounding conditions,' says Gonzalez, who also starred in Ritchie's 2024 film The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare . 'But on filming days, those factors can be absolutely pivotal, and you have zero control over them. You just have to adapt. 'I remember actually feeling faint during the Bangkok scene because it was incredibly hot. "Guy wanted me in a full-piece suit, and I was sweating. You have to mentally (trick yourself), telling yourself 'I'm not hot, I'm cold' to get through (the scene). So that process was interesting.' Things didn't get easier in Cairo, where they filmed outdoors under the blazing sun. To make matters worse, Ritchie had her wear 'a ninja-style' outfit during the action sequences. 'That was definitely one of the more challenging parts of the shoot,' she says. 'Thankfully, my stunt double stepped up for that particular sequence.' Although her co-star, Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson, didn't have to perform any action scenes, he admits he struggled with the heat just the same for his scenes at the pyramids. 'How did I handle the heat? Not well,' Gleeson says with a laugh. 'I'm not good in the heat. I struggle even when it's warm in Ireland. And once I leave Ireland, I'm basically hot wherever I go. 'But despite that, the experience was amazing,' adds Gleeson, who portrayed General Hux in the Star Wars sequel trilogy and is the son of actor Brendan Gleeson. 'We were so well looked after, and it was such a fun shoot. They had the budget to do it properly – to travel to all these incredible places and then shoot with real intention once we got there. So I just felt incredibly lucky the whole time, as well as quite warm.' Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson didn't have to perform any action scenes but he struggled with the heat just the same. Fountain Of Youth follows siblings (Krasinski and Natalie Portman) who are hired by terminally ill multi-billionaire Owen Carver (Gleeson) to find the spring of eternal life. Unfortunately for them, Esme (Gonzalez) is just as determined to stop them from succeeding in their expedition. With its references to artefacts and puzzles, Fountain Of Youth clearly draws inspiration from classic films like Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider . Gonzalez confesses she had Tomb Raider in mind while playing her character. 'Esme is kind of in the same vein as Lara Croft. She's (on a quest), searching for something, just like Lara was. 'I've always loved stories that dive into history and mythology – and Guy is really into that too. 'A lot of days, we'd be sitting around on set, having a kind of history class – discussing what might've been possible in the past, what wasn't and so on. 'It's always fun when you're able to create that (dynamic) with the cast and director while making a movie,' the actress says. Fountain Of Youth is available on Apple TV+.
The Star
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Song Ji-hyo finds life fun again after deep diving with seasoned haenyeo for BBC
At a point when South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo felt stuck in the monotony of her acting career, she was ready to try something new. That 'something new' turned out to be an immersive, month-long training with the seasoned haenyeo of Jeju Island for the three-episode BBC docuseries Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure . Haenyeo, which means 'sea women' in Korean, are freedivers who do not use breathing equipment to gather shellfish for their livelihood. Song, who was in Malaysia to promote the series premiering on May 11, tells StarLifestyle via an interpreter that joining the programme was a much-needed wake-up call. The actress is happy to be in Malaysia to talk about the documentary that renewed her zest for life. Photos: Handout 'It made me more appreciative of the small things in life, not just for myself but for everyone around me. Things I used to overlook now stand out, and I've learned to value them. 'With this mindset, life feels more fun now,' says Song, who has been a regular cast member on the long-running South Korean variety show Running Man since 2010. Song Ji-hyo takes a photo with the haenyeo she trained with for one month. Her renewed zest for her work is apparent when we come face-to-face with the friendly star, who first made her film debut in Wishing Stairs (2003) and has spent over two decades navigating roles in both romantic dramas and horror thrillers. Song speaks about the documentary and the haenyeo way of life with such passion that she launches into long, enthusiastic explanations with very little prompting. This is further evident in the three episodes of Deep Dive , which show her struggling multiple times to keep up with the demanding lessons – yet throughout, Song remains determined to see it through. According to the production notes, the 43-year-old was attempting to 'cram over 30 years' worth of training into just one month'. The Unstoppable actress admits she initially underestimated the difficulty of the challenge, thinking it wouldn't be so hard given her background. After all, she grew up in the coastal city of Pohang, South Korea. Her mother was a competitive swimmer, and her eldest aunt – her mother's sister – was a haenyeo. 'To me, it wasn't something unusual ... So, I focused only on physical strength, not underwater training (before heading to Jeju Island). 'But once I started, I really regretted not having trained in the water earlier,' she says. Did she ever consider giving up? 'Instead of quitting when things got tough, I was actually harder on myself,' says Song, who first rose to fame through the popular 2006 series Princess Hours . Her other drama credits include The Witch's Diner , Emergency Couple and Lovely Horribly . 'I kept thinking, 'Why can't I do better?'' She adds that the tight timeline was especially stressful. 'I really felt the pressure. I wanted to show the world the strength, depth and emotion behind the haenyeo way of life – the joy, the pain and the resilience.' She says she felt immense pressure to ensure the international audience fully grasp the haenyeo's way of life. For Song, it wasn't just about completing a challenge. It was about honouring a legacy. 'This work is deeply connected to our national heritage. It's more than just a job; it's a way of life,' she elaborates. 'The haenyeo who are still diving today carry immense pride in what they do. They bear the responsibility of preserving this cultural legacy, and they take that role very seriously.' Despite the high-stakes training and serious atmosphere, some of the most entertaining moments in the series come from Song's efforts to win over the veteran divers – women in their 60s, 70s and even 80s – as she joins in their daily routines beyond the sea. These women, whom the affable star still keeps in touch with and visits whenever she returns to the island, have become more than just acquaintances. 'I didn't expect to bond so well with the older women,' Song tells StarLifestyle , reflecting on what she learned about herself while filming the documentary. 'And I found out I'm more patient than I thought. I grew a lot as a person through this experience. I got to know the better side of me.' Song Ji-hyo speaks about her experience after an exclusive screening of the documentary's first episode. That personal growth has clearly stayed with her. During a Q&A with fans after an exclusive screening of the first episode in Kuala Lumpur, Song was asked what advice she'd give to someone taking on a new challenge. She answers: 'I would say, don't hesitate. Regret comes after trying, and it's better to regret after trying something than to regret not trying at all. 'You have to start somewhere, and if you're too scared to begin, then you're holding yourself back. Regret is much bigger when you don't try. 'So, my advice would be: have the confidence to try what you want to try. Don't be afraid. 'And if it doesn't turn out to be the right path for you, you can always change your mind.' K-drama 'Princess Hours' featuring Yoon Eun-hye, Kim Jung-hoon, Song Ji-hyo and Ju Ji-hoon. Thanks to this unique undertaking, Song says she now carries many unforgettable memories – like witnessing dolphins in the wild and discovering how sea creatures follow their own set of rules, ones that haenyeo have learned to live in harmony with. 'When I arrived in Jeju, I saw dolphins swimming freely in the ocean. And then, on my last day on the island, they appeared again – as if they were saying goodbye. It was such an unforgettable moment,' she shares. Participating in this documentary was also a humbling experience for Song, particularly when she began to understand the physical challenges of diving. 'The deeper you go, the more intense the water pressure becomes,' she explains. 'At 10m deep, the pressure feels like it's trying to flatten you into a sheet of paper. 'That's when I truly understood: you don't conquer the sea. You respect it. Nature has to allow you in. 'Some haenyeo can dive more than 20m deep, but only because the ocean accepts them. 'That taught me a deeper kind of reverence – for nature, for the sea and for the strength of these women.' She recalls one particular dive using an oxygen tank to reach about 10m. 'What I saw down there felt like entering a whole new world. The fish had their own community, with unspoken rules and boundaries. 'They didn't trespass into each other's space – everything was in order, like a peaceful, underwater society.' Her experience also deepened her environmental awareness. 'I have come to appreciate sea creatures during my time training to be a haenyeo. 'That's when I felt that, as humans, we definitely have to protect the sea and not invade it. 'It was heartbreaking to see a lot of trash underwater when I was diving ... it's not too late for us to start protecting our oceans.' Running Man members (from left) Lee Kwang-soo, Ji Suk-jin, Song Ji-hyo, Kim Jong-kook and HaHa entertained an ecstatic crowd at Stadium Negara in 2014. Photo: CHAN HOW BAN/The Star Filming Deep Dive has even given her the confidence to continue freediving – not just in Jeju, but in other parts of the world as well. She says she was recently recommended to try it in Kota Kinabalu. 'Now I am determined to visit one day,' says Song, who has often expressed her affection for Malaysia and her massive Malaysian fanbase. 'I look forward to deep diving in Kota Kinabalu, exploring the sea creatures, and learning as much as I can.' Just like the 'superhumans' she trained with, Song says she hopes to keep working for as long as possible in the entertainment industry. 'As long as I maintain my physical strength and accept the changes that come with ageing, I believe I can keep going. I may not always be at my best, but I'm OK with that. 'What matters most is accepting who I am at every stage and staying true to myself. 'As long as I keep enjoying what I do and don't lose interest, I'll continue to pursue it. I'll still be here for another 20 years.' Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure premieres May 11 at 9pm on BBC Earth (Unifi TV Ch 501/Astro Ch 554) and BBC Player.
The Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Korean actress Song Ji-hyo says she visits Malaysia often for work and pleasure
South Korean actress Song Ji-hyo (pic) says she loves coming to Malaysia, adding she often visits the country for both work and for holiday. The 43-year-old is in Kuala Lumpur today (May 2) as part of the promo tour for her three-episode BBC documentary Deep Dive Korea: Song Ji-hyo's Haenyeo Adventure . 'I love Malaysia,' she tells StarLifestyle during our interview at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur earlier today. She was previously in town for Running Man Run 2 U Live In Kuala Lumpur tour in February. 'I come here not only for work but also secretly for a holiday as well. Malaysia is one of my favourite countries to visit.' According to her, she has the most female fans in Malaysia. 'There are a lot of faces that I recognise whenever I come here, and they welcome me so warmly. 'Thats why whenever I come here, I look forward to seeing them. And sometimes I see them in Korea too. Like they travel to Korea to see me as well. So I always look forward to coming to Malaysia, because I receive such a warm welcome.' She fondly shares of a male fan in Malaysia who calls her eonni . 'Eonni is what a female calls another female. But this man calls me eonni,' she says with a smile. The actress also shares that she never misses a chance to have satay when in Malaysia. She's also tried other food such as meatball soup, rose-flavoured drink and eating at local restaurants recommended by locals. Besides interview with press, Song also made an appearance at the Aurum Theatre at TRX to showcase the first episode of the documentary. In the series, Song tries her hand at free diving to retrieve shellfish from deep within the sea. Along the way, she learns just how tough and amazing the Jeju Island's legendary haenyeo truly are. The documentary will premiere on May 11 at 9pm on BBC Earth (Unifi TV Ch 501/ Astro Ch 554).
