Edwin debuted as an idol singer under Music Nation in 2002, and his debut album, Born to Fly, was very successful. Avid Cantopop lovers may in fact remember 2002 to be the “Year of the Newcomers,” in which Edwin, Juno Mak (麥浚龍), and Shawn Yue (余文樂) debuted. The “Best New Singer” honor was among the most competitive and highly anticipated award category at music award ceremonies that year. The fan bases of Edwin, Juno, and Shawn were at each other toe-to-toe, and it took quite a long time for the judges to come up with the ultimate winner for the award. In the end, Edwin defeated Juno and Shawn by winning Gold at the JSG Best Ten Music Awards – Juno won Silver, while Anson Hu (胡彥斌) won Bronze. But Edwin’s glory did not last for long. In the afterparty of the JSG award ceremony, a paparazzi reporter overheard Edwin saying the phrase, “The Good will always prevail,” to his colleagues. The next day, the reporter took the phrase out of context and claimed that his phrase was meant to be directed towards Juno, Edwin’s strongest opponent. The article alleged that Edwin saw Juno as the devil, and believed that his loss was well-deserved. The report angered Juno’s fans, Juno’s label, Edwin’s own label, and the Cantopop industry in general. A year later, Edwin was forced to leave Hong Kong to start his career anew in Beijing. Edwin filmed several mainland Chinese dramas, and although he was billed as the first male lead in most of them, his dramas were not well-received by the mainland Chinese public. In 2008, Edwin returned to Hong Kong, joined TVB, and started from scratch. Edwin’s first drama with TVB since his return was in 2008’s When Easterly Showers Fall on the Sunny West <東山飄雨西關晴>, which starred Liza Wang (汪明荃), Charmaine Sheh (佘詩曼), and Joe Ma (馬德鐘). Thinking back to his first few years in the industry, Edwin admitted that he was very outspoken and frank. However, he did not regret any of his unreserved actions. “Life is like a finished screenplay. If it is destined to come at you, it will come. Even if I didn’t say that phrase, I would probably still meet the same fate. I am actually thankful for these unfortunate experiences, which taught me to cherish all the things I have now. I am much more practical and independent compared to what I was ten years ago, because all the things I have earned now is through my own hard work. Back then, my music label spent a lot of resources to promote me. It was my company who gave me my success, not me.” The Next Big Actor? Edwin never thought he would end up as an actor. When he first debuted, his sole concentration was to do well in the music industry. “I didn’t know when I started to like acting,” said Edwin. “I originally joined TVB because I really needed a job.” After working as a supporting actor in TVB for four years, Edwin finally managed to snag a position in the spotlight this year. Edwin’s popularity in the television market shot up in the past few months, and he is currently on the same popularity league with other 2012 rising stars, such as Mandy Wong (黃智雯), Oscar Leung (梁烈唯), Koo Ming Wah (古明華), and Eliza Sam (岑麗香). Edwin’s 2012 dramas have all made it to the annual Top 10 Highest-Rated Dramas list. Edwin is also a hot favorite to win this year’s Most Improved Actor award and Best Supporting Actor award. “There is no one in the world who doesn’t want to win an award,” said Edwin. “However, I will not keep my hopes up too high. No matter the results, I will still be happy. If I do have a chance to be on the stage, I will thank my ex-boss, Lee Jun, and my ex-manager. They provided me with such a great starting point to my career. I may have fallen down halfway, but it was not their fault.” It’s Never Too Late Would Edwin regret that he has lost ten years of his youth? The 35-year-old Edwin did not believe that age should be a limiting factor. “We’re in a different generation now. People are living longer and healthier. The transition to adulthood is being pushed back farther and farther. In the past, a person may reach middle age when they turn 30 years old, but now, it’s 40 or 45 years old. Take Michael Miu (苗僑偉) for example. He is much more charismatic and energetic than many younger actors today.” When it comes to work, Edwin is full of hope and anticipation. But when it comes to dating, Edwin shakes his head. “I can’t say that I’m afraid of dating, but at this moment, I really don’t think dating is suitable for me. TVB siu sangs like Raymond Lam (林峯) and Bosco Wong (黃宗澤) place their careers in top priority. None of them focus primarily on dating. I have to work even harder at my age. I need to put all my energy and focus on my career.” Indeed. Good opportunities do not come knocking on the door every day. Edwin has fallen once, and he cannot afford to fall again. Creds: ihktv
he's a pretty good actor considering his experience in the industry. interesting to learn of his music background, wouldn't have guessed it
I've watched Edwin since he was a rookie. Still remember the days with 100% Feel? His singing wasn't so bad too, had some songs I enjoyed. But man... His acting is amazing! He is standing out in all his roles this year. His "keh leh" role in Daddy Good Deeds (or something like that) was good. Then his last series with Moses was good too. He is good in TC as well. He's look ain't bad too, just not "chok" enough I guess. But he is very versatile IMO. I have to say, he is better than LF, Ron, Bosco, maybe even Moses (depends on what role Moses is given though). Not yet Wayne's level, but seems like he is doing pretty good consider he is still catching attention in a series featuring Wayne and Michelle. Also Cao Wing Lim is a veteran.
