Raymond Lam (林峯) announced that he will focus more on filming movies rather than TV dramas, with an eventual exit from the entertainment industry planned. Raymond plans to quit show business altogether and help his father, Lam Kwok Wah (林國華) in his mainland real-estate property company. The rumors started when Raymond lost the TV King award at the 45th TVB Anniversary Awards this year. With his vast fan base and strong performance in Highs and Lows <<雷霆掃毒>, he was the hot favorite. However, he lost that award and also did not clinch the My Favorite Male Character award either. The disappointed Raymond was said to voice his opposition by turning down to act in TVB’s ancient drama, Food for the Slaves <食為奴>. This fueled the rumor more, even though Raymond admitted that he declined because he did not want to shave his head. The media caught up with Raymond’s manager, TVB Executive, Virginia Lok (樂易玲) when she returned from Beijing. “They are only rumors. Didn’t he say in an earlier interview that he wanted to focus his career on his music and movies for the next 1 or 2 years? The cast of Food For the Slaves has not been confirmed, and as such, we have not confirmed Raymond will be in the cast, so how can he reject?” Having put much effort into his work, it was no wonder Raymond was disappointed he did not win any awards. Virginia remarked, “This only shows Raymond’s dedication to his work.” Raymond’s cousin, newcomer Lin Xiawei (林夏薇) fully supports Raymond’s decision. However, she feels it a pity if Raymond were to quit the entertainment industry. Wayne Lai (黎耀祥) and Steven Ma (馬浚偉) both felt Raymond should continue to strive on. Wayne felt that Raymond is giving himself too much pressure. Steven also thinks that Raymond should not place so much emphasis on awards. Elusive to TVB awards himself, Steven thinks that winning awards is secondary to an artist’s own intrinsic achievements. For someone as talented as Raymond, he should not give up as easily and continue to strive hard. Creds: Oriental Daily
I will just say awards aren't everything, may be Raymond should be like Tavia and accept more breakthrough roles to get HK people on side (FungYi might even help - I wish.)
