Despite not winning any acting awards last year, Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣) described 2012 to be a fulfilling year, due to her filming opportunities and music achievements. Linda was in 6 productions last year, the most prolific year in her 9-year TVB career. Although the series were all shown in the earlier part of the year, it did not stop the viewers from taking notice of Linda’s versatility as an actress. The role Linda played as Hailey in Witness Security <護花危情> was especially indelible. “This is one of my favorite roles yet. Not only was the role different, Hailey also suffered from a stress disorder and this really allowed me to challenge my acting skills. Even when she cried, she could not just bawl, it had to be a quiet cry that came from the heart. I know Hailey has also left a deep impression on the viewers. To some viewers, I’m not Linda, I’m Hailey.” High Praises for Ruco Chan Now in the midst of filming Brother’s Keeper <巨輪> with Ruco Chan (陳展鵬), Linda is both excited and delighted. Brother’s Keeper, a drama which covers Hong Kong’s turbulent events from 1980 to 2013, will see Linda collaborating with Ruco for the first time. Linda said excitedly, “I really admire Ruco. He is an actor with extensive experience and one of the artists that I discussed acting theories with the most. He taught me a lot of things.” In the drama, Linda plays the role of Rachel, a fashion designer who was brought up overseas. As the show spans several decades, Linda will also play the teenage Rachel. The image of the young Rachel is almost an exact copy of Linda’s own teenage look. Not only that, Linda comfortably and easily immerses into the role of Rachel, who like herself, grows up overseas and speaks extensively in English. Linda Wants a Fantasy Love Story As for onscreen partners, Linda hopes to work with Wayne Lai (黎耀祥). “I know I can gain some acting lessons from him. But most importantly, I think we are pretty similar in character. Like me, he likes to keep to himself. He once told me that it is okay to stay true to one self, as long as we remain professional during filming.” Even though Linda had the opportunity to play 6 different roles in 2012, she still wants to dabble in new challenges. She said excitedly, “Now that I have veered away from playing a sweet young thing, I want to play a villain! Or perhaps someone who is handicapped. That will surely push my acting to new heights!” A romantic at heart, Linda has a dream love story she wants to act in. She said, “I love fantasy stories! I want to portray a whimsical role, like a mannequin. In the day, she’s a still and quiet mannequin and at night, she comes alive and falls in love with a man, just like the love story between Leon Lai (黎明) and Michelle Reis (李嘉欣) in Fallen Angels <墮落天使>, so unreal yet so romantic!” Hopes for 2013 After 4 years and 4 albums, Linda also has made progress in her singing career, having just snagged the Metro Radio Hits Female Singer Award and her single, “Vaccine” <預防針> also secured a place in the 30th JSG Music Awards. Her next step will be a concert. Voted 2012 Most Popular Commercial Queen by TVB Weekly, Linda has her sweet roles and clean image to thank. She joked, “I’m happy with this award because it enhances my wallet!” Saving up to buy an apartment, Linda would not mind more endorsements, particularly in a telecommunications or cosmetics advertisement. Initially, there were plans for Linda to host a travel program at the English-speaking Pearl station but it did not materialize. Linda hopes that in 2013, she will be able to take a break from acting and try a hosting job. Creds: Fashion and Beauty Mag
