Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣) never thought she would become an entertainer. Before she competed for the Miss Chinese International Pageant in 2004, which subsequently paved the road for Linda’s stardom as a TVB actress, Linda was an university sophomore majoring in education. Linda always believed that if she did not join the entertainment industry, she would be working as a teacher with her two best friends. An English or biology teacher, to be exact. Before joining the industry, Linda said she was a coward, being very shy and lacked confidence. She would rather spend her free time at home than to catch up with friends at a hang-out. She was afraid of meeting new people and did not have much of an engaging social life. But the industry changed her. “Thank goodness I’ve joined this industry, because it saved me! I’ve learned to see the world in a new light. I get to experience new things. I’ve become more enlightened and more confident. I’ve discovered that I actually did have some talent when it comes to singing and acting, but what’s most important is that I wasn’t as introverted as before!” Strong Family Ties The industry also saved Linda’s family. Linda’s relationship with her family was never strained to begin with, but being half a world apart from each other really helped bring her family closer together. “I relied on my parents a lot when I was younger, and they looked after me very closely. I used to report to them what I did for the day, where I went and what I ate. I would tell them my entire schedule.” Her parents’ tight supervision led Linda to become too dependent on her family. With an elder brother and elder sister who were also very protective, Linda’s life was too safe, too boring, and unsatisfying. Believing that more independence would be good for Linda, her parents quickly learned to stop asking questions after Linda went to Hong Kong. They have learned to let her go, and Linda is grateful for that. Linda continues to have heart-to-heart conversations with her elder sister and the family has only cherished each other more. Best Actress Award Currently starring in Brother’s Keeper <巨輪>, Linda is a hot contender for this year’s Best Actress race. Most of the praises commended Linda’s credible nineties look and her convincing chemistry with male lead Ruco Chan (陳展鵬). “Maybe I will have a chance and maybe I won’t, but as long as I’ve enjoyed my work, I think I have gained something. It is difficult to earn an opportunity to participate in a production that has heart. I actually think that all will be well as long as I’ve been happy. I once believed that I could only be very happy when I win that award, but my efforts should not be represented in a single night. I have worked hard for the past nine years! But I am very confident with this role. I am ready [to win]!” Creds: Face Magazine
