Since last year, 34-year-old Jason Chan (陳智燊) has become heavily promoted by TVB. His performance in Be Home for Dinner <誰家灶頭無煙火> was nominated for the Most Improved Actor category in the 2011 TVB Anniversary Awards. Resembling a cross between Daniel Wu (吳彥祖) and Raymond Lam (林峰), Jason was an earnest and well-mannered individual that has risen above TVB’s crowd of young male actors. Simple Nature Growing up in Great Britain, Jason’s parents owned a restaurant business and his elder brother was a dentist. After graduating from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies, Jason worked as a hospital administrator before joining TVB in 2005, in which he hosted several variety programs. He is fluent in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, French and even Latin. Jason was often teased by his colleagues that he abandoned a white-collar job and his comfortable life in Great Britain to join the entertainment industry. In an interview with Ming Pao last year, TVB executive, Catherine Tsang (曾勵珍), pointedly mentioned that Jason Chan was a newcomer to look out for. Ms. Tsang was often credited in developing memorable talent at TVB; she stated that artists who possessed a true passion for acting meant that they will work harder and put in greater efforts than artists who prioritized the financial gains first. Ms. Tsang felt that Jason’s earnest passion for acting distinguished him from other young actors at TVB. Jason gave people the impression that he has a simple and pure nature, qualities which were not always a good fit for the entertainment industry. He went to Hong Kong with the intention of making strides in the entertainment industry. “I never considered making a lot of money, as long as I like the job and enjoy the process. That does not mean that money is not important, but my goal is not soley bent on buying a luxury apartment. I do want to buy a house, but I am not in a hurry.” Jason was a practical person and did not require a high standard of living. “There is no need to wear designer brands, because I do not have the ability to maintain this lifestyle of living. If you ask whether it is necessary to have many beautiful clothes as an actor, then yes. But I cannot only buy high-quality brands, otherwise I would go bankrupt!” Love Life Due to Jason’s handsome looks and good background, he was rumored to be highly popular among TVB actresses. Jason has been romantically linked with 2007 Miss Chinese International winner, Sarah Song ( 宋熙年). However, Sarah denied that she was dating Jason, claiming to be only friends. In an interview with TVB Magazine in May 2011, Jason described the qualities that he looked for in a woman. He desired a kind-hearted woman. “Perhaps this is very old-fashioned! Is the woman very beautiful? Very tall? You will get tired of these things one day. It is more important that she and I can get along and that she is a kind-hearted person. Having a kind nature means being kind to everyone and everything. I know this is not something you can find out in the first impression; it would require an extended period of time to observe.” In the same interview, Jason admitted that he was pursuing a woman in Hong Kong, but he was not yet successful. Despite the recent criticism that local women were becoming increasingly materialistic, he admired the traditional qualities of Hong Kong women. Rising Prominence With his first leading role opposite Linda Chung (鍾嘉欣) in new TVB drama, Blissful Ferris Wheel <幸福摩天輪>, Jason Chan has been pushed to the forefront. He cherished the opportunities that TVB gave him. “This is a good opportunity. Aside from partnering with Linda Chung, I will be able to work with veteran artists such as Helen Law (羅蘭) and Elliot Ngok (岳華).” With increased exposure, Jason’s income naturally rose as well. He has already filmed 3 advertisements year-to-date. His good looks were often cited to resemble Daniel Wu and Raymond Lam. With Jason’s healthy image, he has become popular among advertisers. Jason said, “Perhaps I grew up in Great Britain, my image is refreshing. To be honest, I am a very traditional person though!” Jason Chan in Commercial Action! [video=youtube;5dS4uxI3ExI]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dS4uxI3ExI[/video] Creds: Oriental Daily
