Singapore — Since his debut in 1994, veteran host Guo Liang has come a long way.
In the latest episode of Quan Yi Fong’s talk show Hear U Out, the father of one appeared as a guest. During the episode, Guo Liang revealed some obstacles he faced since he relocated to Singapore for work, including being “banned” after rudely rejecting a drama role, a brief slump and struggling to make ends meet with a low salary. Guo Liang, 52 admitted that he was less considerate to others in the past.
Although he did not name anyone, he relayed his apologies to the person who may be watching the episode.
“I had rejected an opportunity to act in a production in very rude manner,” Guo Liang confessed.
According to the actor-host he felt he was being reasonable and expressed his concerns about certain aspects that did not sound logical to him.
The other party replied that even if Guo Liang was right, they had to work at a fast pace and were unable to make the changes according to his wishes.
In response, Guo Liang had said, “In that case, thank you, let’s collaborate another time, count me out.”
Guo Liang added that the person has not approached him after over ten years.
When Quan expressed her surprise at Guo Liang’s bold move, knowing how much he relished being in showbiz, he replied in exasperation, “I didn’t know at that time! I didn’t know I’d be banned! I was young!”
He said sorry again for his actions before explaining that in hindsight, he felt that he need not react in such a manner. Guo Liang added that the person may be considering the big picture while actors may sometimes focus on the smaller details. However, sometimes the details might only make sense when the production is viewed as a whole. For one who is starting out, a career in the entertainment industry may be unpredictable and fraught with uncertainties, as reported by Mothership.sg.
Guo Liang was asked if he went through any lowest points in his career and he responded that it was when he did not receive any assignments. He had so much time that his wife suggested that he take up driving lessons to obtain a driving license. Guo Liang said that he did not take the examination. He even looked into real estate agent examinations in Chinese.
Guo Liang mentioned that he was unable to remember when the slump happened specifically but said that it “did not last long”.
“There wasn’t any particular reason, just that there was a sharp decline in programmes.”
The Shanghai-born host also shared how difficult it was when he first arrived in Singapore with his wife. The couple had to make do with low income, in addition to being new and uncertain about the future. According to Guo Liang there was one time they were just few days away from receiving his salary and he struggled to even find SGD50 on him.
“You shouldn’t assume it was easy to find SGD50 in my pockets, I probably only managed to pull out SGD2.”
Guo Liang could not recall exactly how they found themselves in such a predicament but believes it was because they had spent on pots, pans, and daily necessities after his wife had arrived not too long ago.
“We ended up sharing a packet of instant noodles,” he added.
Guo Liang also went through a tough period when his wife was suffering from postnatal depression for a few months. It was hard for him to reassure his wife. She believed that Guo Liang’s job was not stable and that he could lose his job at any time.
The actor-host emphasised the importance to be extra patient with loved ones who suffer from depression.
Fortunately, his parents, who were experienced in such matters, were around to help out as well./TISG