Grace Wong | Prestige Online
Tell us about yourself.
I was born in Hong Kong but grew up in New York from the age of four. I remember when I was young I dreamed of the Hong Kong skyline, almost as if I knew I’d return one day. I was a very independent child; because my mom worked a lot, I’d make most decisions myself. Dance was a huge part of my life. I was chosen as one of the two students in my elementary school to join the National Dance Institute (NDI). Dancing definitely helped me meet more kids and learn more about their cultures.
What was your first big break?
I think it was my role as Fa Man in the TV series A Fist Within Four Walls — it was my first martial-arts role, and very challenging physically and emotionally. To get the body that I wanted, I did corset training for one to two months before we started shooting, as well as throughout the shoot. I also had extensive Baji Quan and gym training. The drama and my role won multiple awards that year in Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong. This brought my own name to a wider audience, not just the name of my character.
What’s the biggest challenge you faced in your career?
There were many times when I doubted myself, whether it was acting, singing or even dancing. This industry has a way of comparing you to every person that has any connection with you — whether it’s your friends or your co-stars, or even the Miss Hong Kong from your year and every year before and after you. It’s a very comparative and judgemental industry: we must remember that we’re all walking different paths, even though parts of our path may coincide. At the end of the day, I need to ask myself: can I finish my own race strong? This is very important.
Who inspires you and why?
I look up to people like Sammi Cheng and Sheren Tang. They’re very strong and devoted Christians who’re very successful in their fields but are still humble and down to earth. They really give hope to aspiring actresses or singers who have a strong faith in Jesus.
What does it take to succeed in your line of work?
In terms of personalities, it’s really a free for all. There are many interesting personalities in this industry and I think we should keep it this way. As for values, they include a capacity for hard work, often for very long and tough hours. Sometimes you need to be a jack of all trades, knowing how to act but also how to sing, dance and host variety shows at the same time.
What are you most proud of?
I’m proud that I haven’t given up. I’m proud that I have strong sisters in this industry whom I can pray with and help lift each other’s spirits. I’m proud that I never took short cuts to fame and I’m known as someone who works hard and gives my all in every project.
What advice would you give aspiring actresses/singers?
It isn’t an easy industry, so be ready to work very hard and possibly for a long, long period of time. If you’re lucky enough to get a big break, don’t expect to keep going up. Don’t take short cuts, work hard, be honest and be respectful to the people around you, whether it’s the director, your make-up artist or the guy who’s making the props. Take classes in any spare time you have, whether it’s acting or dancing or driving, or martial arts. You never know what your next role will be.
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