Remembering Huang Wenyong’s best acting roles
Veteran actor Huang Wenyong, 60, passed away from lymphoma two years ago on April 20. We look back on his most memorable TV roles
Sorely missed but fondly remembered, Huang Wenyong was no stranger to local television. He’d been a “father” and mentor to many young stars and a comrade to many of his fellow showbiz colleagues.
With three decades of acting experience since his debut in 1981’s Fantastic Idea, he had starred in close to 100 local drama series. His most memorable TV role was in 1984’s The Awakening, where he starred opposite Xiang Yun as Ah Shui, a humble and honest rubber-tapper in the station’s landmark drama series. Apart from TV dramas, Wenyong is also best remembered for his hilarious stint in Ch8’s sitcom series, Don’t Worry Be Happy, where he played a penny-pinching cab driver called Huang Jin Lai. Wenyong was last seen on TV in 2013’s It’s a Wonderful Life.
A “respected veteran” and a “treasured colleague” who never failed to brighten his colleagues’ days with his infectious smile, Toggle takes a look back on Huang Wenyong’s illustrious showbiz career and remembers his most memorable roles and accolades.
1984’s The Awakening
Before he landed his career-changing role in The Awakening, Wenyong starred in classics like 1981’s Fantastic Idea (his debut show), The Girls in a Rush, When Will I See You Again, Army Series and CID ‘83.
1995’s Home in 168
Wenyong landed his first acting nomination for Best Actor award with his role in Home in 168 after 14 years in showbiz.
1996’s Don’t Worry Be Happy
2001’s Three and A Half Women
Wenyong bagged his second best actor nomination with his turn in Three and a Half Women.
2003’s True Heroes
In 2003, Wenyong gave up his Mr. Nice Guy image on TV in True Heroes, playing a wife-beater and child abuser who smoked and took drugs. In an interview on his role, he said, “The producer had the impression that I don’t do villainous roles but I really don’t mind acting in anything. If I still had the figure, I wouldn’t even mind stripping. After acting for so many years, my greatest worry is doing repetitive roles without any breakthrough. I am open to trying and doing anything as long as it enriches my TV roles.”
2003’s Holland V
Thanks to his role in Holland V, Wenyong was nominated for his first Best Supporting Actor at the 2003 Star Awards.
2005's Destiny
Wenyong morphs into the ultimate baddie in Destiny, a role which got him a Best Actor nomination in the following year’s Star Awards ceremony. This drama also co-starred Michelle Chia, Joanne Peh, Tay Ping Hui, Lynn Poh and Hong Kong actor Hawick Lau.
2007’s Star Awards 25th Anniversary show
Wenyong and Xiang Yun were presented with a special award as local TV’s most memorable golden onscreen couple for 1984’s The Awakening.
In the same award show, he was also presented with the Classic Character award for playing The Awakening’s Ah Shui. He was recognised for being an “Evergreen Veteran” and a “1980s Screen Heartthrob”.
2008’s Just in Singapore
Wenyong bagged his fourth Best Actor nomination in this heartwarming and hilarious heartland series co-starring Chen Li Ping and Fiona Xie.
2011’s Star Awards
A well-loved actor, Wenyong has been in the running for Top 10 Most Popular Male artiste award every year since 1997. He won his first Top 10 award in 2011.
2012’s Joys of Life
“Chou Pi Ren” is another diversion from his usual Mr. Nice Guy roles as Wenyong played Rui En’s uncouth, abusive father and a scrooge in this period series.
2013’s It’s a Wonderful Life
Wenyong’s last TV role saw him playing Chen Li Ping’s onscreen husband in It’s a Wonderful Life.
Movie roles
Apart from television roles, Wenyong has also starred in a few local and Hong Kong movies, such as 1999’s 2000 AD, 2001’s My Valentine, 2003’s Homerun and 2011’s It’s a Great Great World.
2013's Star Awards, Honorary TV Award and Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste Award
As a recognition of his contributions to the local TV industry, Wenyong was presented with a posthumour Honorary TV Award at the 2013 Star AWards. In the same year, he also won the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artiste Award, which was presented to his wife and daughter.
His daughter said: "Dad came from Malaysia on his own and brought only two sets of shirts, pants and S$50. He has taught his children how to be grounded. Thank you for your love towards him and to the company, thank you for giving my father a perfect finish. His passing has brought us closer together than before because he will always live on in our hearts."
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