Tsang Wai Ming

Tsang Wai Ming (born 14 December 1952), stage name Tsang Wai Ming, is a Hong Kong male actor, presenter, lifeguard, indigenous villager and businessman. He has appeared extensively in television and film, and is known for mentoring younger actors.

Early life

Tsang was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaya (now Malaysia) on 14 December 1952. Around 1959–1960 he moved to Yuen Tun Village, Tsing Lung Tau, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong. He attended Ling Kwong Primary School in Sham Tseng. As a child he learned traditional martial arts in the village, swam and worked as a village lifeguard. He once helped villagers intercept illegal immigrants. His interest in acting began when he skipped school to watch early‑morning film screenings. Inspired by actor Patrick Tsui’s performance in the 1964 film “Little Angel,” he sought to join TV training.

Lifeguard and village leadership

From 1972 he served over 30 years as a lifeguard at Butterfly Bay Ferry Pier in Tuen Mun. In 2003 he was elected Village Chief of Yuen Tun Village and served until 2015, also sitting on the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee.

Acting career

In 1977–78 Tsang attended a martial‑arts class at Rediffusion Television. He then auditioned for TVB’s Artist Training Class (7th Session), passing with a demonstration of kung fu and singing “Green Island Serenade.” His classmates included Chan Kwok‑wai, Kwong Cho‑fai, Kingdom Yuk, and Ko Chun man. He graduated in 1978 and joined TVB.

His first TV role was in “The God of Swords” (1979). He then joined the cast of the long‑running variety show “Enjoy Yourself Tonight” (1979–1981). In 1991 he left TVB for ATV, returning to TVB in 1999. Budget cuts in 2003–2004 led to non‑renewal of many contracts; Tsang moved back to ATV in 2004. His best‑known ATV role was in the 1996 drama “Farewell, Bright Sunshine.” He has also appeared in films and stage plays. In semi‑retirement he occasionally acts, presents and enjoys fishing.

Selected filmography

TVB dramas

• 1979 The God of Swords as Ah Gu
• 1980 Shanghai Beach Showdown as Lung Mang On
• 1981 The Phoenix as Law Hung
• 1982 Demi‑Gods and Semi‑Devils as Chung Man‑chau
• 1982 The Misadventure of Zoo as Mr Ho
• 1982 Falcon as Ah Bing
• 1983 The Legend of the Condor Heroes as Hon Po‑ku
• 1984 The Smiling, Proud Wanderer as Luk Tai‑yau
• 1985 The Legend of the Snow Witch as Lau Hak‑jan
• 1985 Crown of Feathers as the Ghost King
• 1986 Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre as Poon Ying‑yuk
• 1987 The Romance of the Book and the Sword as Cheung Set‑kum
• 1989 The Legendary Status as Jin Chin‑koon
• 1990 Swordsman vs Invincible as Cheung Man‑hei
• 2000 The Legend of Yang Ren as Wu Fu‑an
• 2001 Triumph in the Skies as Ho Kiu
• 2002 The Princess Returns as Cheung Kam‑mo
• 2002 Net as Uncle Cheung (eps 7–9)
• 2006 Tales from the Market as Chow Ping‑kyuen (afternoon rerun drama)
• 2015 Storm in Life as Poon Yau (produced 2013)

ATV dramas

• 1991 Shanghai 1949
• 1991 King of the Winners as One‑Eyed Dragon
• 1992 Seven Family Guests
• 1992 Dragon in the Jade Palace
• 1992 Eventide Seraph
• 1994 The Generals of Yang Family as Chiu Ting‑kui
• 1995 The Eternity Warriors
• 1996 Farewell, Bright Sunshine as Fong Sai‑chung
• 1997 The Victim
• 1997 Swordsman of the Samurai
• 1998 Mad Family
• 2004 In the Mood for Love
• 2004 My Date with a Vampire III
• 2005 Legendary Fok
• 2006 A Date with the Future
• 2009 East and West
• 2010 Law Enforcers

RTHK dramas

• 1970s Below the Lion Rock

TV movies (TVB)

• 1989 The Undercover Agent
• 2004 Beyond the Gold Plate

Films

• 1980 Modern Earth
• 1990 Treasure Hunters
• 1992 Night of a Thousand Spirits
• 1995 A Chinese Odyssey (cameo)
• 2007 Dangerous Persons
• 2010 My Life My Choice

Stage plays

• 1990 The Playful Gentleman

Variety (TVB)

• 1979–1981 Enjoy Yourself Tonight

Hosting (ATV)

• 2004 Lunar New Year Gala
• 2005 Anniversary Celebrations
• 2006 Year of the Dog Gala
• 2007 Year of the Pig Gala
• 2008 Forty Years of Louis Koo

Other work

• 2004 Health supplement infomercial
• 2007 Domestic commercial campaign