Can Natalie Tong Survive Outside of TVB?

Working at TVB for 19 years, Natalie Tong (唐詩詠) is surprisingly leaving the station.  With the 40-year-old wanting to fulfill her dream to explore the world of theatre, many wonder how she will fare outside of TVB.

Since joining TVB in 2003 and starring in her first drama Hearts of Fencing <當四葉草碰上劍尖時>, Natalie has filmed 55 dramas. After her breakout performance in  A Fistful of Stances <鐵馬尋橋> which resulted in her Best Improved Actress win, Natalie was subsequently nominated for Best Supporting Actress several times. Finally in 2017, she won Best Actress for her role in My Unfair Lady <不懂撒嬌的女人> and officially joined the ranks of top-tier fadans by starring in Stealing Seconds <棟仁的時光>, Big White Duel <白色強人>, and The Kwoks and What <我家無難事>.

If she were to renew her contract with TVB, Natalie would likely be filming similar roles and working with the same co-stars. Entering her 40s, Natalie seems ready for a new change to challenge herself professionally and personally.

Former top TVB actresses are faring well in the Chinese market, but need to continue their exposure levels and starring in buzzworthy productions.  Charmaine Sheh’s (佘詩曼) career peaked in 2018 after Story of Yanxi Palace <延禧攻略> aired, which allowed her to make a lot more money in China instead of the Hong Kong market, while Myolie Wu (胡杏兒) made appearances in popular variety shows.

On the other hand, Tavia Yeung’s (楊茜堯) only significant release was Modern Dynasty <家族榮耀> since leaving TVB in 2016 and becoming a mother. The drama’s cast was comprised of mostly former TVB artistes which demonstrates their popularity in China. For example, Cheung Chilam (張智霖), Jordan Chan (陳小春), and Michael Tse (謝天華) have exploded in popularity after participating in music competition Call Me by Fire <披荆斩棘的哥哥> and earning new fortunes with endless performance invitations.

Natalie also seems to be primed for new opportunities outside of TVB, as she has many fans in China and  Asia. Even if she pursues theater exclusively in the coming year, she can still focus on the Chinese market afterward. She can also sign with TVB’s sister company, Shaw Brothers, as executive Virginia Lok (樂易玲) had already expressed her welcome.

Source: On.cc