Golden Horse Best Actor Wu Kang Ren Worked More Than 40 Odd Jobs, Including Welder & Construction Worker, Before Becoming An Actor At 27

It might have taken him 14 years, but Taiwanese actor Wu Kang Ren clinched his first Best Actor trophy at the 60th Golden Horse Awards on Sat (Nov 25) for his performance in 2023 Malaysian film Abang Adik. 

The 41-year-old actor lost 8kg and learnt sign language to play a deaf man trying to make an honest living in Kuala Lumpur.

After the awards, Taiwanese media personality Di Zhi Wei took to Instagram to congratulate his pal Kang Ren on the win. He also shared about the hardships the actor had gone through to get to where he is today.

“He said that he doesn’t have a manager, and it really has not been easy. After he left his management agency eight years ago, he’s been by himself,” said Zhi Wei.

It’s said that Kang Ren created an alter ego for himself, named Xiao Wu, who doubles up as his manager when jobs come knocking on his door.

Zhi Wei then went on to recall how the actor, who rose to fame after starring in 2009 hit Taiwanese drama Autumn’s Concerto, used to work as a construction worker in Kaohsiung before he entered showbiz.

According to Taiwanese media Startettoday, Kang Ren, who grew up in a single-parent family, started working when he was 15.

Before he turned 19, the actor had already worked 40 different odd jobs. From welding to waiting tables and to bartending, he has done it all.

Kang Ren later joined showbiz as a model when he was 27, a considerably late age for a newcomer.

“Even though you only entered the industry when you were 27, you’ve been shining so bright for the past 14 years! [Kang Ren] proved one thing, which is that actors don’t necessarily have to go to China to hold an important role in their dramas and go international,” said Zhi Wei.