HK Actor Peter Lai, 72, Doesn’t Want To Work With TVB Anymore; Says What They Pay Him “Is Not Enough To Cover [His] Medical Expenses”

In March this year, veteran Hong Kong actor Peter Lai, 72, revealed to the media that he would not be renewing his contract with TVB after they ignored him when he needed help.

Peter had undergone heart surgery to open two clogged blood vessels around his heart. The operation left him with a hefty HK$300K (S$51,700) bill.

He said he tried to contact TVB senior executive, Catherine Tsang, for help, but was ignored. Thankfully, he received monetary assistance from his godson, Hongkong actor Bosco Wong, 41, as well as Hongkong billionaire Joseph Lau.

Peter also revealed that the producer of TVB long form series Come Home Love: Lo and Behold had promised him that he would be able to resume work on the drama after his recovery. Sadly, when the time came, the producer did not return Peter's calls. 

Eventually, Peter's character in the show was written out.

It seems Peter is still not done airing his grievances against TVB.

The actor met the media recently at the prayer ceremony for his upcoming drama with another broadcaster. 

There, he lamented that "since [he] was discharged from the hospital, TVB hasn't given [him] any jobs yet."

Peter with his Come Home Love: Lo and Behold co-stars Lau Dan and Chan Wing Chun

When asked about how Catherine had ignored his pleas for help, Peter said, "It's okay, it's a mutual thing, people tend to be unwilling to help when you're no longer of use to them. Let them be, as long as I feel warm inside that's good enough, don't need to care."

He has also made up his mind that he wants nothing to do with TVB anymore. 

While he still has one year left in his part-timer contract with the broadcaster, he said he would not work for them even if they asked him to.

"Best if [I] don't, [I] can't be bothered to say more," he replied coldly.

Though some audiences have said it's a pity that Peter's character was written out of Come Home Love: Lo and Behold, he feels "there's no other option since the world will still go on no matter who's gone."

He also said that he's too old to keep up with the often back-breaking TVB schedule.

"That kind of money is not for me to earn. It's not even enough to cover my medical expenses," he said.

Photos: PBE Media