Wayne Lai Calls Sheren Tang His “Benefactor” ’Cos She Helped Him Land His First Lead Role At 45

It’s hard to imagine it now but Hongkong actor Wayne Lai, 57, who’s lauded as one of the finest actors in TVB, only managed to land his first lead role at 45.

Sheren and Wayne are often dubbed one of TVB's 'Best On-screen Partners'

Wayne, who made his acting debut in 1986, was cast as the fiercely loyal Chai Kau in the critically-acclaimed 2009 drama, Rosy Business.

The role made him a household name and he would go on to win Best Actor at the TVB Anniversary Awards for his performance.

In a recent appearance on talk show Hello, Saturday with Hongkong actresses Ada Choi, 48, and Sheren Tang, 55, Wayne revealed that Sheren, who starred opposite him in Rosy Business, was instrumental in his casting.

It's Wayne's time to shine

Sheren, who played the capable Hong Po Kei in the drama, shared that she had “requested" to star alongside Wayne when discussing the project with Rosy Business’ producer as she was impressed by Wayne’s acting prowess.

“He’s really very good at acting! He often stole the limelight from the male leads [he acted with],” Sheren said.

“I’m someone who knows that it’s actually tougher to play a supporting character. It’s hard to outshine the leads, but he managed to do it. So I felt that we shouldn’t waste a talent like his, I felt that he deserved to shine,” she added.

Sheren and Wayne in No Regrets

Wayne couldn’t help but feel a little bashful after hearing Sheren’s praise, saying: "Fortunately, there was you. You are my benefactor."

Wayne and Sheren went on to work together a number of times after Rosy Business, including its two sequels, 2010’s No Regrets and 2016’s No Reserve.

Photos:你好星期六/Weibo, Sheren Tang/Weibo, Wayne Lai/Weibo