Anne Heung: Going On 32
After taking the crown as Miss Hong Kong 1998, Anne Heung made her entrance into the entertainment industry and signed as an actress with TVB. The thirty-one year old has landed leading roles as well as supporting roles. However, other TVB actresses within her age includes Kenix Kwok, Jessica Hsuan, Gigi Lai, and Charmaine Sheh all found fame as they are leading status. With many younger artists such as Myolie Wu and Bernice Liu, Anne struggles to become a true leading lady.
Leading Roles, But Not First ChoiceSoon after Maggie Cheung's departure from the series "Au Revoir Shanghai," Anne replaced her role as the female lead, however, she is not the first choice. This is not the first time that it happened. In 2003, Anne took over Sonija Kwok's place in "Riches and Stitches." Although being the last choice twice, Anne doesn't mind at all: "Actually, each time there is a new series, the company does a process of casting artists before the final decision is made. The company chose a role that they think best suits for me." With the sudden notice from the company, Anne took part in the costume fitting, then filming right away the next day. Anne had less time to read the script and develop the character.
Growing Up in a Loving FamilyAs a child growing up, Anne's parents would always be protective of her. "My parents didn't let me cross the streets by myself until a later age. When I go study with friends, I must go along with them and have my mom's approval first. When I am out late at night, I must call my mom make a phone call to tell her." After finishing middle school in Hong Kong, Anne and her whole family immigrated to Canada, where she continued to pursue her education. Since entering the industry, Anne's parents moved back to Hong Kong with her in order to be close to her, treating her as their little princess. As a child, Anne attended a wealthy elementary and middle school in Causeway Bay. Later, she studied and graduated in Vancouver, Canada at the University of British Columbia, where she majored in economics and psychology. In contrast, Anne's father is an administrator at Hong Kong University, while her mother is a housewife.
Entering the 1998 Miss Hong Kong Pageant Anne entered the Miss Hong Kong 1998 pageant, where she took the title of Miss Hong Kong as well as other awards. Shortly after, Anne began filming series for TVB. Anne landed her first leading role in "The Legend of Lady Yang," where she captivated the audiences' hearts. She also had a guest starring role in "Detective Investigation Files IV." Anne is considered fortunate that year, since 1st and 2nd runner-ups Jessie Chiu and Natalie Ng's career isn't as firm. Anne says, "My ambition is not that big, but I want people approve my acting. I still have many room for improvements."
A Mix of Leading and SupportingAfter filming "Love is Beautiful" in 2002, Anne's career has not been stable, as she still gets many supporting roles, and only a few leading ones. During that time, actresses from the same generation such as Maggie Cheung, Jessica Hsuan, Flora Chan, and Kenix Kwok are all top status at TVB and getting the majority of leading roles. Sonija Kwok, Shirley Yeung, and Kate Tsui - all former Miss Hong Kong winners like Anne are still filming constantly for TVB. In the past year, Anne has not been filming any series, although she still appears at functions, shows, and various events, in order for exposure. During this time, Anne watches series daily, and finally decided to take a few courses. Last year, Anne appeared at various functions to promote her series "Hidden Treasures" and "The Charm Beneath." Earlier this year, Anne promoted "Bar Benders." In addition, Anne renewed her contract with an advertisement company and the fee is very satisfying.
Ended Contract With TVBAnne's contract with TVB expired at the end of last year. However, a decision had to be made. Wanting to be an independent artist, Anne did not renew her contract with TVB. However, during that time, Anne still filmed "Au Revoir Shanghai" and "Bar Benders" with TVB. After a few months of being a freelance artist, Anne signs with TVB again; this time with a few requests.
Rarely Asks For Days OffWhen filming a series, Anne almost never asks for a day off. However, during the filming of "Au Revoir Shanghai," Anne had stomach problems and entered the hospital for checkups. This was due to the late nights filming. In two weeks, Anne lost six pounds due to her illness.
Responding to CriticismsOn a internet poll titled "The Top 10 Worst Miss Hong Kong," Anne's name was frequently on the top ten, garnering criticisms. But of course, Anne isn't the only Miss Hong Kong to be bashed. Other includes Tracy Yip, Rebecca Mok, and other beauties. Responding to criticisms regarding her looks and acting skills, Anne says, "To a certain degree, I do feel uncomfortable about these remarks. Regarding my acting skills, I can accept these criticisms because it helps me improve on my acting abilities. Also, I think that acting is always improving and progressing." After seven years of filming, Anne had a variety of roles, including gentle roles to evil villain roles.
Hardly Any RumorsBeing in the industry for several years, Anne has always gotten along well with her co-stars and rarely has any rumors. Anne says, "Every time I film a series with a male co-star, I try not to be too affectionate towards them, because I don't want to be linked to any false rumors." In this industry, rumors are unavoidable for almost every artists. Anne adds, "I admire Kelly Chen for her generous personality, as well as differentiating between work and personal life. Work is work." As Anne rarely has any rumors, she was discovered with M8 manager Eric Lo, who is also her boyfriend. However, their relationship lasted less than two years. As Anne is 31 right now (32 in October), Anne is single again.
(Courtesy of XP Weekly)
