The showbiz industry can be pretty cutthroat. So, it is no surprise when some stars eventually back away from the spotlight. But, these female TVB actresses chose to do so despite their flourishing careers.
Being in the entertainment scene may be the dream for some. However, for these four former TVB stars, they had their reasons for choosing other life plans over what they had in TVB. And we have to say, we certainly respect them for it.
1. Kate Tsui (徐子珊)
Kate Tsui made her mark in Hong Kong TV when she won Miss Hong Kong 2004 and became quite the popular actress via TVB. However, at the end of 2019, she dropped a bombshell. She abruptly declared, to the surprise of many, that she would be withdrawing from the entertainment industry to move to Europe to study. Kate also did what she could to withdraw from the public eye, including leaving social platforms and rarely appearing in public.
Prior to her announcement, Kate had reportedly mentioned she liked trying new things, but, she had also stated that she would not be staying in the entertainment industry forever. In fact, after leaving TVB, she seems to have been doing quite well for herself, according to a netizen who spotted her in London. They praised Kate for looking tall and beautiful, making their heart beat wildly.
2. Tracy Chu (朱千雪)
Tracy Chu joined TVB in 2012 after she placed third in the Miss Hong Kong 2012 pageant. However, in 2016, after she finished filming for the drama “Over Run Over (EU超时任务)”, she requested for some time off from TVB. At that time, she claimed she wanted to study abroad. But, in 2020, Tracy cemented her decision to leave the entertainment industry.
From being a budding actress, Tracy decided to switch careers and become a practicing barrister and reportedly, a lecturer. A fellow practicing barrister added she has witnessed Tracy working hard towards her goal, from studying part-time to staying at home for two years to not skip out on any studying time.
3. Gloria Tang (邓佩仪)
In 2013, Gloria Tang left Canada to participate in the Miss Chinese International Pageant which was being held in Hong Kong at the time. She nabbed the title and later signed a contract with TVB. She was the female lead in “Take Two (换命真相)” which aired in 2021, but following that, Gloria revealed she had plans to return to Canada to resume her studies.
Recently, on 10th September, Gloria revealed she had finished her degree and would be graduating in November. “In the past 1.5 years, I have been very happy returning to my family, and now I am sure I made the right choice. The last thing I want to tell you is that I will continue to stay in Canada after (my) graduation,” she stated.
4. Gigi Lai (黎姿)
Gigi Lai held the title of “TVB’s first sister” for many years, impressing her audience with her performance in works such as “War and Beauty (金枝欲孽)”, “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (倚天屠龙记)” and “The Gem of Life (珠光宝气)”. However, in 2008, Gigi decided to retire at the age of 37.
It came as a shock to many, but Gigi later explained her reason for retiring. As she later mentioned in an interview, Gigi stated she wanted to help her brother’s business. In 2007, her brother had been involved in a major traffic accident, which unfortunately, almost put a stop to his new medical beauty company. She then chose to help her brother fulfil his dreams over her career.
Well, stardom certainly isn’t for everyone, as these four ladies have proved. But, we’re still glad we got to witness a glimpse of their talent on stage, and wish them all the best as they continue the rest of their lives!
Sources: Tan Tan News, Instagram
