HK Actor Stephen Wong, Who Has Been With TVB For 21 Years, Leaves Broadcaster Before First Lead Role Airs

Yet another veteran actor has left TVB.

Stephen Wong La-Lok (黃嘉樂), 43, announced on his socials last week that he has left the Hong Kong broadcaster after 21 years to seek new opportunities and challenges.

The actor, who is best known for his breakthrough performance in 2021 crime thriller Sinister Beings, wrote: “I am grateful for everything that has accompanied me in my growth the past 21 years. All the people and things I encountered were my best reward. [It's time to] jump out of my comfort zone, seek more opportunities, welcome more challenges in the future. Looking forward to a brand new me.”

The news came as a surprise to the media and fans as Stephen, who has acted in more than 40 dramas, mostly in supporting roles, just got his first lead role in upcoming legal drama Speakers of Law.

The drama, which also stars Kenneth Ma and Rosina Lam, is slated to air at the end of the year. Stephen also has another three dramas that have yet to be released.

Celeb pals like Priscilla Wong and Candice Chiu took to Instagram to wish Stephen well on his new journey, and judging by some of the comments, they were equally surprised.

In an interview with HK01, Stephen said: "First of all, I would like to thank the company and the production team for giving me the opportunity to star in Speakers of Law. After 20 years, I can finally play the lead role. I am really grateful to play the lead role in the place where I grew up. Thank you to the people who gave me the opportunity.”

“Of course, I am very reluctant to leave the company. This is where I entered the industry and grew up, I have a lot of feelings [for TVB],” he added.

Stephen (left) with Kenneth Ma, Rosina Lam and Jonathan Cheung in Speakers Of Law It’s time for change

Despite the opportunities presented to him, Stephen felt that his “status in the company has been relatively passive” so it’s time to “try different things”.

“Apart from filming dramas for so many years, it seems that I haven't given myself the chance to try other things and see what’s out there. I think now is a good opportunity, I really want to try everything,” he said.

He added that his wife, photographer Samantha Kong, is very supportive of his decision and that the most important thing is he’s happy.

He added: “I can still work with TVB in different ways in future. I just want to see what's out there that I can try and challenge [myself].”

Stephen with his photographer wife Samantha Kong

Stephen had no intentions of being in showbiz. When he was working in a telecommunications company, he was talent scouted by TVB when he went to the TV station to inspect its telephone systems.

However, with no prior acting experience, he was often relegated to supporting roles.

Photos: Stephen Wong/Instagram