Star Search First Runner-up Herman Keh Wants To Be “Singapore’s First Mr Bean”

From happy-go-lucky Lasalle dance student who simply “came to play” to becoming Star Search 2019’s first runner-up, 23-year-old Herman Keh’s definitely someone who is full of surprises.

In an intimate one-on-one interview with 8days,sg earlier today (Nov 4), Herman tells us that he’s still reeling from the excitement of the grand finals last night (Nov 3), which saw Teoh Zetong and Ye Jiayun coming in champ and second runner-up respectively.

“I did not expect to join Star Search, much less win anything! At first, I was like, 'Ah, okay, just try lor!' But look at where we are now!” laughs Herman.

Herman, who previously told us he could “rely on [his] humour and not [his] looks”, seems to have proven his own statement true when he made the audience roll with laughter during his skit which was based on the 1997 Ch 8 drama, The Guest People. He even earned the praise of Hongkong actress Carina Lau, who complimented him for “stealing the spotlight from everyone else”.

And according to Herman, credit goes to his celeb mentor Christopher Lee, who is apparently “very strict” with the contestants who are under his wing.

“I am super grateful to Christopher,” Herman tells 8days.sg. “When it was revealed that I made the top three, the first person I thought of was him. And I will continue to work hard.”

The Top 12 have also formed a tight bond after spending more than three months together. “We’re all very close and we crack jokes, like Zetong bringing us on a spin in his new car and Vanessa [Ho] treating us to Hai Di Lao if they win!” he beams. “You know, being the first runner-up, that doesn’t mean that you’re damn good. We all give each other our comments and share our opinions with each other, and we genuinely want to see everyone improve.”

Sounds like a real winner to us.

8 DAYS: Congratulations! Has coming in second sunk in yet?
HERMAN KEH: (Laughs) Yeah! Honestly, I was very surprised by the results. But after everything was over and I got to settle down, my thoughts were: “Okay, how do I move forward from here?” My journey has just started and everyone’s looking at me right now. Like, how am I going to present myself and work harder? I think I need to find more ways to improve myself, especially my command of Mandarin and acting.

So how are you planning to improve yourself?
I would probably have to speak more Mandarin. (Laughs) Acting wise, I think I’ll have to be more observant of other people. Now that I’m becoming an actor, I don’t just go out and let everything pass me by. I would observe how people act in certain environments so that I can portray it in my future roles.

You were crying just before they announced the results.
Yeah! I was really super nervous when they announced the results. I had the feeling all along that Zetong would win but no matter what, I am actually happy with my performance last night! (Laughs) I did my best compared to the rehearsals and yesterday’s show was the best I’ve given. I feel like I made Christopher Lee proud. (Smiles)

When was the last time you felt like that?
Never in my life!

Have you spoken to Chris after the show?
We didn’t talk much ‘cos there wasn’t any time! But when he came on stage to congratulate me, he told me that he’s willing to groom me as he sees my potential. I’ve never felt so proud in my life! (Laughs) Under Christopher’s mentoring, I realised that he’s a very strict teacher and it’s rare to get compliments from him. I remember him constantly telling us that we had to work harder. But one day, he complimented me and told me that I was doing well during the WeMovie shoot. I felt super happy 'cos I don’t like to disappoint people. When he praised me, I felt like I finally did it. I’m not someone who’s confident so I’m really glad I managed to earn his praise. I know everyone thinks I’m hilarious but deep down inside, I’m always doubting myself… Well, I just hope everyone finds me funny lah. (Laughs)

Well, we guess you got your wish. Do you know your facial expression during the acting round has been made into a meme?
Yeah I saw it! Finally, my face is going viral! (Laughs) I hope my face will go more viral in the future! (Laughs)

What did your parents say about the results?
They said they were proud of me! Which makes me even more motivated to do better in the future. They’re very supportive of me and encouraged me to go for it, even when it came to choosing dance as my major in Lasalle. They, like typical traditional families, disapproved of me majoring in dance at first. But I guess they got over it 'cos they trust that I know what I’m doing. (Laughs) They know that I'm not dancing for fun and that I plan to make dancing my career… Until Star Search, that is. (Laughs)

What are your plans with modelling and school now that you’re being offered an acting contract?
School shouldn’t be a problem as I will be graduating early next year. I think would probably focus on acting first now that I’ve been given such an opportunity. I can always go back to dancing next time ‘cos I already have the foundation. However, my modelling contract [he's signed to modelling agency NOW Model Management] ends in 2022, so I think I’ll have to juggle both. I haven’t discussed it yet. However, I’ll place acting as my priority. As for dancing, it’ll just be my hobby for now. (Laughs)

How has your mindset changed since the beginning of the competition?
I feel that I have a whole lot of responsibility now. (Laughs) I feel that I have to be decisive and know what I want. I can’t simply be going with the flow like how I used to. Like, I really have to sit down and seriously consider if I want this as a career. But I think I confirm sign lah! (Laughs) Anyway, I’ll still need to discuss with Mediacorp about my school schedule in case they immediately sign me up for a drama. (Laughs)

What do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
I hope to become a versatile actor in the next few years. Be it a crazy role or a cool role, I am willing to take on anything!

Is there any celeb in particular you wish to be like?
I aspire to be Singapore’s first Mr Bean. (Laughs) Rowan Atkinson is so good, you know! Like, everyone knows he’s funny but he’s really on another level. He doesn’t even need to speak to be funny and he has his own show. You know Johnny English? Yeah, I wanna be Johnny Chinese. (Laughs)

Okay... so who would you like to be your co-star?
Anyone! Anyone! (Laughs) I am already the main lead! I’ll welcome whoever who wants to be my co-star! (Laughs)

Photos: KELVIN CHIA/ 8days.sg and Mediacorp Photo Unit