Raymond Lam – The Boy Next Door
Since the article is in simplified Chinese, I can’t read 100% of it so I’ve only translated it as best as I can - let me know if there’re glaring errors etc!

Credit: NanRenMei @ FungBar

He is an ordinary person, his different emotions (eg: happy, sad, angry) are engraved in his turning point (?) when he was growing up. He is also an extraordinary person, not only did he come from a rich family, he is also a descendent of a famous person. However, he is afraid of being tied down, and doesn’t like being told what to do. Because of this, he chose a path which is different to his father’s.

In a few short years, through hardwork he is able to emerge as a shining star in the entertainment industry. From small roles to having great acting skills; from being an extra to the leading actor. He is the only person who knows the difficulties, sacrifices and hardwork required. But, like an arrow shooting for its destination, no matter how difficult the path is, it doesn’t change his will to move forward.

Fung is like a rare jade, through many ups and downs, he is shining his unique light and attracts many fans’ attention. He was once quite green (new to the industry?) but now he has shed his skin and every move he makes is filled with charisma. His faint smile extends from the corner of his mouth to the corner of his eyes, then his eyes slowly turns into the shape of a crescent moon, this is the trademark moves of the boy next door.


The poor rich boy
Fung was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, his father’s fortune is worth over 400 million, family friends of Mrs Li (owner of TVB?), but he would give up studying Architecture in the US and become an actor. He emphasises that this is because he wants to earn money quickly, and support his younger brother’s studies financially, not because he wants an easy job. Because of his background he has to be more alert, and normally uses either the company car or the assistant’s car when going out. “The most important thing is convenience, travelling via the company car means everyone is treated the same.” Typical! Even more typically, Fung owns a Benz convertible worth $500,000. “Actually I’m more afraid of it. When I was in high school (St Paul’s College), my family wanted the driver to take me to school. But I would rather take the mini-bus. Later when I needed to buy a car, I was going to buy a Japanese car, but my dad said I’m a new driver, so the European cars are more stable.”

During the interview, Fung suddenly mentions, “It’s rare that I have some free time tonight, so I can have a night swim.” The journalist asks, “In this weather, does your home have a heated pool?” Fung immediately hesitates, maybe regrets showing his wealth accidentally. His answer was delayed, “Yeah….” Haaaai, (sigh) who doesn’t know that Fung lives alone in a wealthy district of HK? But Fung likes to emphasise he is used to work hard, and can work the long hours.

“I was born in Xiamen and went to HK when I was two years old. When I was young we didn’t even have (disposable) nappies, we only used the cloths. Statistics shows 20-odd years ago the standard of living in Mainland China was not very good. I didn’t build the family business but I witnessed the days when my parents were working very hard. I was also running around the hills when I was growing up.” The truth is, the Lam family has already been wealthy for three generations. Fung’s father already owns 7 building and construction companies. Fung’s grandfather is the vice-chairman of the Fujian province government (?). Whether they used disposable nappies or not, it is not important anymore.

Not for fame, but for benefits
The truth is clear, Fung has to admit, “See, I’ve tried to talk less about my family background, but the media always say something about it. If I flaunt it, then everyone will think I’m not taking this seriously, then my future path will be more difficult.” When he first entered the entertainment industry, he didn’t admit that his parents and Mrs Li were friends. Today, he finally said, “Now that I have some results, I can admit it, yes – our families know each other quite well.”

“I’m not trying to be secretive, for every artist their family backgrounds are usually revealed, but to a certain point. Afterwards, the audience would rather pay attention to their works. For others if they say their father is a clerk, then the journalist is not interested to ask further. But my family are business people, so they have to investigate my family background fully.”

“When I entered the TVB acting class I still had to pass an exam, but it was easy to pass. I don’t have special privileges, someone recommended me so I was too afraid to skip classes. The distinct thing was that I was only an observer, so I didn’t have any allowances.” So if we believe that Fung is genuine, then he must have an interest in acting? “Not really!” Fung immediately clarifies, “Yes it was about money. I admit that I have an interest in acting, but noone works as hard just for an interest right? I can tell you that the house and the car are all bought by my father. If I want to buy them myself, why don’t I need to earn money? I also would like to support my younger brother through university – I know this sounds a little silly, saying I need to support the family when they don’t need to be supported by me. But I would like to have this attitude, I would like to take some responsibility.” Fung continues, “Compared to my classmates, with the current environment, being an actor is the fastest way to earn money. How can you say that I’m only dreaming to become famous? However, in this circle you need to be famous first before you can earn money. But the truth is I don’t like to be famous, I’m only working for the money. When I was filming ‘A Step Into the Past’ Louis Koo asked me: ‘What are you working for?’ Now I can answer, for money so people can’t say much about it.”

A mountain above his head
According to Fung’s logic, he is more down to earth than other male actors who are over 30. “They only work in Mainland China after being famous for many years, they can get used to the environment but sometimes can’t let go of their demanding nature. In my generation when you start off you have to collaborate with Mainland China. Like those 20-something university graduates, they know that life is difficult once they get out in society, so they will become stronger.” Fung says there are many people who thinks that he has never been an extra. But he can say that he has had many minor roles in the past (won’t list them all). “I’ve been down the same path like every other actor, OK, I can also say that I jumped ranks quicker than others.” Simple like his artist name, he has his own philosophies.

Fung’s real name is Lam Wui Man, so how should we write his name? 峰 or 峯﹖? Someone said that I should write it as 峰, to avoid the mountain being on top of my head. I say, let there be mountain after mountain in front of me waiting for me to climb them.” Fung says, even his ID card was changed to Lam Yat Fung, the journalist misunderstood that Yat = 日(day), he smiled and said, “Siu Yat Fu (TVB head)’s Yat! (逸)” Oh, he accidentally revealed that he is friends with the TVB executive, so he retracted his smiles.

Being the lab rat (aka white mouse) creating the path
Deliberating being too mature has its side effects, Fung is aware of this, sometimes being the big brother. When the new generation of six stars (Fung, Ron, Bosco, Sammul, Kenneth, Lai Lok Yi) are together, Fung always stands in the middle. Some audience have felt that is not fair on the other five stars. Fung says, “I am not the eldest, but was in the industry before the other 5 stars. They understand this and will not be jealous. There was a time when TVB didn’t promote 20-something actors, and didn’t even give leading roles to anyone under 30. But they have used me as an experiment and created a path for us, letting the audience accept that even young guys can be leading actors. So guys like Ron can have a smoother path. When they become more famous I am also happy. When doing business you have to have a market, having a group of young guys will create a stronger image. In the past people only say Fung is a lucky person, but that is not fair to me. I also took risks, if I didn’t handle it well we will always play the role of the main character’s younger brother. Then the other 5 stars will not become as famous.”

Aside from natural acting talent, Fung also has a great singing voice. In his series, we can always hear his voice. Being a singer was once his dream. In the past years, he has sung quite a few songs. Recently he has finally released his own album and realised his dream. The Fung today has embraced a glowing chapter of his career, slowly working towards the peak. He is working hard, through great difficulties but with his feet firmly on the ground.