HONG KONG, CHINA — A celebratory dinner on Thursday marked the wrap of filming for the new Shaw Brothers television drama, Behind the Glamour, bringing together veteran star Liza Wang, fellow actress Yumiko Cheng, and rising talent Angela Yuen. The event offered cast members an opportunity to reflect on the intensive production process, revealing insights into cross-generational collaboration and the evolving landscape of Hong Kong drama production.
Liza Wang, affectionately known as “Ah Jie,” shared her initial reservations about returning to a television series after a nine-year hiatus. The 76-year-old icon openly admitted to feeling a touch of anxiety at the outset. However, those feelings quickly dissipated once filming commenced, with Wang noting the supportive environment among the cast and crew, characterizing the production team as an extended family. Her professionalism was echoed by costar Yumiko Cheng, who praised Wang’s unwavering energy. “Ah Jie is incredibly professional,” Cheng noted, adding, “I never once saw her show signs of fatigue.”
Cheng, who portrays Wang’s younger sister and Angela Yuen’s great-aunt in the drama, drew laughs by discussing her fictional seniority. She humorously lamented that her elevated character status led to the removal of a planned intimate scene. “The original script had a passionate scene, but because of the high lineage of my character, it was ultimately cut,” Cheng quipped. “I’m disappointed I didn’t get that chance for a breakthrough!” Cheng added that working with Wang for the first time was an awe-inspiring experience, noting the veteran’s commanding presence on set.
Meanwhile, Angela Yuen, who plays the great-niece, detailed the challenging complexity of her role. Yuen explained that her character possesses a “pure exterior” that belies a “wild interior.” One of the most emotionally demanding scenes, she recalled, involved a fierce verbal confrontation where her character sharply reprimanded Cheng’s character.
The young actress also addressed the recent TVB Anniversary Awards, where her highly respected mother, actress Veronica Yip, did not secure the “Best Supporting Actress” award. While admitting a personal pang of disappointment over her mother’s loss, Yuen emphasized Veronica Yip’s positive outlook. “My mother takes it in stride. She constantly says her greatest mission now is to mentor the next generation,” Yuen stated. Highlighting her mother’s benevolence, Yuen revealed that Yip was genuinely delighted for the success of costar Venus Wong, who ultimately won the award.
Behind the Glamour represents a significant return for one of Hong Kong’s most enduring stars, promising a compelling multi-generational narrative. The comments from the cast underscore the continued high standards of professionalism expected in the industry, even as new talent emerges. The production sets a benchmark for industry veterans embracing new projects while fostering a supportive environment for younger artists navigating complex roles. The series is expected to air later this year, offering fans a fresh look at the drama world, both on-screen and off.
