Hong Kong actress Stephanie Sze, who gained entry into the entertainment industry following the 2020 TVB competition Rising through the Clouds, announced her departure from the broadcast giant on Monday, concluding a five-year professional relationship. The actress, who will soon turn 30, noted that her career as a performer was the longest continuous job she has held to date. Sze shared the news via social media, reflecting on a tenure marked by diverse roles across numerous television productions.
Sze’s acting portfolio at TVB spanned several notable series, including a recurring role as Michelle, one of the central characters in the drama-within-a-drama featured on the long-running sitcom Come Home Love: Lo and Behold. She also appeared in dramas such as Dead Ringer, A Kill into the Wild, and A Perfect Day for the New Four十二章. Her decision to leave marks a significant transition just as she approaches a new decade in her life.
Expressing deep gratitude, Sze acknowledged the numerous opportunities provided by TVB as well as the support from the producers, directors, production assistants, and numerous crew members she collaborated with. She singled out Producer Joe Chan Wai-kuan for his pivotal role in her development.
“When I first started, I was completely green,” Sze stated, highlighting Chan’s trust in casting her as Ha Chuk-Kei in A Perfect Day for the New Four十二章. “He taught me acting techniques and connected me with many excellent seasoned actors.” She added that participating in Chan’s subsequent projects was particularly enjoyable and allowed her to constantly explore new dimensions of her craft. Sze also extended thanks to Producer Chan Yiu-chuen.
Reflecting on the realities of being an actor, Sze emphasized that the experiences were far from solely positive and energetic. She described her half-decade in the industry as a mix of intense emotions, encompassing “sweet, sour, bitter, spicy, salty, pungent, and tart,” an experience she humorously dubbed her “ninth flavor.”
Approaching the age of 30, Sze likened her departure to turning a new page, defining the transition as the start of her “29+1” story. When asked if she regretted her 2020 decision to pivot from a civilian life to an artistic one by joining the Rising through the Clouds contest, she offered a philosophical insight into personal growth.
Non-Linear Career Growth and Resilience
Sze asserted that life’s trajectory is not a linear accumulation of experiences but is instead profoundly shaped by critical, often unexpected, events. She believes that these major disruptions drive character development and meaningful change. “Therefore, I have no regrets,” she affirmed.
Her message to followers and aspiring performers encouraged resilience and bold steps forward. “Everyone has their unique path,” Sze concluded. “I wish you all find yours quickly—do not retreat, be brave, and take larger strides forward.”
Sze’s exit from TVB is part of a broader trend of artists seeking specialized project-based work or independent careers outside the traditional constraints of major Hong Kong broadcasters. The movement towards personalized content creation and global streaming platforms often catalyzes such shifts for established and promising talents like Sze. Industry observers will be watching closely for her next professional endeavor as she steps away from the demanding schedule of a contract artist.
