Toronto, Canada – Hong Kong actor-singer Joel Chan concluded a successful three-city tour across Canada this week, but not without an unexpected—and lipstick-smeared—moment that became the highlight of the final show.
Chan, 47, performed to sold-out crowds in Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto, wrapping up the tour on Sunday. While the audience reaction was overwhelmingly enthusiastic at every stop, it was in Toronto where the star’s security protocols were put to the test. Despite repeatedly asking fans to remain calm and explicitly forbidding any kissing—shouting “no kisses” in Cantonese—a zealous female fan managed to plant a kiss squarely on his cheek, leaving a vivid lipstick mark.
The incident sent the audience into laughter, and Chan was forced to retreat backstage for a touch-up before returning to the stage.
“I told them to behave,” Chan said with a grin during a brief interview after the show. “But I guess some fans just can’t help themselves. It’s all in good fun, and I’m just glad they’re enjoying themselves.”
A Windfall of Red Packets for Son Jaco
Beyond the on-stage antics, Chan expressed genuine surprise and gratitude at the warmth of the overseas Chinese community. He noted that fans at each concert handed out red packets—traditional Chinese gifts of money—in a gesture reminiscent of Lunar New Year celebrations.
What caught Chan off guard was that nearly half of those red packets were specifically earmarked for his six-year-old son, Jaco, who recently started primary school.
“He’s basically self-sufficient already,” Chan joked. “His fans are funding his future tuition and tutoring fees before he’s even learned his multiplication tables.”
Several concertgoers urged Chan to bring Jaco along on his next tour. The actor responded positively, saying he hopes to arrange for his son to attend a summer camp in Canada next year, allowing Jaco to personally thank supporters in person.
Reunion with Old Friends
The tour also served as an emotional reunion for Chan, who was surprised and touched to see several longtime friends in the audience. Among the familiar faces were veteran actor Lam Ka Wah and his wife, actor Yu Yang and his spouse, singer Cheung Sung Kei, and a senior executive from the music label that produced Chan’s debut album over three decades ago.
“It’s been more than 30 years since I released my first record,” Chan reflected. “To see these old friends here, cheering me on—it’s incredibly moving. These are people I haven’t seen in years, and we picked up right where we left off.”
Chan, best known for his leading roles in TVB dramas such as The Brotherhood of Evil and Burn the Night, has built a loyal following across Chinese-speaking communities worldwide. He credits his loyal viewership for his sustained career.
“Seeing how my television work has reached audiences overseas is the most rewarding part of this job,” he said. “I hope to come back soon—maybe next time with Jaco in tow.”
Chan’s Canadian tour wraps a busy year that also includes new television projects and a growing presence in the Cantopop music scene. No official dates have been announced for a future visit, but Chan said he is already planning to return.
