Hong Kong actress Bernice Liu, previously known by her Chinese name 廖碧兒, recently shared the harrowing details of a severe spinal injury she suffered while filming her final drama series with TVB years ago. Appearing on the radio program Ben and Benson “Chur” to Go, Liu revealed that a seemingly minor accident during location shooting resulted in a fractured lumbar spine, forcing her to endure intense pain and requiring immediate, successive surgeries following the completion of the project. Her account highlights the demanding production environment and the personal sacrifices actors sometimes make under pressure.
The incident occurred during an outdoor shoot in Central, Hong Kong, when Liu inadvertently stepped into a concealed hole on the ground. She recounted that her entire leg plunged into the roughly three-foot-deep pit, causing a sudden, forceful twist that severely wrenched her lower back. Initially dismissing the pain as a simple sprain, Liu continued to work. However, the discomfort rapidly escalated, leading her to seek medical attention, where she received the shocking diagnosis of a fractured vertebra in her lumbar region.
Given that the series was a “fast turnaround drama” airing closely behind filming, and approaching its climax, Liu felt immense pressure to avoid disrupting the broadcast schedule. Despite the agonizing pain, she made the difficult decision to see the production through to the end. “I was constantly taking painkillers, hoping to finish,” Liu recalled, detailing the severity of her condition toward the final weeks of shooting. “In the last two or three weeks, the injury was so bad I couldn’t stand steadily. It was truly painful, and crew members had to support me off-camera. Once the cameras stopped rolling, many people knew they needed to help hold me up.”
Immediately upon finalizing her scenes, Liu was admitted to the hospital. An initial, smaller surgery proved ineffective. Within only 24 hours, doctors determined a second, more extensive operation was necessary. During her subsequent recovery, the actress chose to isolate herself to focus solely on rehabilitation, temporarily suspending activities she cherished, particularly dance. “That was the most worrying time,” she admitted. “I was so unhappy, unsure if I would be able to walk again after the surgery. But if you don’t have the operation, things remain permanently restricted. Now, I have something inside supporting my waist.”
Liu’s commitment to rehabilitation following the successful surgery has been rigorous. She acknowledged that her physical capacity has not fully returned to pre-injury levels, particularly limiting the range of motion in her dance activities. To enhance core stability and strength, the actress has incorporated disciplines like Wing Chun martial arts alongside continuous dance practice and regular fitness routines.
Liu’s experience serves as a stark reminder of the physical risks inherent in demanding film production schedules. While her determination ensured the completion of the broadcast, medical professionals stress the critical importance of prioritizing immediate treatment for severe injuries. The incident underscores ongoing industry conversations regarding on-set safety protocols and the balance between production deadlines and performers’ well-being. Actress Bernice Liu continues her career, demonstrating resilience and a proactive approach to managing the long-term impact of a debilitating injury.
