HONG KONG – Veteran actor Simon Yam turned a film premiere into a comedic highlight on Tuesday night, offering both heartfelt support for a rising star and a playful blast from the past. Attending the debut of the movie “浪花男女” (tentatively translated as “Spray of Love”), Yam shared a warm moment with actor-singer Jeffrey Ngai, drawing laughter as he reprised a famous line from his own cinematic history.
The 69-year-old actor, known for his iconic role in Johnnie To’s 2003 classic PTU, was clearly in good spirits as he joined Ngai on the red carpet. During the event, Yam noticed that Ngai’s manager-girlfriend had jotted down the title of Ngai’s new song, “已出之物” (“Something That Has Come Out”), in ink on the singer’s neck. Channeling his old character, Yam jokingly told Ngai to “wipe it off” (“捽甩佢”) in a deadpan delivery that delighted the crowd and photographers.
The light moment underscored a deeper bond. Yam revealed that he and Ngai previously played father and son in the film “紅豆” (Red Bean). Speaking to reporters, the award-winning actor heaped praise on his younger counterpart. “Jeffrey is handsome, smart, and incredibly gifted. He sings well and acts naturally,” Yam said. “He is exactly the kind of talent the industry needs. I am very happy to encourage him.” With characteristic humor, Yam added a twist to a Chinese idiom: “I was born in the Year of the Goat, and Jeffrey in the Year of the Tiger. So whatever he says, I support it. You could call it ‘the goat walking into the tiger’s mouth.’”
Yam also addressed recent speculation about his 21-year-old daughter, Ella Yam, a recent university graduate in the United Kingdom. Reports had suggested she was eager to enter show business. The actor clarified that his daughter is currently focused on her postgraduate studies and has decided to return to Hong Kong to pursue a master’s degree—a decision that has made the entire family very happy. “She is concentrating on her studies now, and that news makes us proud,” Yam said. “If she occasionally does a magazine shoot, that’s a good experience. It lets her try new things and broaden her horizons. Everything is up to her.”
When asked about a recent sighting of him having tea with comedian and actor Dayo Wong, Yam confirmed the casual reunion. “It had been a long time since we met. We just got together to chat,” he said. “Dayo is a very charming actor. I sincerely hope we can collaborate on a project in the future.”
Beyond cinema, Yam offered a piece of relatable advice for the modern age: reduce screen time. “We should all try to rely less on technology and spend more time connecting with people face to face,” he said.
With his blend of seasoned professionalism, family pride, and genuine encouragement for new talent, Yam reminded onlookers why he remains one of Hong Kong cinema’s most respected figures. The evening’s success with “Spray of Love” is expected to bolster Ngai’s profile as a multifaceted entertainer, while fans eagerly await any potential pairing between Yam and Wong on screen.
