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| Bowie Wu, 94, Brushes Off Romance Rumours with Law Lan: “At This Age, Making Headlines Is Rare”. (Credits: HK 01) |
Hong Kong screen veteran Bowie Wu is not losing sleep over persistent romance rumours linking him to fellow actress Law Lan—in fact, he is taking them as a badge of relevance. Speaking in a recent television interview, the 94-year-old actor addressed years of speculation with a mix of humour and pragmatism, noting that staying in the headlines at his age is “rare” and, frankly, welcome.
The rumours, which have circulated across Chinese-language media for years, stem from the pair’s long-standing friendship and frequent on-screen portrayals as a couple. At one point, headlines claiming that Bowie Wu would marry Law Lan gained traction online, despite both actors repeatedly dismissing the claims.
Bowie Wu, however, appears unfazed by the noise. “They’ve been going around for years and are still going,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter. At 93, still making news is not easy. If it keeps spreading, so be it—the more headlines, the better.”
Beyond the gossip, Wu’s interview offered a reflective look at a career spanning more than seven decades. Born in 1932, he entered the industry in 1953 almost by chance, after responding to a casting advertisement despite coming from a family business background.
His debut film paired him with a leading star of the era and quickly established him as a leading man, launching a prolific run through the 1950s and 1960s during which he appeared in around 200 films.
The transition from cinema to television marked a turning point. As the Cantonese film industry declined in the late 1960s, Bowie Wu pivoted to television, joining variety programmes and dramas that would redefine his career.
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| TVB |
While the shift from leading roles to supporting characters proved difficult at first, he credits his late wife, Lui Wing Hoi, for helping him recalibrate his outlook.
Her advice—to continue doing what he loved without attachment to status—remains central to his working philosophy.
That philosophy is evident in Wu’s approach to work even now. He describes himself as happiest when busy, maintaining a steady presence on screen well into his 90s.
Stories from his career underline that commitment: leaving hospital mid-treatment to complete a scene, or pushing through illness to avoid delaying production.
For Bowie Wu, professionalism is non-negotiable. Acting, he says, is not just a job but a responsibility—one that demands effort, resilience and consistency.
Off screen, Bowie Wu’s life has shifted into a quieter, familial phase. He is now both a grandfather and great-grandfather, yet continues to embrace the rhythm of production life.
Financially, he adopts a minimalist view, suggesting that having enough to live comfortably is more than sufficient.
It is a perspective that contrasts sharply with the industry’s often material-driven narratives, reinforcing his grounded public image.
The speculation surrounding Law Lan, meanwhile, continues to attract attention precisely because of its rarity.
Late-life romance stories involving veteran actors remain an unusual talking point in entertainment coverage, which often centres on younger celebrities.
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| HK 01 |
Their enduring friendship, combined with their on-screen chemistry, has created a narrative that audiences appear reluctant to let go of—even in the absence of confirmation.
Among fans and netizens, reactions remain divided. Some view the rumours as harmless and even charming, celebrating the idea of companionship in later life and praising both actors for their enduring presence in the industry. Others take a more sceptical stance, pointing out that repeated denials should have settled the matter long ago.
There is also a segment of viewers who interpret Bowie Wu’s relaxed response as a savvy understanding of media dynamics—recognising that attention, regardless of its source, sustains relevance.
In the closing moments of his interview, Bowie Wu returned to a theme that has defined his career: persistence. He made it clear that retirement is not part of his vocabulary, framing work as a source of vitality rather than obligation.
As long as opportunities exist, he intends to keep going—an outlook that aligns with his belief that staying active is key to both happiness and health.
And if his reaction is anything to go by, that conversation is one he is more than happy to keep alive. What do you think—harmless chatter or a story that refuses to let go?