Tony wang swoops into the photo studio with a mini entourage of minders, assistants and hair and make-up crew. Swathed in layers of clothing (it’s a chilly December morning in Taipei) and sporting a pair of black-framed glasses, his lean frame and handsome mug (anchored by those killer cheekbones) are barely recognisable. He remains monosyllabic during the next four hours of the shoot, his disposition imperturbable. It is no wonder the media often portrays him as being no-nonsense and stony-faced.
But reality couldn’t be further from the truth. Just as the last few shots are being captured, Yang suddenly springs to life, chattering away excitedly about motorbikes with photographer Jiang Minshi. It has certainly taken him a while to warm up. In a way, his behaviour mirrors his career trajectory: it’s only after a decade of acting that he feels he’s finally found his footing in his role as an idealistic loafer in crime-comedy David Loman (2013). “I’m finally able to express what I’ve been meaning to express all these years,” he says. “Most people don’t realise that I love comedic roles. They think I’ve very intense. But I’m actually a very fun-loving person!” Fun-loving or otherwise, Yang’s professionalism is resolute throughout, emoting a different, nuanced expression with every click of the camera shutter.
Men’s Folio: What projects are you working on at the moment?
Tony Yang: I just finished filming David Loman with Chu Ke-Liang and Amber Kuo. It will be released during Chinese New Year in Taiwan.
What’s your role in the film?
I play a character who has idolised Superman since his childhood and who wishes he could grow up to be a hero to defeat bad guys! In the course of the film, he encounters Chu Ke-Liang, who plays a criminal boss. Somehow they end up having to work together to fight bad guys. My character is very cocky and flamboyant. He likes to show off. In reality, I’m not like that at all! In fact, most people don’t realise that I love comedic roles. They think I’ve very intense. It’s probably because I look very serious when I don’t smile and because of the fact that I’ve played a lot of serious roles in the past. But I’m actually a very fun-loving person!
Among all the roles you’ve performed, which was your favourite and why? Which character was closest to your own personality?
The current one. It’s like I’m able to use all my years of experience and put all my energy into it. I’m finally able to express what I’ve been meaning to express all these years! My co-actors were also very supportive and able to play off my character, so it’s been great fun. Especially brother Chu, who came to work with discipline and focus every day. I’ve been a fan of his since I was little. It was slightly surreal to have to face off and pretend to be indifferent to someone I’ve idolised for so long!
“To be able to act in a comedy has been a dream come true for now. I hope to be able to act in different roles in the future.”
You’ve acted in both TV serials as well as films. What are the challenges and fulfillments that come with doing either one?
To me, TV serials and films are set at different paces. TV serials allow you to present your feelings and emotions to the audience within a shorter timeframe. So when I act, I have to be more direct when emoting. Whereas for films, since it’s on the big screen, the process requires more detailed and minute expressions and innate feelings for the audience to be able to relate.
So which do you prefer?
I feel that films are the highest platform an actor can aspire towards. Films give actors the chance to fulfil their innermost desires. But at the same time, actors also need TV series to hone their craft and prepare for bigger roles. They’re both important.
Tony wears an ALFRED DUNHILL wool twill suit, cotton shirt and wool tie. Assorted badges, stylist’s own
It was very daring of you to play a gay role in Formula 17, your second movie, for which you won a Golden Horse Award for Best Newcomer. Did you fear any negative repercussions?
No. In Taiwan, the attitude towards homosexuality is very relaxed. The film was a light-hearted comedy. In the past, gay films were very depressing, and focused on the negative, but Formula 17 came out at about the time that things started to change. The script was slightly more positive as a result. And the film was well received by the gay community as it reflected their lives in a more truthful manner – the characters were shown to lead happy, fulfulling lives.
So you didn’t fear being typecast or pigeonholed?
I felt the script was good, so I was keen to participate. Also, the more acting experience I’m able to rack up, the better.
How did you prepare for your role in Formula 17? Since you obviously can’t draw from your own experience?
The director told me not to portray a sissy, but someone who was manly on the outside yet like a little girl on the inside! So I observed my ex-girlfriend and learnt to mimic her expressions, emotions and behaviour.
Ex-girlfriend? So who’s your current squeeze?
(Laughs and doesn’t answer. But Men’s Folio understands that it’s his David Loman co-star Amber Kuo)
While we’re on this topic, what’s the most romantic thing you’ve done for someone, or someone has done for you?
I don’t think I’ve ever done anything that romantic! I studied F&B in school, so I can cook. I’ve cooked for my girlfriends before. Breakfasts are more romantic to me. Also because it takes a lot more effort to prepare a romantic dinner! It’s easier to make breakfast look good and make yourself feel talented in the process! As for what others have done for me, I remember one year when my girlfriend and I went overseas to celebrate my birthday. We didn’t plan anything. We were all alone in an unfamiliar land, yet she made the effort to find me a birthday cake and even got strangers to sing me Happy Birthday! I thought that was very romantic of her.
Describe the perfect date.
What I just described is quite perfect!
“I’m not the kind of person who likes to give flowers or stage elaborate settings. I find romance in the small things in life.”
What do you look for in a partner?
She has to be my friend first and foremost. In terms of common interests, it doesn’t really matter if we like the same things or not. As long as there’s communication between us, it’s fine.
Which for you is the best form of validation? Winning a Golden Horse Award, receiving positive attention from fans, or receiving positive comments from critics?
I think all are important. Winning a Golden Horse Award would be a form of encouragement. When you’re acting, you tend to bring in your own life experiences or impressions of certain real-life people into your performance, but you never really know how it will be received by fans until the film or TV series is released.
What is your definition of success?
It’s whether you find happiness on the inside. That to me represents success. It’s only something that you will know. Everybody else sees what’s on the outside – your material wealth, your awards – but only you will know how happy you are. Do you still have any motivation? Are you an empty shell of a person? I’m very grateful to be able to do what I do. I always find ways of improving myself.
Tony wears an ALFRED DUNHILL wool striped suit, cotton shirt, wool tie and leather gloves
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