Kam Kwok Leung is one of Hong Kong’s original multi-hyphenates, with accomplishments spanning both on-screen and behind-the-scenes creation and management. He found his calling in the performing arts when he joined TVB’s Artiste Training Class in 1971. Since then, he has embarked on a half-century-long acting journey with his distinct persona and boundless creativity. Through his lively performances, Kam has left Hong Kongers with many unique, memorable classics to remember.

Kam’s creative career spans over a century, from scriptwriting and acting to starting creative projects and business ventures. While he has worn many hats, he shares that one of the most unforgettable moments of his life took place during his very first year in the entertainment industry. While one’s aspirations may be inevitably shaped by the passing of time, for many creatives, their early days remain the most memorable. Kam remembers the moment he broke into the industry as if it was just yesterday. 

“At the time, I was stuck in the middle of a fight between my parents, who were arguing about my future. My dad wanted me to go to school in San Francisco, while my mom and grandma wanted me to study back in Macau — but really, they each just had their own interests in mind, and neither option appealed to me. Then by sheer luck, I came across an ad for TVB’s new Artiste Training Class . Even though I knew my odds were slim given my physical features, I decided it was worth a shot. That way, if I made it, I wouldn’t be forced to follow my parents’ wishes.”

As fate would have it, not only was Kam accepted into the Training Class – which would kick off his journey into the spotlight – he also crossed paths with mentors like Chung King-fai, who opened the door to screenwriting, a means of creative expression that Kam took most pride in. He went on to pen some of Hong Kong’s most beloved cult classics such as Between The Twins, Under the Veil and Don’t Look Now, all of which showcase Leung’s unique blend of local Hong Kong flavour and sardonic wit. His work was unlike anything that had come before, and has stood the test of time unlike anything since. 

His journey in front of the camera was nothing short of remarkable either. Ever since Lau Fong Gong invited Kam to write a crime drama script and play a perverted character in one episode, TV stations started calling him regularly to play all sorts of unconventional roles that year. Kam admitted that he was not entirely confident in his abilities in both screenwriting and acting. However, he always gave it his all. I’ve heard him mention this many times: “If you ask me to do it, I’ll do it, I’ll never say no.” If you read between the lines, you will feel his gratitude for the opportunities he was given back then.

Kam then mentions another Hong Kong film: The Killer Snakes from 1974, directed by Kuei Chih-Hung and written by Ni Kuang. Back then, no one wanted to audition for it and once again, it was Chung King-fai who urged Kam to give it a shot. This resulted in his legendary portrayal of a murderer in the internationally renowned film, laying the groundwork for Kam to keep taking on unconventional leading roles on screen.

Kam’s distinct work is an important piece of the puzzle that is the Hong Kong spirit. In his words, “Hong Kong is like a jigsaw puzzle of different possibilities of which I contributed a part of. Yet, at the same time, it was complete to begin with.” Without Kam, Hong Kong’s film and television scene would’ve lost out on a possibility that lay beyond the mainstream. His one-of-a-kind works have played an essential role in enriching the Hong Kong spirit over the decades. 

As an unreplaceable cultural figure in Hong Kong, does Kam have any words for his Hong Kongers? “I feel like it’s better for me to challenge myself than other people. I can achieve a lot on my own, and dealing with others is often meaningless.” He urges us to take our creative work seriously, and focus on doing our best no matter what. Just like young Kam long ago, who knew, even at a young age, the importance of giving his all and taking action. But little did anyone know back then, just how hard Kam Kwok Leung would work quietly behind the scenes to arrive at where he is today.