Michael Tong discloses why he broke up with ex-TVB actress Cherie Chan
HONG KONG: TVB’s Heart and Greed star Michael Tong has disclosed that a serious personality clash had led to the parting of ways with former TVB actress Cherie Chan.
Michael, 48, bared his emotions during an interview broadcast on radio.
Cherie was best known for her role as Yue Lingshan in TVB’s 1996 adaptation of The Smiling, Proud Wanderer.
Disclosed the obsessively private Michael, who had a brief filming stint in Taiwan: “Although I ultimately decided to go back to Hong Kong, we barely saw each other. She was very busy. We were also very young, and we argued a lot. Sometimes our personalities clashed.”
They dated for six years before calling time on their relationship.
Figured Michael: “There was definitely a reason that made us realise we weren’t for each other. You can call me superstitious, but it all happened before our eyes. For example, whenever we were together, her parents’ health would deteriorate, and my career would continue to go downhill. You can say I’m superstitious and all, but no matter what, that was the reason why we broke up.”
Michael also dated a flight stewardess for seven years. They broke up in 2006. Michael did not want to impede the progress of her career.
Explained Michael: “I didn’t want to waste her time. She was only 32, and I was almost 40. I wanted to develop my career in Beijing, and I couldn’t see a future for us. Also, I was not in the best place economically, and she’s just going to struggle with me. That’s why I decided to break up. I don’t think I was wrong. I was being honest.”
But Michael is somewhat remorseful.
He admitted: “If there is a next life, I am willing to spend all my life to repay her.”
Come to think of it, that too sounded somewhat superstitious.