Catch Ryan Lian at The New Paper Big Walk
Long Long Time Ago actor to go on The New Paper Courts Big Walk to meet new fans, co-star and animals
Actor Ryan Lian, 31, was toying with the idea of quitting showbiz when he first auditioned for Jack Neo's two-parter movie, Long Long Time Ago.
He had been taking on bit roles for 16 years. Going on 30, he felt the need for a "normal job with a normal pay".
But he landed the meaty role of Ah Long, a gangster, and has not looked back since.
Lian told The New Paper: "It was the first time I was one of the leads in a movie. It felt like a dream - there were so many big stars on set. Plus, it was a Jack Neo movie.
"He is one of the top directors in Singapore and I couldn't believe he chose me."
Lian was also honest about the happiness he felt when people started to recognise him on the streets.
He said: "People were suddenly recognising me and pointing me out. Strangers came up to me to ask how I was and commented that I had slimmed down. I did not know how to react and I took a while to process what was happening.
"I initially thought that they were people I knew from somewhere, until they told me, 'You did great in Long Long Time Ago, and our family went to watch it.'"
Fans can catch Lian at The New Paper Courts Big Walk on Nov 26, where he will "reunite" with co-star Benjamin Tan.
Lian said: "I am happy that I will get to meet Benjamin as he has been very busy. We have not met for a few months."
Lian is also looking forward to meeting the animals at the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari.
He said: "I think going to the zoo will be fun because I have not been there in a long time. The Walk will be good as I would normally just be watching TV at home."
UPCOMING MOVIES
Lian will be starring in the movie 4Love, an anthology of four short films by four local directors. It is slated for release on Dec 1.
The short films revolve around relationships, from crushes to extramarital affairs.
Lian plays the younger version of Duan Wei Ming's character. Duan plays a grandfather who the protagonists meets.
He will also be in Take 2, a movie about four ex-convicts looking for a second chance in life. It is scheduled to be released during the Chinese New Year, and counts Jack Neo as an executive producer.
Lian also performs at getai shows on some nights.
With a laugh, he said: "I speak Hokkien. But after I started performing, I realised how bad my Hokkien is.
"The getai audience is very kind, because every time I screw up, they would encourage me and tell me that it is okay, and that I can do better the next round."
WHEN
Saturday, Nov 26, 2pm
WHERE
Singapore Zoo & Night Safari
HOW
Register online at www.tnpbigwalk.sg
ON-SITE SIGN-UP
Nov 18 to Nov 20, noon to 8pm
Register and collect your goodie bag at:
Courts Orchard 228, Orchard Road
Courts Megastore 50, Tampines North Drive 2
REGISTRATION FEE
$35
BONUS
Discounted tickets to the River Safari at $8 each with every registration (maximum of four tickets per participant)
WIN
A Harley-Davidson Street 750 motorcycle worth $17,000
A total of $28,000 worth of lucky draw prizes
MORE
Courts Megastore 10th Anniversary logos will be planted along the route of The New Paper Courts Big Walk. Count the number of logos you spot, go to Courts Megastore and answer the question correctly to redeem a FREE goodie bag
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