Benny Chan portrayed Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, in TVB’s 1998 drama Journey to the West II. His scholarly good looks and captivating performance captured the hearts of audiences. However, his career took a significant hit due to a relationship scandal that shook the entertainment industry.
The scandal garnered widespread criticism, with some dubbing him the most controversial Monkey King ever depicted on screen.
The “Prince” of Historical Dramas
Born in 1969, Benny Chan entered showbiz after being scouted on the street. His handsome appearance and acting skills quickly made him a fan favorite. Known for his versatility as an actor and a singer, he rose to fame in the 1990s.
During the 1990s, Chan became one of Hong Kong’s most popular entertainers, outranking even Andy Lau and Louis Koo at one point.
In 1998, Chan took on the role of Sun Wukong in TVB’s Journey to the West II, succeeding Dicky Cheung. He faced pressure to live up to Cheung’s portrayal, which was beloved by fans. Despite the challenge, Chan’s youthful and mischievous interpretation of the character resonated with viewers.
Apart from Journey to the West, Chan left his mark in classic TV dramas like Gods of Honour, Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and The Legend of Crazy Monk. His striking appearance earned him the moniker “Prince of Historical Dramas.”
A Shocking Scandal That Derailed His Career
In 2011, Chan’s marriage to model Jiang Lisha was announced. Despite his rising career, a scandal involving alleged inappropriate behavior towards actress Rose Chan tarnished his reputation in the industry.
Accused of misconduct while under the influence, Chan and Ma Tak-chung faced public criticism. Images of their controversial actions emerged, making it challenging to refute the accusations.
Initially defending himself by claiming to offer comfort, Chan’s explanation was met with further backlash, accusing him of infidelity and dishonesty. In an effort to salvage his reputation, he and his wife held a tearful press conference to apologize for the incident.
The scandal severely damaged Chan’s public image, leading to widespread criticism for alleged misconduct toward a colleague and accusations of infidelity.
Following the controversy, Chan attempted to rebuild his image as a family man, but the damage was done as audiences turned away, causing a decline in his career.
At 57, Branded the “King of Low-Quality Films”
The scandal made it harder for Chan to secure major roles, prompting him to take on low-budget films to sustain his career, earning him the title of the “King of Low-Quality Films.”
Despite appearing in numerous films in recent years, Chan’s work received mixed reviews, with critics noting a decline in quality. To supplement his income, he turned to livestreaming for product sales.
Reportedly undergoing cosmetic procedures that altered his appearance, Chan’s once-famous face looks stiff and different, impacting his performances.
Now 57, Chan struggles to maintain his youthful image, with visible signs of aging even with heavy makeup. His attempts to play youthful characters come off as forced and exaggerated, disappointing fans who remember his former glory.
Sources: kenh14