Chew Chor Meng wants to keep acting, but doesn't expect to win awards
The star has been diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease since 2008, but has still been nominated for awards
An untreatable disease that affects the facial and limb muscles sounds like the end of one’s acting career; but not for local veteran actor Chew Chor Meng.
The 54-year-old - whose showbiz career kicked off after winning Star Search in 1990 and is arguably most recognisable for his role in Don’t Worry, Be Happy - isn’t letting his decades-long career go down because of a debilitating health condition.
Chew was diagnosed with Kennedy’s Disease in 2008, an untreatable motor disorder characterised by slowly progressive weakness and atrophy affecting the facial and limb muscles as well as the muscles involved in swallowing.
Speaking to 8world for his new drama Family Ties, Chew said that his condition is “okay” for now and “that’s all I can say”.
He was also grateful to be always given opportunities to act, despite his illness.
“Everyone knows about my situation; but as long as there’s a suitable script and role that doesn’t involve too much movement, I think I can handle it. [The studio] will still look for me. The actors are also very accommodating and I am thankful.”
His limited mobility, however, has impacted his acting skills.
“I can only focus on my lines and facial expressions. If my movements can be more agile, I should be able to do better,” Chew shared.
Very grateful, 'the most important thing is not to surrender'
Chew’s passion for acting may not have been diminished by his circumstances, but he isn’t expecting to win any awards.
When asked whether he still holds out hope for clinching an acting award, Chew told 8world, “I can only say I’m grateful. I am grateful for being able to stand here after being sick for 15 years.
“I’ll be even more grateful if I can be nominated, but I dare not wish for more.”
The last time Chew won at the Star Awards for acting was in 2009. He clinched the Best Supporting Actor trophy for his role in the drama series The Golden Path.
Since then, he’s been nominated in various categories but has yet to take home that golden star.
He was nominated in 2022 and 2023 for Best Supporting Actor but lost out to Jeffrey Xu and Brandon Wong respectively.
Chew added: “What I want now is to keep my body and mind active, cherish every acting opportunity until I can’t do it anymore. The most important thing is not to surrender to my illness.”
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