Since its debut in 1993, Bao Thanh Thiên became a renowned television series, captivating audiences across many countries in Asia. The show significantly boosted the careers of numerous actors, including Kim Siêu Quân, Hà Gia Kính, and Phạm Hồng Hiến, among others. After three decades, this production, created by the Taiwan-based company Đài Loan, is still fondly remembered, with fans asserting that no adaptation could replace the iconic 1993 version.
The series received enthusiastic acclaim and success in multiple segments. Spanning 236 episodes, it aired continuously until 1994.
Bát Hiến Vương
In Bao Thanh Thiên, there are many roles, including Bát Hiến Vương, portrayed by the skilled actor Long Long, who left a profound impression. He embodied the character with a distinctive charisma, even as he was 42 years old at the time of filming.
Long Long, with extensive experience in the performing arts, has participated in many productions such as Hoàng Phi Hồng and Thập Tam, Yên vũ Giang Nam. Due to health issues, he has not worked in the industry since 2011.
Recently, at a gathering, the 72-year-old actor was seen at the event alongside Hà Gia Kính, showing off his silver hair.
Trần Thế Mục
The actor Dương Hoài Dân participated in several segments of Bao Thanh Thiên, notably as Trần Thế Mục in Xử Trảm Trần Thế Mục, and Thạch Vĩnh Tình in Mộng Uỳnh ưng Hổ Đệ…. Over time, he transitioned to a career in film and television, with over 70 productions to his name.
After a long career, the actor faced personal challenges that made it difficult to maintain a steady relationship. Despite having a loving partner, he struggled with family obligations due to his parents’ divorce.
At 70, Dương Hoài Dân remains active and is also investing in real estate outside the city, taking care of his elderly mother. For a period, he underwent surgery for a brain tumor. Currently, his health has improved, and he appears vibrant, unlike typical seniors.
Công Tôn Sách
For nearly 50 years in the industry, actor Phạm Hồng Hiến is best known for his role as Công Tôn Sách in Bao Thanh Thiên. His success in portraying this character has become iconic, and in 2019, he reprised his role in a new adaptation as Bát Hiến Vương.
Currently, the revered actor has been seen less frequently in public. The 76-year-old actor revealed he had been battling spine-related health issues for the past five years and underwent treatment to regain his strength. He gained 8 kg after recovering.
In terms of personal life, he has chosen to dedicate himself to work, avoiding relationships and family commitments, although he expresses a desire to experience being a grandparent one day. “At my age, I think I only need to focus on work, earn a good living, but when I see my peers with children and grandchildren, I feel a sense of longing as I enter this age,” Phạm Hồng Hiến shared candidly.
Triển Chiêu
Before joining Bao Thanh Thiên, Hà Gia Kính was already famous in the Hong Kong film and television industry. After ending his contract with ATV, he was invited to Taiwan for filming.
The actor revealed that Bao Thanh Thiên, which spanned 236 episodes, was filmed within a year, with nearly daily completion of each episode. Given the rigorous schedule, the cast often worked tirelessly, with little time for rest.
At the filming location, the actors had to adjust their schedules to accommodate various scenes, ensuring they were prepared for intense action sequences. During the filming process, the character Triển Chiêu often faced challenges due to the numerous action scenes he had to perform.
Since starting his acting career in 2014, he has redirected his focus towards the food business, becoming the owner of Hà Gia Trang. The business is valued at nearly $17 million, according to Time. Although no longer acting, Hà Gia Kính still participates in promotional events to satisfy his artistic side.
At 64, the actor maintains his health by actively engaging in sports and gym workouts. Hà Gia Kính updates his life regularly on social media but does not delve into personal romance, despite public interest. Interestingly, he has had two public relationships with actress Kim Tố Mai and Lý Uyển Hoa.
Currently, Hà Gia Kính is reportedly residing in Huệ Châu, Quảng Đông, frequently visiting Hong Kong (China) to see family and friends.
Bao Thanh Thiên
Similar to Phạm Hồng Hiến, Bao Chửng is the sole iconic role of Kim Siêu Quân and remains an unforgettable character for audiences. At the age of 42, he became a household name.
In the original script, Bao Chửng was described as having a face as dark as coal, with a serious demeanor. In real life, however, the actor has a fair complexion, exuding a friendly and approachable nature.
When Bao Thanh Thiên was cast, Kim Siêu Quân was married to Trần Kỷ, who is significantly younger than him. His wife used to be a nurse before joining the TVB network and participating in several film productions.
The actor’s career is closely intertwined with the character Bao Chửng. To date, he has appeared in approximately 700 television episodes related to Bao Chửng. “If fate allows, I hope to film 1,000 episodes about Bao Công,” Kim Siêu Quân expressed.
In a bid to facilitate filming, in 1998, Kim Siêu Quân invested in a theme park in Tang Chảo, China, dedicated to productions related to the character Bao Chửng. The site exclusively films series and movies about Bao Chửng, and he does not allow rentals or tourist visits.
Having achieved significant success in his career, the actor has faced many challenges. Kim Siêu Quân has revealed that he gained weight from 80 kg to 100 kg for the role of Bao Công. Later, he struggled to lose weight, leading to various health issues related to hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes.
In 2017, Kim Siêu Quân was diagnosed with a brain tumor, and although surgery was successful, his health has not fully returned to what it once was.
Kim Siêu Quân is now retired and has appeared less frequently in public. He and his wife, Trần Kỷ, do not have children. In late 2020, actor Trịnh Thiệu Phong passed away due to illness, and he expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his friend.
Image: Weibo, Baidu, Sohu.
Source: Sohu