Francis Ng is a Hong Kong actor. He is regarded as one of the best actors working in HK today and, along with Anthony Wong and Lau Ching Wan, was named one of the “Three Great Characters” at the 25th HK International Film Festival. In addition, the extreme aspects of his persona—ranging from quiet and serious to quirky or maniacal—both on and offscreen have earned him the nickname “mental”. Given his accomplishments, it may be surprising for some to learn that Ng was once camera-shy and failed TVB’s Artist Training program not once, not twice, but a total of three times!

Ng eventually graduated in 1985, but it would be over a decade before his potential as an actor was realized and his talent appreciated. His unconventional looks meant that he did not fit the traditional leading man mold. As was the case for many talented actors, the small world of television could not hold a fish that was growing as large and discontent as Ng. Ng’s banning from the station due to his open criticisms of them is likely the key factor that pushed him completely into the world of film.

The turning point in his career came with the villainous role of "Ugly Kwan in Young and Dangerous" (1996), in which Ng stole the show by simultaneously chewing and spitting out scenery. In addition to gaining the appreciation of movie audiences, Ng began to be recognized critically as well, especially by the HK Film Critics Society, who have awarded him Best Actor three times, for "Once Upon a Time in a Triad Society" (1996), "Bullets Over Summer" (1999) and "2000 A.D." (2000). Ng’s role in "2000 A.D." also won him the HK Film Best Supporting Actor Award.

Pegged as the “dark horse” prior to the awards night, his status as a first-rate actor was solidified when he garnered the prestigious Golden Horse Best Actor Award for his work in "The Mission" (1999).

Ng has also ventured into the arenas of theatre and directing, with varying results. In 1994-95, he starred in the play “Naughty Couple” with his ex-girlfriend, Anita Lee. It ran for 70 shows, breaking records for athenumber of shows and admissions, and was even adapted into a movie of the same name.

(Source: Yinique 2004, lovehkfilm.com; edited by kisskh) Edit Biography