Law Lan, 91, On Why TVB Did Not Renew Her Contract After Decades

As actors grow older, staying active in the entertainment industry can become increasingly challenging... something veteran Hong Kong actress Law Lan knows all too well.

Last December, news broke that the 91-year-old screen legend had been dropped by TVB after spending decades with the broadcaster.

Law Lan, whose career stretches back to 1939, joined TVB in the 1970s and went on to become one of Hong Kong’s most recognisable veteran actresses. The Bullets Over Summer (1999) star also holds the distinction of being the oldest Best Actress winner in Hong Kong Film Awards history.

At a recent event, Law Lan was asked whether health concerns played a role in TVB’s decision not to renew her contract, especially after she reportedly suffered a fall at home last year and was hospitalised for eight days.

“Um... it's not really that. They just didn’t approach me about renewing my contract,” she chuckled. “They simply didn’t hire me.”

Rather than sounding bitter, the actress appeared remarkably at peace with the situation.

She explained that she understood TVB likely had its own considerations when it came to managing artistes.

“I heard from some colleagues that they don’t hire people past a certain age. So I thought: ‘Oh, I’ve exceeded the age limit,’” she laughed.

​Law Lan also revealed that someone from TVB had spoken to her before the decision was finalised.

“They asked me what we should do about it and told me that the artistes currently with the company are all very young. I said: ‘Very young? Then don’t sign me,’” she recalled. “And they said: ‘Yes, yes, let’s not renew the contract.’”

She later clarified that the person who contacted her was not TVB assistant general manager Virginia Lok.

Still, Law Lan made it clear there were no hard feelings.

“But it’s okay, it doesn’t matter. If there are suitable roles in the future, we can still work together again,” she smiled.