Kent Tong Seeks New Image, Barbara helps
To change the audience's perception of him, Kent Tong (汤镇业) is trying to create a new image, focusing on rugged styles in clothing and hairstyle pairings to enhance his masculinity. Moving away from his previous gentle scholar image, he has recently taken a keen interest in military-style outfits. The black-green color combination accentuates his natural elegance with a touch of handsomeness, making him appear more mature.
Among the "Five Tiger Generals" (五虎将) of TVB, Kent (Ah Tong) debuted the earliest. However, in terms of popularity and screen exposure, he has been overshadowed by the other four "Tigers." Judged by his acting skills and qualifications, he is no less capable; many young audiences like him, but more senior viewers struggle to accept him. Jokingly put, he lacks appeal among certain demographic segments.
Following friends' suggestions, he believes changing his image is necessary. Initial signs show this transformation is positive, and he is waiting for another opportunity on screen where he can truly showcase his talent.
Barbara Yung (翁美玲) also significantly influences his performances. They are a couple and also serve as mutual advisors, frequently exchanging opinions on image-building and acting critiques. Some clothing choices come directly from Barbara's (Ah Yung's) taste.
"Ah Tong's figure looks good in anything, whether it's a suit or a T-shirt with jeans," she said. "But I prefer him with a slightly rugged touch; it makes him look more interesting and contemporary."
Melancholic Look Leads to Misunderstandings
Speaking about his natural aura, Kent said: "When I'm not smiling, I look very melancholic, like a tender scholar. Although I've played many villain roles, I'm genuinely a good person. I want to play more good-guy roles, to 'turn over a new leaf.'"
In the dramas "The Romantic Breeze of Hong Kong" (香江花月夜) and "New Adventures of Chor Lau-heung" (宝芝林, known as "The New Deal of Justice Pao" internationally), he got his wish and could play without a "villain mask." Although he wasn't the lead male role in either series, he had no issues with the arrangement. He never complains about the size of his role or character type, even when fans and friends feel it's unfair.
"You know, in 'The Romantic Breeze of Hong Kong,' I was paired with Pat Ching (蒋丽萍). There were intimate scenes, but they weren't as intense as Michael Miu (苗侨伟) and Anita Mui's (梅艳芳). They were the 'passionate type,' while we were the 'gentle and refined type' – more subtle in that aspect," he said with a smile.
In the other series "New Adventures of Chor Lau-heung," he played a ronin (masterless samurai) – highly skilled in martial arts but with a cold, aloof personality, dressed in a rougher style. He felt he lacked a sense of world-weariness, saying at 26 years old, he still looked like a boy who hadn't grown up.
Emotional Rift Still Exists
After filming bed scenes, it caused Barbara's dissatisfaction. He feels somewhat resistant to such scenes now, not wanting to upset her again. Unless absolutely necessary, he prefers to avoid them.
There was a period when their feelings cooled down significantly. Barbara openly admitted their relationship had hit a rough patch and a "red light" was flashing, but things have improved recently, proving they can withstand another test.
"We've known each other and been dating for nearly two years. I cherish this relationship deeply and don't want to ruin it. She feels the same," Kent said seriously. "The problem is both of us are stubborn. Every time we argue, neither is willing to back down. This is something we still need to work on improving."
Fans who adore them certainly don't want to hear news of a breakup between this couple. And neither does this writer!
(This article was published in Movie TV weekly, probably in April 1985)
汤镇业寻求新形象，芭芭拉助阵
为改变观众对他的观感，汤镇业尝试创造新形象，在服饰与发型方面的搭配以粗豪型为主，增添自己的男人味。一改往日柔弱的书生格调，最近，他对军装打扮特别感兴趣，黑绿色的装扮搭配，将他的潇洒气质衬托得带点帅气，人也增添了几分成熟感。
“五虎将”中阿汤是最早出道，但以知名度与出镜率而言，他被其他四虎比了下去。以演技与条件衡量，他并不比人差，不少年轻观众喜欢他，但有更多的年长一辈不太接受他。说笑一句，他是缺乏某些阶层的观众缘。
经过朋友的建议，他认为有改变形象的必要。初步看来，这转变效果不错，他等待着另一个在幕前真正有发挥的机会。
对于他的表演，翁美玲也给予了一定的影响。他们是情侣，也是相互的顾问，在形象的塑造与演技的点评方面，不时互相交换意见。有些服饰的选购是来自阿翁的眼光。
“阿汤的身型穿什么服饰都好看，无论西装还是T恤牛仔裤都合衬。不过，我更喜欢他带点粗犷味道，这样看来更有趣，更具时代感。”她说。
忧郁外形惹来误会
谈到他本身的气质，阿汤说：“我不笑之时就看似很忧郁，十足文艺小生一样。虽然我演过不少反派，但我是名符其实的好人一个。我想多做好人角色，实行改邪归正。”
在《香江花月夜》与《宝芝林》两剧中，他可算如愿以偿，可以不用戴上‘坏人面具’了。虽然两剧他并非第一男主角，他对此安排亦无意见；他从不为戏份多少或角色问题提意见，纵然影迷和朋友也为他感到不值。
“你知道的啦！在《香江花月夜》中我与蒋丽萍是一对，剧中也有亲热的镜头，但并不像苗侨伟及梅艳芳那样激烈。他们是冲动派，我们是温文派，这方面比较含蓄。”他笑着说。
在另一部剧集《宝芝林》中他扮演浪人，武功高强却带着冷傲个性，打扮得较为粗犷；他就嫌自己缺一份沧桑感，才二十六岁，还似是长不大的少年模样。
感情裂痕仍然存在
自拍过床上戏后惹来阿翁的不满，他对这类镜头有点抗拒，不想再令她有意见，除非迫不得已，否则，还是能免则免。
有阵子他们两人的感情曾逐步冷却，阿翁不讳言表示，他们的感情出了岔子，亮起红灯，但目前已有改善，证明彼此又经受得起另一个考验。
“我们由认识至拍拖将近有两年时间，我是很珍惜这段感情，不希望毁于一旦，她也是这样想。问题是两人都是硬性子，每次争执都不肯相让，这点我们还要努力改善。”阿汤认真地说。
喜爱他们的观众当然不希望听到这对恋人有情变的新闻传出，笔者又何尝不是！
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