By FOO JEAN-NI
alltherage@thestar.com.my
IN order to cope with the stress of being an acclaimed teen actress and undergraduate student, Joey Leong repeats the following mantra.
“My job is my hobby,” she says. “Which is why I say I’ll never work a day in my life. I do what I love and I think that’s the most important thing.”
But to be honest, there really isn’t anything to not love about her job right now. Leong is making a name for herself in the Chinese film industry, especially after her debut role in horror film Blood Ties. Her chilling portrayal of a demon-possessed girl bagged her a Best Actress nomination at the 2009 Asian Festival of First Films.
Leong is set for a whirlwind year. After scoring straight A’s in SPM, the 18-year-old is now doing a foundation in arts course at HELP University. On top of that, she is also gearing up for the release of her latest movie, The Second Coming. The 3D horror flick is directed by Herman Yau, and Leong shares the screen with Hong Kong veterans Maggie Siu and Kenny Wong.
“I have to revise for college exams and devote time to memorising my scripts. It is honestly tiring but I’m glad I’m keeping my grades up in college.”
Life as an actress/student can indeed be tiring. Leong had to start shooting a local drama the day after she returned from wrapping up filming for The Second Coming in Hong Kong.
“I didn’t even have time to unpack my luggage!” she says with a laugh.
But it seems that her mantra is working. Despite her gruelling schedule, Leong does not see herself giving up her job or her studies any time soon.
“I love studying just as much as I love acting. I can’t choose one over the other, and I don’t think I have to. It will take more time, hard work and determination, but I believe I have what it takes.”
However, if there is one thing Leong is afraid of, it would probably be being typecast. She hopes to be able to take on different acting roles in the future.
“In my first three movies, I played characters that were scary-looking or possessed. I definitely want to try something new in the future to challenge myself, maybe a policewoman in an action movie.”
The talented go-getter also believes she has what it takes to be a versatile actress.
“I have to put myself in the shoes of the character I’m playing and really try to become that person. It’s definitely challenging to switch between emotions so quickly all the time. I guess it helps that I’m an emotional person!”
As much as she loves her job, the wide-eyed actress admits she sometimes finds herself emotionally drained by it all.
“Surely I have cried and I have had doubts, because these things can get extremely exhausting. But I always remind myself that this is what I love doing and I believe it is by doing what we love that we can achieve true happiness.”
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