He has more than 140 films under his belt in a career spanning four decades, but, despite his busy schedule, Simon Yam Tat-wah still finds time for his family, acting and hobbies.
Yam (left) recently returned from Cannes, where he walked the red carpet with fellow actors Louis Koo Tin-lok and Sun Honglei, as well as directors Johnnie To Kei-fung, Ringo Lam Ling-tung and Tsui Hark who co-directed his new film, Triangle.
Triangle was a last-minute entry in the 60th Cannes Film Festival's Midnight Screenings section and the only Cantonese-language film at the festival.
Yam said the experience was a family affair. He spent the five-day event with To and Lam and their wives. 'We've known each other for more than 30 years. It didn't matter that we didn't win any awards, we had such a good time eating and drinking together.'
Yam said good time management was crucial when juggling a career with hobbies and family life. 'A lot of actors don't have time to do other things, but I manage my time so I can be with my daughter, take photos and play golf.'
Having hobbies complemented his acting, he said. 'The more you enjoy playing a game of golf or taking pictures, the more you're enjoying your life, and the more you'll enjoy acting.'
Yam is considered to be at his best when playing the bad guy, but his favoured role is that of a policeman. 'I like playing cops because they set such a good example,' said Yam, whose elder brother is Deputy Commissioner of Police Peter Yam Tat-wing.
