Actress Yu Mo-lin has built a career on plain looks. She's only had bit parts after more than three decades in television but cornered a niche playing grass-roots characters from uncouth rubbish collectors to gossipy office assistants.
Viewers who meet Yu on the street typically greet her with comments such as, 'You don't look as ugly as you do on screen; why does TVB always make you look so bad?' The remarks are unflattering though meant to be kind, but Yu laughs when she recalls them.
'I'm pleased audiences pay so much attention,' says the former TVB actress, who retired this year after 37 years with the TV station. Her exaggerated screen personas owe much to makeup tricks; in person, Yu looks younger than 68.
Ironically, retirement may bring Yu more interesting work. In recent months, directors have called offering more substantial roles (as a wise nanny, for instance), and she's delighted. Yu is committed to appearing in one TVB show annually and can't work for other TV stations, but that still leaves her with more options. 'Unlike the past when I was bound by contract to do whatever the company assigned, now I can choose jobs I like,' she says.
'I don't mind playing people like garbage collectors, maids or a crazy villager but they should have some character instead of simply delivering one silly line.'
Home is a tiny flat in Mong Kok, but she's content. 'I never envy people who are more successful or earn more than I do,' she says. 'I can't afford anything luxurious, not even expensive skin care or an outfit from a top designer but I appreciate what I have - like good health, which is the most important asset.'
