An action man both on and off the screen, Richie Jen is still pursuing new challenges

By HeyJude
Translation by Ben Sin

Despite the fact that he is now a father of two, Richie Jen’s hardworking and risk-taking attitude has not changed – and it is just this attitude that has made him such a successful and versatile star.

Having been in the film industry for two decades, Jen boasts a diverse career. He starred alongside Cecilia Cheung Pak-chi in the tearjerker Fly Me To Polaris; appeared in the light-hearted comedy Summer Holiday; acted in a period piece, Elixir of Love; and even portrayed a villain in Johnnie To’s Breaking News. Jen’s latest film, The Sniper, sees him star as a charismatic team leader.

Although Jen regards The Sniper as “the most difficult film I’ve made”, he says it was made especially rewarding by the experiece of working with director Dante Lam. “He really saw eye to eye with all of us so we all worked extra hard to make the film as good as possible. seeing the finished product was satisfying.”

With over 20 films under his belt, Jen has considered moving behind the camera as of late so he can express all his ideas on the big screen. “i know directing is no easy task, but i have to try at least once in my life,” he explains. “i’ve been writing two scripts: one is a love story and the other is a triad story. i’m trying to decide which film should be made first. i want the films to appeal to the Mainland China market, so the triad story may need some tweaking because the material may be too sensitive.”

Away from the big screen, Jen also has a solid music career. His hit albums are as diverse as his films, mixing ballads and light pop. One of the things that endears Jen to his fans is his heavily accented Cantonese, making his songs humourous yet at the same time down to earth. “in one of my new Cantonese songs, composer Chet Lam wanted me to sing in my non-traditional Cantonese to keep the mood of the song relaxed.” Jen spent over two years working on his recent album and contributed wholeheartedly, especially in the lyrics department. “i love romantic movies, such as An Autumn’s Tale, Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail, which gave me inspiration when i wrote lyrics for some of my songs,” he says.

Those who know Jen consider him a nice guy. in his 20 years in the business, he has rarely been linked to female starlets in the gossip pages. Married to his sweetheart of over 20 years, Jen has a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. Recently, he took his family – including his father – to Disneyland to celebrate his son’s birthday. “i love family life, but i don’t consider myself a family man because i’m still quite spontaneous,” he explains. “But i’m definitely not a workaholic who never sees his family.”

Born in Taiwan, Jen has been living in Hong Kong in recent years. But even now he admits to having trouble adjusting to the city’s hectic lifestyle. “Hong Kong people move at a faster pace than those in Taiwan. To be honest i’m still more accustomed to Taiwan’s style, but Hong Kong is my home now and i enjoy it here. Hong Kong reminds me of new York… it’s this melting pot of culture.”

Having just released his new album, Jen will start shooting another film in June. But when the topic of things he wants to achieve this year comes up, it’s not work that’s in the forefront of his mind. “i plan on riding my cross country motorcycle this summer along the silk Road,” he says. “But i need sponsors so i can have a back-up crew following me. i wouldn’t want to be stranded in the desert if my bike breaks down.”

Jen has always been a fan of adventurous hobbies. “i want to ride along the silk road because it’s a combination of East and West asian cultures,” he says. “i’ll be able to see people from all walks of life. i want to be aware of the environment, the culture, and who needs help, etc. i want to do something to raise awareness to care for the planet.”

Richie’s profile

Chinese Name: 任賢齊
English Name: Richie Jen
Ancestry: Hubei Wuchang
Birthday: June 23
Height: 177 cm
Weight: 70 kg
Education: Chinese Culture University, Physical Education
Favourite Sports: Motorcycling, diving, golf
Favourite Colour: Blue and black