Wong He (born 27 July 1967), sometimes credited as Wong Hei, is a
Hong Kong
Hong Kong ( (US) or (UK); , ), officially the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China ( abbr. Hong Kong SAR or HKSAR), is a city and special administrative region of China on the eastern Pearl River Delt ...
actor, singer, and presenter. He is best known for his
firefighter
A firefighter is a first responder and rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property, and the environment as well as to rescue people and in some cases or jurisdictions also ...
roles in
TVB
Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) is a television broadcasting company based in Hong Kong SAR. The Company operates five free-to-air terrestrial television channels in Hong Kong, with TVB Jade as its main Cantonese language service, and TVB ...
's ''
Burning Flame
''Burning Flame'' () is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. It is the first installment in the ''Burning Flame'' series. The series was specifically filmed to celebrate TVB's 31st Anni ...
'' trilogy. As a former police officer, Wong has acted primarily in
law enforcement
Law enforcement is the activity of some members of government who act in an organized manner to enforce the law by discovering, deterring, rehabilitating, or punishing people who violate the rules and norms governing that society. The term en ...
roles during his career at
TVB
Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) is a television broadcasting company based in Hong Kong SAR. The Company operates five free-to-air terrestrial television channels in Hong Kong, with TVB Jade as its main Cantonese language service, and TVB ...
, which gave rise to rumours that his stage name is based on the
Cantonese
Cantonese ( zh, t=廣東話, s=广东话, first=t, cy=Gwóngdūng wá) is a language within the Chinese (Sinitic) branch of the Sino-Tibetan languages originating from the city of Guangzhou (historically known as Canton) and its surrounding are ...
term "皇氣" (lit. "royal air"), a slang term for the
Royal Hong Kong Police
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) is the primary law enforcement, investigative agency, and largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. The Royal Hong Kong Police Force (RHKPF) reverted to its former name after the t ...
. Wong is a practising
Buddhist
Buddhism ( , ), also known as Buddha Dharma and Dharmavinaya (), is an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha. It originated in northern India as a -movement in the 5th century BCE, and ...
, having converted in 2000.
Early life and police career
Born in Hong Kong as Kwong Ngai-yee (鄺毅怡), Wong He grew up in
Lam Tin
Lam Tin is an area in the Kwun Tong District in southeastern New Kowloon, Hong Kong. Lam Tin is primarily a residential area but also hosts a major transport interchange and several shopping attractions. Lam Tin was once a large field in th ...
where he attended SKH Kei Hau Secondary School. He has an elder sister and a younger brother. He served in the
Royal Hong Kong Police
The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) is the primary law enforcement, investigative agency, and largest disciplined service under the Security Bureau of Hong Kong. The Royal Hong Kong Police Force (RHKPF) reverted to its former name after the t ...
as an airport officer and a
Police Tactical Unit
A police tactical unit (PTU) is a specialized police unit trained to handle situations that are beyond the capabilities of ordinary law enforcement units because of the level of violence (or risk of violence) involved. A police tactical unit's tas ...
member before entering the entertainment industry.
On 24 July 1989, in a case of attempted murder on police officers, Wong charged into a burning building on
Nathan Road
Nathan Road is the main thoroughfare in Kowloon, Hong Kong, aligned south–north from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sham Shui Po. It is lined with shops and restaurants and throngs with visitors, and was known in the post–World War II years as the Golden ...
and saved three of his colleagues from the fire. This incident was remembered as one of the top ten heroic acts within the Hong Kong Police Force in 2010.
Entertainment career
Wong began his entertainment career in 1992 as a radio host for
Commercial Radio Hong Kong
Commercial Radio Hong Kong (CRHK, , aka Hong Kong Commercial Broadcasting Company Limited is one of the two commercial radio broadcasting companies in Hong Kong along with Metro Radio Hong Kong. CRHK provides an array of entertainment, includ ...
and later as a host for
ATV. It was during his radio days that he picked the
stage name
A stage name is a pseudonym used by performers and entertainers—such as actors, comedians, singers, and musicians. Such professional aliases are adopted for a wide variety of reasons and they may be similar, or nearly identical, to an individu ...
"Wong He" for himself, named after a waiter in the novel ''
To Live''.
In 1996, Wong joined
TVB
Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) is a television broadcasting company based in Hong Kong SAR. The Company operates five free-to-air terrestrial television channels in Hong Kong, with TVB Jade as its main Cantonese language service, and TVB ...
and starred his first TV series ''
Nothing to Declare''. He became popularly known for his role as Yau Chi Dak ("OK Dak") in the successful TVB drama, ''
Food of Love''. In 1997, Wong received his first nomination for
Best Actor at the
TVB Anniversary Awards
The TVB Anniversary Awards (), officially known as the TVB Awards Presentation, is an annual awards ceremony honoring TVB's programming achievements in Hong Kong television; despite claims that it is the region's equivalent to the American Emm ...
for his performance in ''
Deadly Protection''. Later that year, Wong starred in TVB comedy ''
A Tough Side of a Lady''.
In 1998, Wong scored his breakthrough role when he played a
firefighter
A firefighter is a first responder and rescuer extensively trained in firefighting, primarily to extinguish hazardous fires that threaten life, property, and the environment as well as to rescue people and in some cases or jurisdictions also ...
in the classic hit TVB series ''
Burning Flame
''Burning Flame'' () is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. It is the first installment in the ''Burning Flame'' series. The series was specifically filmed to celebrate TVB's 31st Anni ...
''. He was nominated as one of the top five finalists for
Best Actor at the 1999
TVB Anniversary Awards
The TVB Anniversary Awards (), officially known as the TVB Awards Presentation, is an annual awards ceremony honoring TVB's programming achievements in Hong Kong television; despite claims that it is the region's equivalent to the American Emm ...
. ''
Burning Flame
''Burning Flame'' () is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. It is the first installment in the ''Burning Flame'' series. The series was specifically filmed to celebrate TVB's 31st Anni ...
'' made Wong a household name and led to the reprisal of his firefighter role in the 2002 sequel ''
Burning Flame II
''Burning Flame II'' (Traditional Chinese: 烈火雄心II) is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. Wong Hei continues to be the leading star in this series along with other new cast member ...
''. Wong won My Favourite Television Character Award for his role as Kei Tak Tin in ''
Burning Flame II
''Burning Flame II'' (Traditional Chinese: 烈火雄心II) is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. Wong Hei continues to be the leading star in this series along with other new cast member ...
'' at the 2002
TVB Anniversary Awards
The TVB Anniversary Awards (), officially known as the TVB Awards Presentation, is an annual awards ceremony honoring TVB's programming achievements in Hong Kong television; despite claims that it is the region's equivalent to the American Emm ...
.
In 2000, Wong launched an "au naturel" pictorial book, "Access Wong He," the proceeds of which were all donated to the relief fund for
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
's
1999 Jiji earthquake
The Chi-Chi earthquake (later also known as the Jiji earthquake) (), also known as the great earthquake of September 21 (), was a 7.3 ML or 7.7 Mw earthquake which occurred in Jiji (Chi-Chi), Nantou County, Taiwan on Tuesday, 21 Se ...
. Wong has also made a number of film appearances in Hong Kong. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the fifth
Golden Bauhinia Awards
Golden Bauhinia Awards () is a Hong Kong film award organised by the Hong Kong Film Critics Association. Its first award presentation ceremony took place in 1996.
The award attracted controversy in 2007, when ten nominations were given to Pang ...
for ''
The Boss Up There
''The'' () is a grammatical Article (grammar), article in English language, English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite ...
''. In addition, he has starred in several TV series in Singapore,
Taiwan
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), is a country in East Asia, at the junction of the East and South China Seas in the northwestern Pacific Ocean, with the People's Republic of China (PRC) to the northwest, Japan to the nort ...
, and
Mainland China
"Mainland China" is a geopolitical term defined as the territory governed by the People's Republic of China (including islands like Hainan or Chongming), excluding dependent territories of the PRC, and other territories within Greater China. ...
.
As a popular TVB actor, Wong signed a recording contract with
Avex Trax. In 2001, Wong released his debut EP, ''Xi Xin Chang Ge'' (喜新唱歌), featuring "Love is the Sea," the ending theme song from ''
A Matter of Customs''. With the success of his debut EP, Wong released his debut album ''I Believe...Wong He'' in February 2002. In September of the same year, Wong released another album ''Call Me in the Morning''. In addition, he sang the theme songs for several of his TV series, ''
Doomed to Oblivion'', ''
Net Deception
''Net Deception'' (Traditional Chinese: 追魂交易) is a Hong Kong television crime drama serial released overseas in January 2004 and broadcast on Hong Kong's Jade network from 17 May to 9 June 2006.
Synopsis
:The winner of the game almost lo ...
'', ''
Shades of Truth
''Shades of Truth'' (Traditional Chinese: 水滸無間道; literally ''Water Margin's Unceasing Path'') is a 25-episode television comedy-drama from Hong Kong. Produced by Siu Hin-fai, the drama is a TVB production. The story is a parody on the ...
'', and ''
Twilight Investigation
''Twilight Investigation'' () is a 2010 TVB modern drama series.
Synopsis
Former police officer Yip Kwok Cheung (Bill Chan) has set up a private detective agency. Members of the team have their own strengths. Gei On Gui ( Wong Hei) (known best as ...
''.
In 2004, Wong played a computer hacker in TVB's ''
Net Deception
''Net Deception'' (Traditional Chinese: 追魂交易) is a Hong Kong television crime drama serial released overseas in January 2004 and broadcast on Hong Kong's Jade network from 17 May to 9 June 2006.
Synopsis
:The winner of the game almost lo ...
'', which was released overseas in 2004 and in Hong Kong in 2006. He won the My Favourite Shot Award for his role in ''
Net Deception
''Net Deception'' (Traditional Chinese: 追魂交易) is a Hong Kong television crime drama serial released overseas in January 2004 and broadcast on Hong Kong's Jade network from 17 May to 9 June 2006.
Synopsis
:The winner of the game almost lo ...
'' at the 2005 Astro Wah Lai Toi Drama Awards in
Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
. Later in the same year, Wong starred opposite
Chilam Cheung in ''
Shades of Truth
''Shades of Truth'' (Traditional Chinese: 水滸無間道; literally ''Water Margin's Unceasing Path'') is a 25-episode television comedy-drama from Hong Kong. Produced by Siu Hin-fai, the drama is a TVB production. The story is a parody on the ...
''.
Wong had lead roles in TVB series ''
C.I.B. Files
''C.I.B. Files'' or Criminal Investigation Bureau Files (Traditional Chinese: 刑事情報科) is a TVB modern drama series broadcast in August 2006
File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in ...
'' (2006) and ''
Fathers and Sons'' (2007). In 2008, he appeared in ''
The Gem of Life
''The Gem of Life'' (Traditional Chinese: 珠光寶氣) is a TVB grand production drama, that broadcast between October 2008 and February 2009. The series was specifically filmed to celebrate TVB's 41st Anniversary. Filming took place in many ...
''.
In 2009, Wong reprised his role as a firefighter in ''
Burning Flame III
''Burning Flame III'' (Chinese Traditional: 烈火雄心3) is a TVB production.
It is an independent installment to 1998's '' Burning Flame'' and 2002's '' Burning Flame II''.
Pre-release
Development
Burning Flame III will have a new storylin ...
''. In 2010, Wong paired up with
Linda Chung
Linda Chung Ka-yan (; born on 9 April 1984) is a Chinese-Canadian actress, singer and songwriter. She signed a long-term contract with TVB in 2004 after winning the Miss Chinese International. Chung was always Non-official Best Actress during ...
in mystery comedy ''
Twilight Investigation
''Twilight Investigation'' () is a 2010 TVB modern drama series.
Synopsis
Former police officer Yip Kwok Cheung (Bill Chan) has set up a private detective agency. Members of the team have their own strengths. Gei On Gui ( Wong Hei) (known best as ...
'' and received praises for their performances.
In early 2016, Wong's face was blurred out in a state-run mainland television program (the
CCTV
Closed-circuit television (CCTV), also known as video surveillance, is the use of video cameras to transmit a signal to a specific place, on a limited set of monitors. It differs from broadcast television in that the signal is not openly t ...
adaptation of Korea's ''
Infinite Challenge
''Infinite Challenge'' (; abbreviated as ''Mudo'') is a South Korean television entertainment program, distributed and syndicated by MBC, that ran from 2005 to 2018.
As of January 2013, it had the largest market share for its timeslot; with ...
'') following revelations that he had used social media to call attention to a new book that suggested former mainland leader
Zhou Enlai
Zhou Enlai (; 5 March 1898 – 8 January 1976) was a Chinese statesman and military officer who served as the first Premier of the People's Republic of China, premier of the People's Republic of China from 1 October 1949 until his death on 8 J ...
might have been homosexual. According to ''
Apple Daily
''Apple Daily'' ( zh, link=no, 蘋果日報) was a popular tabloid published in Hong Kong from 1995 to 2021. Founded by Jimmy Lai, it was one of the best-selling Chinese language newspapers in Hong Kong. '', Wong had previously generated controversy about the extent he identified with China by addressing Beijing airport security personnel as "you Chinese" during a visit to the mainland in 2015.
CCTV whacks Wong He for Facebook comment repeating report Zhou Enlai was gay
''Apple Daily
''Apple Daily'' ( zh, link=no, 蘋果日報) was a popular tabloid published in Hong Kong from 1995 to 2021. Founded by Jimmy Lai, it was one of the best-selling Chinese language newspapers in Hong Kong. '' 12 January 2016
Filmography
Television
Film
Discography
Albums
* 2001 ''Xi Xin Chang Ge'' (喜新唱歌) (EP)
* 2002 ''I Believe...Wong Hei''
* 2002 ''Call Me in the Morning''
Television theme songs
* 2000 '"Love is the Sea" (戀愛是個海) '' A Matter of Customs'' ending theme song
* 2002 "Hardly Confused" (難得糊塗) ''Doomed to Oblivion'' opening theme song
* 2002 "Scanty with Words" (沉默寡言) ''Doomed to Oblivion'' ending theme song
* 2004 "Gray Terror" (灰色恐怖) ''Net Deception
''Net Deception'' (Traditional Chinese: 追魂交易) is a Hong Kong television crime drama serial released overseas in January 2004 and broadcast on Hong Kong's Jade network from 17 May to 9 June 2006.
Synopsis
:The winner of the game almost lo ...
'' opening theme song
* 2004 "Worth" (價值) ''Net Deception
''Net Deception'' (Traditional Chinese: 追魂交易) is a Hong Kong television crime drama serial released overseas in January 2004 and broadcast on Hong Kong's Jade network from 17 May to 9 June 2006.
Synopsis
:The winner of the game almost lo ...
'' ending theme song
* 2004 "No Half Space" (沒有半分空間) ''Shades of Truth
''Shades of Truth'' (Traditional Chinese: 水滸無間道; literally ''Water Margin's Unceasing Path'') is a 25-episode television comedy-drama from Hong Kong. Produced by Siu Hin-fai, the drama is a TVB production. The story is a parody on the ...
'' theme song
* 2010 "Mind Eater" (食腦) ''Twilight Investigation
''Twilight Investigation'' () is a 2010 TVB modern drama series.
Synopsis
Former police officer Yip Kwok Cheung (Bill Chan) has set up a private detective agency. Members of the team have their own strengths. Gei On Gui ( Wong Hei) (known best as ...
'' theme song
Awards and nominations
*1997: Next TV Awards- Most Promising New Actor
*1997: Next TV Awards- Top 10 Artists (Ranked #9)
*1997: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated Best Performance by an Actor in a Drama for ''Deadly Protection''
*1998: Next TV Awards- Top 10 Artists (Ranked #10)
*1999: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Leading Actor of the Year for ''Burning Flame
''Burning Flame'' () is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. It is the first installment in the ''Burning Flame'' series. The series was specifically filmed to celebrate TVB's 31st Anni ...
''
*1999: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite On-Screen Partners (Dramas) for ''Burning Flame
''Burning Flame'' () is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. It is the first installment in the ''Burning Flame'' series. The series was specifically filmed to celebrate TVB's 31st Anni ...
''
*2000: Golden Bauhinia Awards
Golden Bauhinia Awards () is a Hong Kong film award organised by the Hong Kong Film Critics Association. Its first award presentation ceremony took place in 1996.
The award attracted controversy in 2007, when ten nominations were given to Pang ...
- Nominated Best Supporting Actor for ''The Boss Up There''
*2000: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Leading Actor of the Year for '' A Matter of Customs''
*2000: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Television Character for '' A Matter of Customs''
*2000: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite On-Screen Partners (Dramas) for '' A Matter of Customs''
*2001: Next TV Awards- Top 10 Artists (Ranked #8)
*2002: TVB Anniversary Awards- My Favourite Television Character for ''Burning Flame II
''Burning Flame II'' (Traditional Chinese: 烈火雄心II) is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. Wong Hei continues to be the leading star in this series along with other new cast member ...
''
*2002: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Leading Actor of the Year for ''Burning Flame II
''Burning Flame II'' (Traditional Chinese: 烈火雄心II) is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. Wong Hei continues to be the leading star in this series along with other new cast member ...
''
*2002: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite On-Screen Partners (Dramas) for ''Burning Flame II
''Burning Flame II'' (Traditional Chinese: 烈火雄心II) is a TVB modern action drama that focuses on the duties and challenges of Hong Kong firefighters. Wong Hei continues to be the leading star in this series along with other new cast member ...
''
*2003: Hong Kong 3 Weekly Magazine Popularity Awards- Popular Male Artist Award
*2005: Malaysia
Malaysia ( ; ) is a country in Southeast Asia. The federation, federal constitutional monarchy consists of States and federal territories of Malaysia, thirteen states and three federal territories, separated by the South China Sea into two r ...
Astro Wah Lai Toi Drama Awards- My Favourite Shot for ''Net Deception
''Net Deception'' (Traditional Chinese: 追魂交易) is a Hong Kong television crime drama serial released overseas in January 2004 and broadcast on Hong Kong's Jade network from 17 May to 9 June 2006.
Synopsis
:The winner of the game almost lo ...
''
*2005: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best or The Best may refer to:
People
* Best (surname), people with the surname Best
* Best (footballer, born 1968), retired Portuguese footballer
Companies and organizations
* Best & Co., an 1879–1971 clothing chain
* Best Lock Corporatio ...
for ''Shades of Truth
''Shades of Truth'' (Traditional Chinese: 水滸無間道; literally ''Water Margin's Unceasing Path'') is a 25-episode television comedy-drama from Hong Kong. Produced by Siu Hin-fai, the drama is a TVB production. The story is a parody on the ...
''
*2006: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated Best Actor for ''C.I.B. Files
''C.I.B. Files'' or Criminal Investigation Bureau Files (Traditional Chinese: 刑事情報科) is a TVB modern drama series broadcast in August 2006
File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in ...
''
*2006: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Male Character for ''C.I.B. Files
''C.I.B. Files'' or Criminal Investigation Bureau Files (Traditional Chinese: 刑事情報科) is a TVB modern drama series broadcast in August 2006
File:2006 Events Collage V1.png, From top left, clockwise: The 2006 Winter Olympics open in ...
''
*2007: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated Best Actor for '' Fathers and Sons''
*2007: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Male Character for '' Fathers and Sons''
*2009: Hong Kong Next Magazine Awards- Top 10 Healthy Artists
*2009: Singapore i-Weekly Magazine Awards- Top 10 Most Loved Hong Kong Actors (Ranked #8)
*2009: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated Best Actor for ''Burning Flame III
''Burning Flame III'' (Chinese Traditional: 烈火雄心3) is a TVB production.
It is an independent installment to 1998's '' Burning Flame'' and 2002's '' Burning Flame II''.
Pre-release
Development
Burning Flame III will have a new storylin ...
''
*2009: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated My Favourite Male Character for ''Burning Flame III
''Burning Flame III'' (Chinese Traditional: 烈火雄心3) is a TVB production.
It is an independent installment to 1998's '' Burning Flame'' and 2002's '' Burning Flame II''.
Pre-release
Development
Burning Flame III will have a new storylin ...
''
*2009: TVB Anniversary Awards- Nominated TVB.com Popular Artist
References
External links
*
*
Wong Hei
at LoveHKFilm
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wong, He
1967 births
TVB veteran actors
Living people
Hong Kong male television actors
Hong Kong male film actors
Hong Kong male singers
Hong Kong Police Force
Hong Kong police officers
Hong Kong Buddhists
20th-century Hong Kong male actors
21st-century Hong Kong male actors