So, it is no understatement to write that Miss Amy Pak Yin is a veteran actress.

Usually, filmgoers focus only on the main characters in movies. Veteran actors in character roles seldom capture their attention. Nowadays, Miss Pak no longer plays leading roles, but she does not feel bad. She has a positive attitude.

“This is a natural change in life,” said she. “It would be very odd for me to wear a red miniskirt and act as a young lady now. I should act as different types of characters at different stages in my life. In this way, I can still contribute to the film industry.

“I don’t want to sit at home wandering around, nor do I like shopping or playing mahjong all the time. Acting is my only hobby and skill.”

Being famous for so many years, Miss Pak nevertheless has not acquired a supercilious attitude about her career.

“I don’t see any big difference between acting and other careers,” she said modestly.

With over 30 years of acting experience, Miss Pak has tried characters of different ages and personalities, ranging from a young lady to a mother, from the kind-hearted to the cunning. She cannot think of any particular character that turned out to be a breakthrough in her career.

Miss Pak has seen many changes over the years. As an example, she cites the broadcasting technology of the past, which was totally unlike today’s advanced equipment.

She also said that there has been a major change in actors’ attitudes. Actors in the past were more polite and humble. Nowadays, actors all too quickly get wrapped up in their own pride once they have become popular.

Witnessing the many ups and downs of fellow actors, Miss Pak has come to believe that being a star is a difficult task.

“Many people have the misconception that this career is a stepping-stone to becoming famous and rich. They simply overlook the hard work and effort that goes on behind the glittering pictures of actors,” she explained.

“Indeed, some popular movie stars face enormous pressure in maintaining their positions,” she added. She still spends a lot of time watching movies to improve her acting skills. She gets much inspiration from movies.

During normal working days, Miss Pak sleeps only four to five hours on average. To maintain a balance between work and leisure, Miss Pak takes a holiday to rejuvenate herself every summer. She also sings Cantonese opera every Tuesday and Thursday nights.

Looking back, Miss Pak sees herself as a lucky person. As a well-known actress, she loses only some degree of privacy and freedom. The greatest gain is probably a warm family and good friends.

“I don’t have a plan for the future. I’m already very satisfied with my present life,” she said.

On the other hand, if forced to choose between a colourful life and an ordinary one, she said that she definitely would prefer the latter.

January 1996