"Shout, shout, let it all out," sings Fann Wong as glittering creations from Buccellati are carefully put on her. The ’80s anthem by Tears for Fears is playing through the studio’s speakers while the large crew (at one point, there are over 20 of us) scurry around, prepping for the shoot. Yet the actress is the very picture of calm amidst the chaos, belting out the words with perfect pitch and diction. Her decades of experience on set shows even before the camera’s first click. But, then again, this is Fann Wong we are talking about. Nothing less is expected.

For over three decades, Fann has been a luminous presence in Singapore’s showbiz industry. From her early days as a model to acting in local and international productions, she has transitioned gracefully through every phase of her life. Reflecting on her storied acting career, Fann recalls the shifts that have occurred in the entertainment industry. From the defunct outdoor filming studio, Tuas TV World, to the now-demolished Tang Dynasty City, to Caldecott Broadcast Centre, so much of the environment that shaped the early years of her career has changed.

Yet Fann is optimistic that the best is yet to be. “The beauty of being an actress is that it’s a continuous journey,” says the 53-year-old, who took a long break from acting after giving birth to her son, Zed, in 2014. “It’s fulfilling as it allows me to create and expand my artistic lifespan.” The rise of streaming platforms and changing audience expectations in the modern media landscape can be tricky to navigate, even for a seasoned pro like her, but she relishes the challenge. “It’s an avenue to stay fresh. Like building a sandcastle, you pile it slowly into a tower, but if you stop, the sand will slide. I love this job because it allows me to keep ‘building’ and evolving even as I grow older,” she says.

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SCREEN QUEEN

After a decade of scaling back on her acting commitments and taking on smaller roles so that she can focus on domestic life, Fann is ready to return to an industry that has been her first love. For her, this time away is a vital reset, setting the stage for what comes next. “My son is older now, so I can return to a job I love and gradually increase my workload,” she says.

Her upcoming drama, Breeze by the Sea, is her first overseas production since Dive in 2019. Directed by Taiwanese singer-actor, Peter Ho, the 18-episode Chinese drama, slated for release in end 2024, offered the opportunity to reunite with Ho, her co-star in Hong Kong films The Truth About Jane and Sam (1999) and When I Fall in Love... with Both (2000). “It has been a while since Peter and I worked together. Now that he is a director, and an award-winning one, it would be fun for me to see what it is like working with him on the other side of the camera,” she enthuses. In Breeze by the Sea, Fann plays the talent manager of a celebrity, portrayed by Taiwanese actor Chen Bolin, who gets into trouble and is exiled to a remote island. “After reading the script, I said okay, thinking I could bring my husband and son along for a holiday, since filming was to happen somewhere in Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands,” she jokes. “But I soon realised that all my parts were to be filmed in Taipei.”

When it comes to choosing acting projects, she confesses that she’s more interested in stories that resonate with her present stage in life. After stepping away from the limelight, she found beauty in the mundane, be it taking her son to school or shopping at the local market. That period has also nourished her creatively. She explains: “As I enter a new stage, I find myself resisting the roles I’ve played in my youth, as my mentality has evolved. I want to explore new roles that suit my age. Touching stories can be found at any age group—it’s just a matter of opportunity.”

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FAMILIAL BOND

Of all her roles, she cherishes being a mother most. Raising Zed has had a profound impact on her life, shaping the way she approaches work and motherhood. “Being a mum has brought so much joy into my life. My son is emotionally delicate like me, and both he and his father are Leos, so they share that strong bond,” she says.

Married for 15 years to fellow actor Christopher Lee, 53, they are often billed as power couple in showbiz, a label which Fann downplays. “I never felt we fit that description,” she says, smiling. They spend long periods apart, because he is mainly based in Taiwan for work. She recounts how challenging it was when Christopher was away filming for nine months during the pandemic. Yet paradoxically, the distance has strengthened their relationship. “Absence truly makes the heart grow fonder,” she says.

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THE SWEET LIFE

During her self-enforced break from acting, she explored other creative ventures, most notably her online pastry store, Fanntasy Bakes. Her culinary skills had been evident since young. Fann had expected to excel at sewing at school as her father was a tailor, but instead, she aced the baking and cooking subjects.

Like many, she became an avid baker during the pandemic. What began as a way to pass time during lockdown turned into a new chapter in her life. “It all started because I had a sudden craving for muah chee and decided to make it myself. It was a success,” she recalls with a smile. She moved on to desserts, and there was no stopping her. Baking is deeply personal—the Valrhona Chocolate Tart was created for her husband who loves chocolate; and the Memories Tart filled with red bean puree, cendol jelly, almond bits, and diced attap seeds is inspired by her favourite childhood dessert of ice kacang. “I treat my baking like my acting—it’s a creative process, and there is a story behind each creation.” We were lucky enough to have a taste of her Flourless Dark Chocolate Bliss cake, which she brought to the studio.

This passion project led Fann back to the small screen in Channel 8’s baking competition show, Crème De La Crème. “I was initially nervous stepping into the role of a host and judge, especially with my amateur baking knowledge. But it became a learning journey, and by the second season, I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly,” she shares. “The contestants raised the bar—not just in their baking skills, but in their ability to handle stress. It’s been inspiring to see how a competition tests not just talent, but endurance and character.”

SHE IS FASHION

Throughout her career, Fann has always made news for her red carpet style. Since her modelling days, the fashion merchandising alumni has always had a keen eye for trends and textiles. As she grew older, so did her approach to fashion.

She explains: “In the earlier days, I was open to experimenting with different looks and styles. Whether it was for acting or a fashion shoot, when a look made me totally unrecognisable, it excited me in a fun and novel way. As I’ve matured, I’ve developed a clearer sense of what suits me best. Nowadays, comfort and texture are paramount. I aim for a clean and classic style that meshes with my personality and lifestyle.” White tees, jeans, and shirts are her staples. “Shirts are so versatile. Putting one on instantly transforms me. When I feel low, I dress up,” she says.

When it comes to accessories, Fann loves a classic timepiece and gold or rose gold jewellery adorned with diamonds. “My favourite are earrings because they bring a glow to your face and brighten your complexion. They are so versatile in transforming your look from elegant to casual.”

The porcelain-skinned star stresses the importance of nourishing externally and internally (with health supplements). “I’m can’t live without all my favourite little bottles and jars,” confesses the beauty junkie who swears by a good make-up remover, sunscreen and facial oils. “Overusing make-up can damage your skin, especially when you’re young. Facial oils are key to protecting your skin barrier but a little goes a long way,” she advises.

SIMPLY DIVINE

As the first Singaporean actress to break into Hollywood, Fann was featured in the recently ended “Goddess” exhibition at the ArtScience Museum, a showcase of women in film, alongside other notable names like Michelle Yeoh and Gong Li. Incidentally, the black-and-white Twiggy-inspired photo displayed at the exhibition was shot by our photographer Wee Khim in 2005—talk about going full circle.

The exhibition resonated with her as it celebrated women’s strength and the evolution of their roles. “Women nowadays juggle so many things—we have to work and also take care of the family—so we need lots of encouragement. The exhibition sent a message of inspiration and motivation to all the superwomen out there,” she says.

“I never imagined I would be called a goddess,” she marvels. So who would she consider a goddess? “Anyone and everyone can be one. She can be sexy, she can have lots of wisdom and intelligence, she can be someone we pass by on the streets. She need not be famous or glamorous. To me, as long as a woman radiates love, she is a goddess.”

As she pours her love into her drama, baking, live streams on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu, and most importantly, her family, Fann embraces every moment with passion and unwavering dedication. She no longer chases after fame and accolades, but cherishes the richness of a life lived fully. She says, “I’m passionate about my work, my life, and giving my best to those who love me. That’s enough for me.” 

Photographer WEE KHIM
Fashion Director JEFFREY YAN
Make-up Artist AGNES NG
Hairstylist RYAN YAP/Passion Hair Salon
Photographer’s Assistant IVAN TEO
Stylist’s Assistant VALECIA LEE
Additional Reporting ANNITA HO