The path to success is often laid with trials and tribulations, and Raynold Tan has faced more than his fair share. Growing up as an only child of a divorced mother, his childhood memories are less about carefree laughter and more about debt collectors at the door, piling lawyer’s letters, and the constant shuffle from one rental home to another.
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In spite of it all, Raynold stayed focused and worked his way towards a Psychology degree at the National University of Singapore. It was there—at the height of the pandemic—that he joined a new wave of creators on TikTok, posting funny skits, cheeky videos, and lifestyle content that quickly gained traction. Four years on, that momentum has translated into a steadily growing acting career, with roles in Channel 8 drama Unforgivable (不可饶 恕的罪恶) and Filipino series My Crazy Yandao. He is best known for his turn as Eli in the Boys’ Love series The Day I Loved You, and has just wrapped its second season. He is now working on an English drama for Mediacorp.
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ON ACTING
“I never planned to become an actor. I was still in university when I got scouted. So I tried it, and somewhere along the way, I fell in love with it. At the start, my motivation was more about getting to work alongside people I admired, seeing what really goes on behind the scenes, and being part of an industry I never imagined myself in. What drives me now is a sense of responsibility—to myself and to the audience. I want to give performances I can be proud of. I don’t just want to be an actor; I want to be a great one, someone viewers can relate to.”
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ON STYLE
“My relationship with fashion has gone from fear to enjoyment. I used to play it safe because I was afraid of not pulling off a look well. Being in this industry has pushed me to experiment. I wear the basics but add a sharp denim piece, a flowing jacket, or accessories that feel like me—much like Jackson Wang and his ability to keep things simple yet iconic. I like blending Prada’s clean minimalism with Balenciaga’s experimental silhouettes, and usually anchor it with a standout piece.”
STYLED BY NAVIN PILLAY.
PHOTOGRAPHED BY GAN.
Make-Up Artist RINA SIM using Bobbi Brown
Hairstylist SHA SHAMSI using KMS Hair
Stylist’s Assistant YASMINE LOH