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Rayson Tan
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Rayson Tan Tai Ming (born 12 January 1965) is a Singaporean actor.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Before joining MediaCorp, Tan worked as a flight attendant with Singapore Airlines.[1] In 1990, he emerged as the 2nd Runner-Up in Singapore's Star Search Singapore talent competition. He has worked on many different roles and hosted many TV programmes, including the role of Singaporean war hero Lim Bo Seng in the 1997 WWII drama series The Price of Peace[2] and the host for PSC Night in 2006.
In 1997, Tan was first nominated for the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes in the annual Star Awards and won it. He was also been nominated multiple times in the annual Star Awards, particularly for the "Best Supporting Actor" award category. He also appeared in the long-form drama, Life Less Ordinary.[3]
On 10 October 2024, Tan announced his end of contract with Mediacorp and would be a freelance actor.[4]
Personal life
[edit]Tan married fellow MediaCorp actress Chen Liping in 1998. They have a son named Xavier, who was born in 2002.[5] In 2008, Tan and his wife embraced Christianity.[6]
Slim 10 saga
[edit]In 2003, Tan was sued by fellow actor Andrea De Cruz in the Slim 10 pills saga. De Cruz began her court battle against the importers and distributors of diet pills that she says nearly caused her to die of liver failure. De Cruz was seeking damages for injuries she alleged were caused by the drug and to cover the cost of her liver transplant surgery and treatment against the pill's against Health Biz, the importer and distributor of Slim 10 diet pills and also Tan, who sold the pills to her. Tan was later cleared while the distributors were forced to compensate her. He was acquitted of the charges in the lawsuit.[7]
Filmography
[edit]Television series
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Behind Bars (铁狱雷霆) | Zhenfei’s colleague | Cameo | |
| Golden Shenton Way (金色珊顿道) | Fang Shunhua | [4] | ||
| The Woman I Marry (家有恶妻) | Raymond Wang Zhilong | |||
| Home Sweet Home (宜家宜乐) | ||||
| 1992 | Ladies In Action (霹雳红唇) | Shuai Jiamming | ||
| My Buddies (浪漫战场) | Tan Qiang | |||
| Mystery II (迷离夜II之不死咒) | Wang Liyang | |||
| Mystery II (迷离夜II之魔鬼魔鬼我爱你) | Jiang Hua | |||
| 1993 | Angel of Vengeance (暴雨狂花) | Prosecutor | Cameo | |
| Reaching For The Stars (银海惊涛) | Qiu Wenlong | |||
| The Invincible Warriors (皇朝铁将金粉情) | Duo Ling Ying Ming | |||
| Ouyang Ming | ||||
| Web of Deceit (鹤啸九天) | Mu Rong Tian Feng | |||
| 1994 | The Valiant On (昆仑奴) | Shi Chaoyi | ||
| Truly Yours (聪明糊涂心) | Hu Shaofeng | |||
| 1995 | Heavenly Ghostcatcher (天师钟馗之杨贵妃) | Tang Xuanzong | ||
| Heavenly Ghostcatcher (天师钟馗之江山美人) | Emperor Zheng De | |||
| King Of Hades (阎罗传奇) | King Of Hades | |||
| Tales Of The Third Kind (第三类剧场) | He Zicong | |||
| 1996 | Ah Xue (阿雪) | Li Weiguang | ||
| A Different Life (妈姐情缘) | Zhou Qi'an | |||
| River Of Love (风雨柴船头) | Jiang Zhonghan | |||
| 1997 | Courting Trouble (婚姻法庭) | Ye Jie | ||
| Crimes And Tribulations (狮城奇案录之第一个上绞台的女人) | Yuan Tianhong | |||
| The Price Of Peace | Lim Bo Seng | [8] | ||
| Roses, Complete With Thorns (单身女郎) | Huang Wenli | |||
| 1998 | Men At The Crossroad (四个好涩的男人) | Zhong Yongyi | ||
| Dreams (七个梦之不道德的梦) | Fang Lixing | |||
| My Teacher, Aiyoyo! (哎哟哟奇妙假期) | Huang Chaoren | |||
| Act 235 (刑事235) | Ni Jun | |||
| Riding The Storm (陌生人) | Wa Nahan | |||
| 1999 | From The Medical Files 2 (医生档案II之边缘回望) | Deng Dasi | ||
| Lost Souls (另类佳人) | Li Chaoran | |||
| A-gui | ||||
| Hero of the Times | Zhu Lingce | |||
| 2000 | The Tax File (流金岁月) | Gao Tianlang | ||
| The Legendary Swordsman | Liu Zhengfeng | |||
| 2001 | Master Swordsman Lu Xiaofeng 2 | Hua Manlou | ||
| Three Women And A Half | Ken Lim | |||
| Don't Worry, Be Happy VI (敢敢做个开心人VI) | Zou Runfa | Guest appearance | ||
| The Hotel | Chen Yiming | Guest appearance | ||
| 2002 | Katong Miss Oh (加东Miss Oh) | Pity Bug | ||
| No Problem (考试家族) | Bao Jinlu | |||
| 2003 | Love Is Beautiful (美丽家庭) | Huang Leguan | ||
| Romance De Amour | Wu Qipeng | |||
| 2004 | Double Happiness | Huang Yaozu | ||
| Double Happiness II (喜临门II) | ||||
| Timeless Gift (遗情未了) | Zhong Ziliang | |||
| 2005 | Beyond The Axis of Truth II (法医X挡案II之致命吸引力) | Simon Li Zijian | ||
| 2006 | The Undisclosed | CK Chong | ||
| A Million Treasures | Hong Dehua | |||
| 2007 | Happily Ever After | Dong Huagong | Cameo | |
| The Homecoming | Chen Hanyuan | |||
| 2008 | Just in Singapore | Jian Hui | ||
| Love Blossoms | Kang Qingxiong | |||
| Love Blossoms II | ||||
| 2009 | Housewives' Holiday | Bryan He | ||
| 2010 | Unriddle | Andrew Kwan | ||
| The Family Court | Shen Yi'an | |||
| 2011 | C.L.I.F. | Yu Zhongnan | ||
| On the Fringe 2011 | Yao Guohua | |||
| A Song to Remember | Black Snake | |||
| 2012 | Double Bonus | Liu Daqi | ||
| Joys of Life | Yamaguchi | |||
| It Takes Two | Zhang Yang | |||
| Beyond | Chen Dayu | Cameo | ||
| 2013 | I'm In Charge | Director Yang | ||
| The Recruit Diaries (阿兵新传) | Old Ah Ber | Cameo | ||
| 2014 | Entangled (日落洞) | Luo Dongfa | ||
| In The Name of Love | Lu Zhiguang | |||
| Mystic Whispers (听) | Luo Yongzhong | |||
| 2015 | Good Luck | Fang Youda | ||
| Second Chance (流氓律师) | Peter Qiu | |||
| Tiger Mum | Ivan Eng | |||
| Super Senior | Chen Guotai | |||
| The Dream Makers II | Richard Ma | |||
| 2016 | Life - Fear Not | Zhuang Daoqiang | ||
| 2017 | Home Truly | Peng Dayu | ||
| Dream Coder | Li Junheng | |||
| Legal Eagles | Gu Tianlin | |||
| Eat Already? 3 | Towkay Wang | |||
| Life Less Ordinary | Wu Dazhi | |||
| 2018 | Reach For The Skies | Tang Weiye | ||
| A Million Dollar Dream | Zhou Yuzhe | |||
| VIC | Ai Momo | Cameo | ||
| Say Cheese | Zhong Kelin | |||
| 29th February (229 明天见) | Xie Guangming | |||
| Heart To Heart (心点心) | Liang Gui | |||
| 2019 | Its Time (阴错阳差 — 时辰到) | Patrick | ||
| All Is Well - Singapore (你那边怎样,我这边OK) | Peter | |||
| C.L.I.F. 5 | Wang Shitong | |||
| 2020 | Happy Prince (快乐王子) | Zhang Haoxiang | ||
| Super Dad (男神不败) | Xu Yinghao | |||
| 2021 | My Star Bride | Zhang Daqian | ||
| The Take Down (肃战肃绝) | Zhang Yi | |||
| Leave No Soul Behind (21点灵) | Serial Number 379 | |||
| 2022 | My Star Bride - Hi, Mai Phương Thảo | Zhang Daqian | ||
| The Unbreakable Bond (寄生) | Frankie | |||
| Healing Heroes (医生不是神) | Lim Fuquan | |||
| Dark Angel (黑天使) | Lin Kaisen | |||
| Soul Doctor (灵医) | Serial Number 379 | |||
| 2023 | Mr Zhou's Ghost Stories@Job Haunting II | Fortune-teller An | ||
| Shero | Mr Yue Feihong | [9] | ||
| The Sky is Still Blue | ||||
| Till the End | Xie Weiye | [4] | ||
| 2025 | Emerald Hill - The Little Nyonya Story (小娘惹之翡翠山) | Zhang Qiye | Cameo |
Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | The Ultimate Winner | Zheng Youyi | |
| 2022 | Deleted | Officer Su |
Awards and nominations
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Rayson Tan Celeb Bios on MediaCorp TV". MediaCorp TV. Archived from the original on 19 March 2012. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ Koh, Jiamun (10 October 2024). "Rayson Tan Leaves Mediacorp After 34 Years To Be A Freelance Actor". 8days. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- ^ "《小人物向前冲》演大男人,逼走陈凤玲 徐鸣杰:这部戏教我谈恋爱". 早报. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 30 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
- ^ a b c Koh, Jiamun (10 October 2024). "Rayson Tan Leaves Mediacorp After 34 Years To Be A Freelance Actor". 8days. Retrieved 16 January 2025.
- ^ "Chen Liping's wedding gown 'phobia' returns to haunt her in new TV show". The New Paper. 14 October 2015. Archived from the original on 31 March 2023. Retrieved 3 May 2018.
- ^ "面对人生的起起落落 陈泰铭:活着的意义,到底是什么?". Thirst. Archived from the original on 7 February 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
- ^ "Slim 10 Saga". National Library Board. 29 June 2011. Archived from the original on 14 September 2011. Retrieved 22 February 2012.
- ^ "Stars Of The Price Of Peace Look Back At James Lye's Iconic Shirtless Scene & Are As Impressed As Ever". 8days. Archived from the original on 31 October 2023. Retrieved 31 October 2023.
- ^ "笑谈21年婚姻 陈丽贞当年因摔伤才结婚 | 早报". www.zaobao.com.sg (in Simplified Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2023.
- ^ "Star Awards 2012 nominees are out!". Star Gazing. Archived from the original on 5 February 2012. Retrieved 31 October 2025.
- ^ Fam, Jonathan (23 January 2017). "Star Awards 2017 Nominations Revealed!". 8days. Retrieved 24 July 2025.
- ^ "Star Awards Top 40 Most Popular Artistes revealed; Brandon Wong gets first nomination". sg.style.yahoo.com. 11 March 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
External links
[edit]- Rayson Tan at IMDb
- Profile on xin.msn.com
Rayson Tan
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Birth and family
Rayson Tan was born on January 12, 1965, in Singapore.[6] As a member of the Singaporean Chinese community, Tan grew up in a modest family environment with limited public details available about his parents and siblings. He was the youngest of three children, and his parents were illiterate, reflecting the socioeconomic conditions common among many working-class families in post-independence Singapore.[6] During the 1960s and 1970s, Tan's childhood unfolded in a rental flat at Jalan Tenteram, a typical public housing area at the time, where the family shared limited space without dedicated rooms and relied on communal facilities. This upbringing was shaped by the broader cultural influences of Singapore's multicultural society, including exposure to Chinese-language media and community activities that fostered a sense of resilience and neighborhood camaraderie among Chinese families.[6]Pre-entertainment career
Prior to entering the entertainment industry, Rayson Tan worked as a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines.[3][1] This role, typical for many young Singaporeans seeking stable employment with the national carrier, involved serving passengers on international flights and navigating the demands of a fast-paced aviation environment. Around 1990, Tan transitioned from aviation to pursue acting aspirations, marking a pivotal shift in his professional path.Acting career
Debut and Star Search
Rayson Tan entered the Singapore entertainment industry in 1990 by participating in the inaugural Star Search Singapore talent competition organized by the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC).[7] At the age of 25, he competed against other aspiring performers and secured the second runner-up position, finishing behind winner Chew Chor Meng and first runner-up Margaret Lee.[8] This achievement marked a pivotal breakthrough, highlighting his potential as an actor and public performer.[9] Immediately following the competition, Tan signed a contract with SBC, which later evolved into TCS and then Mediacorp, launching his professional career in the local television scene.[7] Prior to this, he had worked as a flight attendant for Singapore Airlines, a role that offered early exposure to public interaction and served as a stepping stone to on-camera performance.[3] In the early 1990s, Tan focused on building his experience through minor acting roles in television dramas and hosting gigs on various programs, gradually establishing himself within Mediacorp's ecosystem.[10] These initial opportunities allowed him to hone his skills in front of the camera and adapt to the demands of scripted content and live presentations.Mediacorp tenure
Rayson Tan joined Mediacorp in 1990 as a full-time contract actor following his second runner-up placement in the Star Search talent competition.[7] His tenure spanned 34 years, during which he remained employed under the broadcaster—initially as Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), then Television Corporation of Singapore (TCS), and finally Mediacorp—until his contract ended on October 10, 2024.[2][9] Throughout his career, Tan progressed from supporting roles in early dramas to prominent lead and character parts that showcased his versatility. His debut came in the 1991 series Golden Shenton Way, where he played a minor role, marking the beginning of his steady rise within Mediacorp's production slate.[7] By the mid-1990s, he had transitioned to more substantial characters, including an upright police inspector in Ladies in Action (1992) and a suave swordsman in the period drama Web of Deceit (1994).[5] This evolution continued into family-oriented narratives, such as the faithful husband in Courting Trouble (1997) and the eldest son in Portrait of Home (2005), reflecting his growing prominence in ensemble casts.[5] A pivotal milestone occurred in 1997 when Tan portrayed the real-life World War II hero Lim Bo Seng in the historical drama The Price of Peace, a role that established his credibility in serious dramatic performances and remains one of his most recognized contributions to Mediacorp's output.[11] This portrayal, depicting Lim's resistance efforts during the Japanese occupation of Singapore, highlighted Tan's ability to embody complex historical figures and earned him acclaim for bringing depth to the character's patriotism and sacrifice.[7] Over the subsequent decades, Tan's work extended into contemporary series, with his final Mediacorp project being the 2023 drama Till the End.[9] Tan's roles across Mediacorp's local TV dramas evolved to mirror diverse aspects of Singaporean society, from wartime heroism and familial bonds to modern professional challenges, contributing to the broadcaster's tradition of storytelling rooted in national experiences.[5] His portrayals often emphasized themes of resilience and community, as seen in later works like the police procedural C.L.I.F. (2011 onward), where he took on authoritative figures navigating urban life.[4] This progression underscored his adaptability, allowing him to anchor narratives that resonated with evolving societal dynamics in Singapore.[5]Transition to freelance
After 34 years as a contracted artist with Mediacorp, Rayson Tan's employment contract concluded on October 10, 2024, marking the end of his long-standing tenure with the broadcaster.[10] In an announcement shared on social media that day, Tan expressed his decision to transition to freelance acting, stating, "I now wish to pursue a lifestyle and work environment that better align with my current mindset."[10] This move, at the age of 59, reflected his desire to step out of his comfort zone and gain greater autonomy over his professional path.[10] Turning 60 in 2025, Tan elaborated in interviews that year on his motivations, emphasizing a renewed sense of control and proactivity in his career amid Singapore's SG60 celebrations. He described the milestone age as "a new start," noting, "my career is in my hands, and I feel more in charge of the future," which allowed him to network independently and promote his work more actively rather than relying on a fixed agency structure.[1] This shift aligned with broader reflections on personal renewal during SG60, where Tan highlighted Singapore's progress and themes of unity as inspiration for his own evolution.[1] In the early stages of freelancing, Tan explored opportunities beyond Mediacorp's ecosystem, including co-founding Reborn Glam with his wife, actress Chen Liping, in March 2025. The initiative focuses on producing local digital content and supporting events to inspire mental, physical, and social renewal, with Tan committing to staying "sharp in the professional, physical and mental spaces."[1] He expressed optimism about collaborating with diverse production teams to create impactful work, signaling a broader scope for projects in the evolving Singapore entertainment landscape.[10]Personal life
Marriage and family
Rayson Tan married fellow actress Chen Liping in 1998 after meeting on the set of the Mediacorp drama Golden Shenton Way.[7] The couple opted for a low-key wedding, keeping the news private initially to maintain focus on their careers.[12] Their son, Zavier, was born in 2002. The family has largely kept a low profile, with Zavier pursuing undergraduate studies overseas and preferring not to publicize his parents' celebrity status.[1] Public mentions of their family life often highlight the challenges of balancing parenthood with demanding acting schedules, such as coordinating family time around filming commitments. Tan and Chen have demonstrated mutual support throughout their careers, collaborating professionally in several Mediacorp TV dramas, including a 120-episode series in 2015.[13] In recent years, they co-founded the production company Reborn Glam in March 2025 to manage their freelance work and create local digital content, allowing greater flexibility to align professional goals with family priorities.[1] This partnership underscores their shared commitment to sustaining both their marriage and industry presence.[14]Religious conversion
In June 2008, Rayson Tan attended a "Miracle Service" at a church in Woodlands, Singapore, alongside his wife, who had invited him out of curiosity about Christianity. Prompted by years of personal challenges, including a life marked by superstitions, constant fear, and a search for deeper purpose, Tan challenged God to reveal Himself during the service, after which he experienced an unprecedented sense of peace and accepted Jesus Christ as his savior.[15] Following his conversion, Tan became actively involved in church activities at Lighthouse Evangelism, where he was baptized later that year. His faith journey led him to publicly share his testimony on multiple platforms, including during the Celebration of Hope events in 2019, emphasizing how Christianity freed him from long-held superstitions, vulgar language, and gambling habits that had plagued him for over three decades. Tan has described this transformation as delivering him from a cycle of fear, stating, "Since 2008 till now—not even a single vulgarity word."[15][16] The adoption of Christianity profoundly influenced Tan's family life, with his son accepting Christ on the day of Tan's baptism in October 2008, followed by his 80-year-old mother and 90-year-old mother-in-law. His stable marriage to actress Chen Liping provided a supportive foundation during this period of spiritual change. Professionally, Tan's faith brought a renewed sense of purpose and joy, helping him navigate career ups and downs with greater resilience and a focus on using his platform as an actor to evangelize and inspire others post-2008.[15]Slim 10 saga
In 2002, Rayson Tan became embroiled in a major public health controversy as the director of TV Media Pte Ltd, the primary distributor of Slim 10, a weight-loss supplement marketed as 100% herbal but later found to contain undeclared substances like sibutramine, leading to numerous consumer complaints of severe side effects including liver damage.[17] Tan personally supplied the pills to fellow actress Andrea De Cruz, who developed acute liver failure after consumption and required an emergency liver transplant in April 2002.[18] De Cruz filed a civil lawsuit in June 2003 against Tan, along with importer Health Biz Pte Ltd, its CEO Semon Liu, and TV Media, alleging negligence, breach of contract, and misleading advertising that contributed to her injuries.[19] The High Court dismissed all claims against Tan in October 2003, ruling that he had no duty of care beyond supplying the product as a colleague and ordering De Cruz to pay approximately S$187,000 of his legal costs in May 2004.[20] In contrast, TV Media and Health Biz were held liable, with De Cruz initially awarded S$1.83 million in damages in October 2003, reduced to approximately S$1.63 million following an appeal by the companies in 2004; these financial settlements covered her medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.[17] The Slim 10 saga, which also involved the death of consumer Selvarani Raja in January 2002—ruled by the coroner to be caused by the pills—exposed critical lapses in product safety verification and underscored the legal and ethical responsibilities of endorsers and distributors to ensure claims are substantiated, prompting stricter regulations by Singapore's Health Sciences Authority on health supplements and celebrity endorsements thereafter.[17]Filmography
Television series
Rayson Tan has appeared in numerous television series produced by Mediacorp, spanning historical dramas, crime thrillers, and family sagas, with roles ranging from war heroes to complex antagonists. His television work from 1997 onward includes the following credits, listed chronologically.| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | The Price of Peace | Lim Bo Seng[11] |
| 2000 | The Legendary Swordsman | Liu Zhengfeng[21] |
| 2010 | Unriddle | Andrew Kwan[22] |
| 2011 | C.L.I.F. | SSI Yu Chong Nam |
| 2013 | Entangled | Luo Dongfa[1] |
| 2021 | My Star Bride | Zhang Daqian[23] |
| 2024 | If Tomorrow Comes | Not specified[23] |
| 2025 | Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story | Zhang Qi Ye[24] |
Films
Rayson Tan has made notable contributions to Singaporean and regional cinema through supporting roles in a handful of feature films, often portraying characters that blend dramatic depth with cultural or historical elements. His film work, though limited compared to his extensive television career, highlights his versatility in genres ranging from horror to action-comedy and social drama. The following table lists his feature film credits chronologically:| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | The Eye 2 | Gynaecologist | Minor role in this Hong Kong-Singaporean supernatural horror film directed by the Pang brothers, where he appears as a medical professional aiding the protagonist. |
| 2011 | Petaling Street Warriors | Sun Yat-sen | Portrayed the historical revolutionary leader Sun Yat-sen (also known as Sun Zhongshan) in this Malaysian-Singaporean action-comedy set in 1908 Petaling Street, involving gang rivalries and martial arts.[27] |
| 2011 | The Ultimate Winner | Zheng Youyi | Played a key supporting character in this Singaporean drama exploring themes of gambling addiction and family struggles, contributing to the film's emotional narrative arcs.[28] |
