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Will Or
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Will Or Wai-lam (Chinese: 柯煒林, born 22 January 1992) is a Hong Kong actor best known for his role in the drama film Drifting (2021), for which he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in the 58th Golden Horse Awards and both Best Supporting Actor and Best New Performer in the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards.
Key Information
Biography
[edit]Or was born in 1992 in Hong Kong.[1] He attended and studied creative media at City University of Hong Kong, but quit before obtaining a degree to pursue an acting career in 2018.[2]
Or featured in several short films during his university years, including the award-winning Why Don't We Share Our Solitude (Chinese:如霧起時).[3][4] In 2015, Or wrote and directed To Absent Friends (Chinese:從缺), a short film enlisted in the Fresh Wave Festival,[2] and made his film debut in the 2016 drama film Weeds on Fire.[1][5] He then appeared in several films with minor roles, before starring in ViuTV drama series Till Death Do Us Part as Yan-kei and Leap Day as Jonathan, which the latter role had earned him widespread acclaim.[6][7]
In 2021, Or was cast to star alongside Francis Ng in the drama film Drifting, which he received a Golden Horse Awards nomination for Best Supporting Actor and Hong Kong Film Awards nominations for both Best Supporting Actor and Best New Performer.[1][8]
Or landed his first major television role as Oscar in ViuTV drama series Beyond the Common Ground in 2023, starring alongside Chiu Sin Hang, Ivy So, and Vincent Kok.[9][10]
Personal life
[edit]Or announced in July 2025 that he had stage 4 adenocarcinoma of the lung.[11]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Weeds on Fire | Bullshit (牛屎) | [1] |
| 2018 | No.1 Chung Ying Street | Hoi (阿凱) | [12] |
| 2020 | Apart | Wa Kwok Yin (華國賢) | [13] |
| 2021 | Drifting | Muk (木仔) | [1] |
| Anita | Remus Choy | [12] | |
| The First Girl I Loved | Sylvia's boyfriend | [12] | |
| 2022 | Sing 2 | Darius | Cantonese voice dub[14] |
| Far Far Away | Tai-tung (大同) | [15] | |
| 2023 | One More Chance | Lee Yeung (李陽) | [16] |
| The Goldfinger | Ng Chi Fai (吳志輝) | [17] |
Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3X1 | Jack | 1 episode[12] |
| 2018 | VR Exorcist | Aidan | 2 episodes[18] |
| Guardian Angel | Jeff | 1 episode[19] | |
| 2019 | Till Death Do Us Part | Yan-kei (昕頎) | Recurring role[20] |
| 2020 | Leap Day | Jonathan | Recurring role[7] |
| 2023 | Beyond the Common Ground | Oscar | Main role[9] |
| Food Buddies | Benjamin Yuen | Main role[21] | |
| Sparks | Lam Bak Wai (林百威) | Recurring role[22] | |
| 2024 | Expats | Tony | Guest role[23] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 58th Golden Horse Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Drifting | Nominated | [24] |
| 2021 Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award | Best Actor | Nominated | [25] | ||
| 2021 | 40th Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Nominated | [26] | |
| Best New Performer | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e 芭姐 (22 November 2021). "新生代演員柯煒林為夢想退學走演員路!憑《濁水漂流》入行 5 年終獲肯定入圍第 58 屆金馬獎最佳男配角!". Harper's Bazaar (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ a b 莫哲暐 (24 October 2021). "三十而立:爬上瀡滑梯,好好演落去——專訪演員柯煒林". Ming Pao (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Wong, Nana (7 January 2022). "專訪 Will Or 柯煒林|憑《濁水漂流》入圍金馬獎最佳男配角:此刻我想回歸生活,但依然會抓住對演戲的飢渴感". Ming Pao (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Wong, Helly (28 June 2022). "專訪柯煒林Will Or:「我想要重拾當年拍《如霧起時》全身雞皮疙瘩的觸電感。」". Elle (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 29 November 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Hung, Cyris (22 September 2022). "【32周年專訪】柯煒林Will:幕前幕後周身刀的大男孩". Marie Claire (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Chan, Caylen (31 July 2019). "電影新生代黃溢濠、柯煒林,友誼比成就重要". Harper's Bazaar (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 3 December 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ a b 李婉文 (9 March 2020). "【二月廿九.劇透】徐天佑終向吳海昕表白 閨密Fiona是生是死?". HK01 (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 5 August 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Lee, Edmund (6 October 2021). "Golden Horse Awards 2021 nominations: Hong Kong film Drifting leads all contenders, and city's 2019 protests feature in two documentaries". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 4 October 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ a b "和解在後|蘇雅琳首拍劇做女主角 Ivy So自爆演談情戲勁尷尬". am730 (in Chinese). 31 March 2023. Archived from the original on 8 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ "和解在後劇情|結局周 Ivy So 放棄做調解員! 李麗珍廖子妤爆谷德昭心結". Weekend Weekly (in Chinese). 8 April 2023. Archived from the original on 9 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ Lo, Hoi-ying (30 July 2025). "Hong Kong actor Will Or diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, drops out of play". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
- ^ a b c d "柯煒林獲金馬獎男配角提名吐氣揚眉!新生代演員Will Or的率性時尚穿搭". Elle (in Chinese). 8 December 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ 王誦賢 (15 April 2018). "【金像獎2018】「星勢力」紅地氈撐場 馬逢國望設計師揚威海外". HK01 (in Chinese). Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "【星夢動物園2】與「大叔」黃德斌合作梁詠琪再坐鎮 陳葦璇+柯煒林+葉巧琳齊獻聲". TOPick (in Chinese). 20 September 2021. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ 許育民 (18 October 2022). "《緣路山旮旯》原班人馬來年拍新作 導演黃浩然︰開續集要加人工". HK01 (in Chinese). Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ Lee, Edmund (28 June 2023). "One More Chance movie review: Chow Yun-fat is no God of Gamblers in old-fashioned human drama that may or may not be inspired by Bruce Lee's teaching". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 11 November 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
- ^ Hsu, Daniel (22 March 2022). "改編自香港真實大型貪污、詐騙案新片《金手指》!梁朝偉、劉德華、莊文強繼《無間道》相隔 18 年後再度攜手合作". GQ (in Chinese). Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ Wong, Paco (14 July 2018). "光影新勢力". East Week (in Chinese). Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "《守護神之保險調查》劇透:馬浩田欲殺小杜". Oriental Daily News (in Chinese). 6 January 2019. Archived from the original on 5 May 2023. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "陳錦鴻鄧萃雯新劇出軌陷5角戀情 《婚內情》金句呼應安心偷食". TOPick (in Chinese). 23 April 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2023.
- ^ "Food Buddies|談善言破格扮慾女 柯煒林咬青瓜演床上戲". am730 (in Chinese). 3 October 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
- ^ "冰上火花|林百威率球隊贏波 流鼻血倒在冰場失知覺 柯煒林得兩集戲?". Ming Pao (in Chinese). 1 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2023.
- ^ Armitstead, Claire (17 January 2024). "'I just tell stories that make me feel more human': Lulu Wang on directing Nicole Kidman's new TV series". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
- ^ "第40屆香港電影金像獎提名及得獎名單". Golden Horse Awards (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 3 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ "2021年度香港電影評論學會大獎得獎名單公佈". Hong Kong Film Critics Society Award (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 17 January 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
- ^ "【金馬獎2021】第58屆金馬獎完整得獎名單不斷更新". Elle (in Chinese). 27 November 2021. Archived from the original on 21 October 2022. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
Will Or
View on GrokipediaPersonal life
Early life and education
Will Or was born on January 22, 1992, in Hong Kong, with the Chinese name 柯煒林 (Kē Wěi-lín). Raised in the city, he developed an early connection to its vibrant cultural scene, though details about his family background remain limited.[8] Or pursued higher education at City University of Hong Kong, where he majored in Creative Media.[9] This program provided him with foundational training in filmmaking, visual arts, and media production, aligning with his emerging interests in creative storytelling. During his university years, Or participated in multiple editions of the Fresh Wave International Short Film Festival, taking on roles as both an actor and director.[9] These experiences marked his initial exposure to the Hong Kong film industry, offering hands-on opportunities to collaborate with emerging talents and showcase short works. Or left university to transition into a professional acting career.[10]Health challenges
In July 2025, at the age of 33, Hong Kong actor Will Or announced his diagnosis of stage 4 lung adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer, following a persistent cough that began in late May and led to diagnostic tests including a CT scan.[11][12] The revelation, shared via Instagram on July 30, came as a profound shock to Or and his supporters, given the disease's rarity in young, otherwise healthy individuals without established risk factors like smoking.[13] The diagnosis prompted Or to withdraw from his debut stage production, Let Me Entertain You, a 50-performance run scheduled from August 8 to October 4, 2025, at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, after medical advice deemed it necessary amid ongoing targeted therapy.[12] This decision marked a significant interruption to his burgeoning theater ambitions, forcing a temporary suspension of all professional commitments until his condition stabilizes.[11] Or has been managing the condition through targeted therapy, which he described as a "best-case scenario" allowing him to continue some professional activities without aggressive treatments.[6] In public statements, Or conveyed raw frustration and emotional turmoil, admitting, "It would be a lie to say I’m not [emotional] and don’t want to curse the heavens and the entire world," while drawing strength from family support, expressing fierce determination to battle the illness, and sharing a philosophy of acceptance: "accepting I may lose makes me fearless," despite the emotional toll of constant vigilance.[12][13][6]Career
Early career
After leaving his studies in creative media at City University of Hong Kong without obtaining a degree, Will Or entered Hong Kong's film industry around 2016 to pursue acting full-time. This decision marked a significant shift from academia to professional performance, driven by his earlier involvement in short films during university, such as his debut in As the Fog Rises. As a newcomer with a background in creative media rather than formal acting training, Or navigated the competitive landscape of Hong Kong cinema, where opportunities for young talents were limited by established networks and a shrinking local production scene.[8] Or's screen debut came in the sports drama Weeds on Fire (2016), directed by Chan Chi-fat, where he portrayed Tung, a supporting member of the underdog Shatin Martins youth baseball team inspired by real events from 1980s Hong Kong. The film, which highlighted themes of perseverance amid adversity, provided Or with his first substantial exposure in a feature-length production backed by the First Feature Film Initiative. Following this, he took on minor supporting roles in independent films, including Kai in the political drama No. 1 Chung Ying Street (2018), directed by Derek Chiu, which drew parallels between the 1967 Hong Kong riots and contemporary protests through a black-and-white narrative. In 2020, Or appeared as Yin in the drama Apart, further building his resume with roles that emphasized character-driven stories in low-budget local productions.[14][15][16] In parallel with his film work, Or made guest appearances in early Hong Kong television dramas, often in minor or supporting capacities that allowed him to hone his skills across genres. Notable among these were his role as Jack in the ViuTV anthology series 3 X 1 (2016), a 56-episode production exploring diverse life stories, and Jeff in the action thriller Guardian Angel (2018), a 36-episode series involving protection and intrigue. Additional brief parts included episodes of Elite Brigade IV (2018) and VR Exorcist (2018), where he appeared in segments blending police procedural with supernatural elements. These television gigs, typically on platforms like ViuTV, offered steady but modest work for emerging actors like Or, contrasting the irregularity of film opportunities.[16] The challenges of breaking into the industry as a newcomer were particularly acute for Or, given Hong Kong's film sector's reliance on personal connections and the economic pressures post-2010s decline in local box office attendance. Transitioning from creative media studies to on-screen roles required self-funding auditions and stage productions while facing rejection in a market dominated by mainland Chinese co-productions. Despite these hurdles, Or's persistence in minor roles across film and TV before 2021 positioned him for greater recognition in subsequent projects.[8][17]Breakthrough with Drifting
Will Or's breakthrough came with his portrayal of Muk, an enigmatic mute homeless youth, in the 2021 Hong Kong social drama Drifting, directed by Jun Li.[18][19] The film draws from true events, specifically a 2012 court case in which 19 homeless individuals in Hong Kong's impoverished Sham Shui Po district sued the government for an apology after being displaced by a clearance operation, receiving only meager compensation.[18] Set against the backdrop of Sham Shui Po's street sleepers facing gentrification, police removals, and societal neglect, Drifting explores themes of community and survival among the homeless, with Muk forming a poignant father-son-like bond with the lead character Ho Kei Fai.[18][20] Or's performance as Muk garnered critical acclaim for its nuanced emotional depth conveyed entirely through non-verbal means, relying on physical charisma and subtle expressions to evoke the character's vulnerability and resilience.[20][19] Critics highlighted how Or, an emerging talent, impressed in this challenging role, bringing authenticity to Muk's silent presence amid the film's depiction of hardship, including heroin use and fleeting moments of camaraderie.[18] As part of the ensemble cast, Or complemented veterans like Francis Ng as Fai and Tse Kwan-ho as Master, enhancing the group's dynamic portrayal of a tight-knit drifter community.[19][20] The role marked a pivotal elevation in Or's career, transitioning him from lesser-known supporting parts to a recognized figure in Hong Kong cinema, evidenced by nominations for Best Supporting Actor at the 58th Golden Horse Awards and both Best New Actor and Best Supporting Actor at the 40th Hong Kong Film Awards.[1]Subsequent works
Following his breakthrough performance in Drifting, which influenced his subsequent role selections toward characters exploring social and personal struggles, Will Or diversified into supporting and leading parts across genres like legal drama, romance, historical fiction, comedy, and supernatural television.[1] In 2021, Or appeared as Choi Yat-Kit, a member of the band Grasshopper, in the biopic Anita, which chronicled the life of Cantopop icon Anita Mui. Later that year, he took on a guest role as a prisoner in the Hong Kong legal thriller The Attorney, directed by Wong Kwok-Fai, where he contributed to the film's depiction of corruption and injustice in a high-stakes courtroom narrative.[21][22] His television presence grew in 2023 with a main role as Oscar in the ViuTV drama series Beyond the Common Ground, a 15-episode exploration of urban youth and relationships, marking his first major TV lead. That year, he also made guest appearances in episodes 2 and 18 of a 29-episode Hong Kong TV series, showcasing his versatility in ensemble casts.[16] Or's film work in 2023–2024 shifted toward intimate, character-driven stories, including a supporting role as Ng Chi-fai in the crime drama The Goldfinger (2023), a supporting role as Wyman Chan in the Taiwanese drama The Chronicles of Libidoists (2024), directed by Yang Ya-che, which allegorically examines desire, identity, and human connection through intertwined lives. He earned acclaim for his leading performance in the historical drama A Foggy Tale (2025), directed by Chen Yu-hsun and set during Taiwan's White Terror era, where he portrayed a complex figure in a tale of friendship, loss, and resistance; the film led nominations with 11 nods at the 62nd Golden Horse Awards, including Best Leading Actor for Or.[23] In 2025, Or starred in the esports comedy Good Game, directed by Dickson Leung, playing a key member of an underdog gaming team navigating family, friendship, and competition in Hong Kong's digital scene, blending humor with themes of generational bonds.[24] He also appeared in 14 episodes of the supernatural TV series Oh No, I Gotta Ghost Bust!, a 20-episode Hong Kong drama about a fallen feng shui master battling spirits, further demonstrating his range in comedic and fantastical elements.[25] However, Or's stage 4 lung cancer diagnosis, which he publicly disclosed in July 2025, led him to drop out of his debut stage production Let Me Entertain You, scheduled at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts from August to October 2025, pausing some upcoming commitments amid ongoing treatment.[12]Filmography
Films
Will Or's film credits, encompassing feature films and select short films where he is credited as an actor, are presented below in chronological order. Release years are based on initial theatrical or festival releases, with roles and brief descriptors drawn from production credits.| Year | Title | Role | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Weeds on Fire | Tung (supporting baseball player) | Charlie Yu |
| 2018 | No. 1 Chung Ying Street | Kai (supporting triad member) | Derek Chiu |
| 2020 | Apart | Yin (lead role) | Unknown |
| 2021 | The Attorney | Prisoner (minor role) | Mau Kong-Kwok |
| 2021 | Drifting | Muk (supporting drifter) | Jun Li |
| 2021 | The First Girl I Loved | Sylvia's boyfriend (supporting role) | Carol Lai |
| 2021 | Far Far Away | Wong Dai Tung (supporting role) | Soi Cheang |
| 2021 | Anita | Remus Choy, Grasshopper band member (supporting musician) | Lok Man Leung |
| 2022 | 3:01 AM (short film) | Lead role (unnamed protagonist) | Unknown |
| 2023 | One More Chance | Lei Yeung / Li Yang (son of Lei Jik, supporting family member) | Anthony Pun |
| 2023 | Tales from the Occult: Ultimate Malevolence | Supporting role (anthology segment) | Chi-Leung Law, Chi-kin Yau |
| 2023 | The Goldfinger | Supporting role (business associate) | Felix Chong |
| 2024 | The Chronicles of Libidoists | Wyman Chan (lead role) | Lai Miu-Kei |
| 2025 | A Foggy Tale | Zhao Gongdao, rickshaw driver (lead role) | Tam Wai-ching |
| 2025 | Good Game | Solo (lead esports player) | Dickson Leung |
Television
Will Or's television career has been limited compared to his film work, featuring primarily supporting and guest roles in Hong Kong dramas and variety programs, with no major leading roles in extended series.[16] His appearances span from 2016 to 2025, mostly on ViuTV, focusing on episodic contributions rather than ongoing commitments.[16] The following table lists his television credits in chronological order:| Year | Series | Role | Episodes/Details | Network | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 3 X 1 | Jack | Support role | ViuTV | Drama series (56 episodes total) |
| 2018 | Guardian Angel | Jeff | Unknown role details | ViuTV | Drama series (36 episodes total) |
| 2018 | Elite Brigade IV | Unspecified | Supporting role | ViuTV | Drama series (10 episodes total) |
| 2018 | VR Exorcist | Unspecified | Episodes 15-16 | ViuTV | Drama series (20 episodes total) |
| 2019 | Till Death Do Us Part | Unspecified | Unknown role details | ViuTV | Drama series (30 episodes total) |
| 2020 | Talker: Chit Chat Drink | Guest | Episode 92 | ViuTV | Variety (137 episodes total) |
| 2020 | Leap Day | Jonathan | Unknown role details | ViuTV | Drama series (10 episodes total) |
| 2023 | The Popcorn Show Season 2 | Guest | Episodes 2 and 18 | ViuTV | Variety TV show (29 episodes total) |
| 2023 | Sparks | Lam Bak Wai (Pak Wai) | Main role | ViuTV | Drama series (20 episodes total) |
| 2023 | Food Buddies | Benjamin Yuen ("BJ") | Main role | ViuTV | Drama series (15 episodes total) |
| 2023 | Beyond the Common Ground | Oscar | Main role | ViuTV | Drama series (15 episodes total) |
| 2023–2024 | Expats | Tony Ng | 2 episodes | Prime Video | Miniseries |
| 2025 | City of Light | Unspecified | Supporting role | ViuTV | Drama series (10 episodes total) |
| 2025 | Oh No, I Gotta Ghost Bust! | Unspecified | Supporting role | ViuTV | Drama series (20 episodes total) |
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Golden Horse Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Drifting | Nominated[38] |
| 2022 | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best New Performer | Drifting | Nominated[1] |
| 2022 | Hong Kong Film Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Drifting | Nominated[1] |
| 2025 | Golden Horse Awards | Best Leading Actor | A Foggy Tale | Nominated[39] |