Zoey Tay Hated Acting And Had Zero Self Confidence When She First Started Her Career!

By christinelai on 23 Aug 2018

Who knew that the reigning queen of Caldecott would have had self esteem issues and problems when she first begun her career? Looking at her now, one could hardly tell how much she struggled when she first begun! Perhaps she is living proof that anyone can succeed as long as they persevere!

Photo from The Asian Parent

When Zoe kick first won Star Search in 1988 win, little did she know what she was in for.

Growing up, she had no self-confidence and joining the competition was a way for her to challenge herself to be more confident in front of the screen. She never imagined she would become the most popular actress in Caldecott. In fact...she hated acting!

Photo from Pin Prestige

She recalled her older brother looking at the papers and asking her if she was really the one in the news.

"I really wanted to find a hole to hide myself in. My classmates called me and asked the same question."

She was embarrassed by this sudden attention upon herself and wanted to shrink away due to her esteem issues.

Photo from Young Parents

"When I signed the contract, I felt like I was in trouble because I had to start acting. I started to worry and regret – and I couldn’t not sign the contract, because to me, the prize was not only very generous, but also my father’s wish that I wanted to fulfill. "

Zoe Tay as a cute little girl!

She soon realised that showbiz was much harder then she thought. She hated the long hours and it took a toll on her. She wanted to quit after her first few months.

"When I first started filming, I felt like it was really tough".

She decided that acting wasn't for her and she wanted to opt for a job behind the scenes. She begged for a change in department.

However, they refused to grant her a change of department and rejected her request.

"I didn’t like acting, and yet I still had to do it. I was wasting others' time, along with my youth. Honestly, when I was filming My Fair Ladies, I didn’t like acting."

Photo from Rice Media

How ironic then, that she turned out to be on of the best actresses ever of our time!

In her first three years in showbiz, she suffered quite a great deal.

She was not mentally prepared for what she had gotten herself into. She was constantly scolded and even blacklisted while she was filming a drama. They refused to continue filming with her and sent her home! Seems pretty hard to believe considering how cool and confident our 'Ah Jie' is today- a picture of poise and elegance.

She finally had a mini breakthrough when she realised she had much to be thankful for and she continued to stick through it and bulldoze her way through the hurdles.

"There was also a period of time where I felt like I was stuck – my roles were pretty similar, and so I talked to the company and they sent me for a summer camp. It was there where I realised that I should be thankful for every single opportunity that I am given."

This strong lady is a certainly a great role model for us all as she regards all "obstacles" as learning experiences and over the years, she has learnt how to stay afloat and become a stronger person.

Photo from Icon Singapore

Along the way, she learnt quite a bit of wisdom and survival tips from various people.

"My image was created by David, and I remember something that he told me. ‘You’re a celebrity. Regardless of whether it’s a big or small event, you have to look like one when you’re there. As a public figure, you can’t be sloppy. If you do, that’s how people will treat you."

Photo from Razor TV

"What I also learned is how to express yourself at an appropriate time without hurting others."

Her big breakthrough came during the drama Pretty Faces.

Photo from Video Toggle

The show might have launched her into the spotlight and made her popular, but there was a downside to it.

"Because I managed to successfully convince the audience with my character)\ Bobo, they also had the impression was Zoe Tay was Bobo. They felt like I was as materialistic as my character."

This led to many rumours and gossips about her as people formed pre-conceived notions about her.

Photo from Video Toggle

Being inexperienced, she was unable to handle such criticism and backlash and thus became affected by these rumours, causing her much grief. She was almost close to letting go and giving up after that, but somehow found the determination to ignore naysayers and continue doing what she did best-act.

She admits that though it was a tough journey, it was all eventually worth the pain as it shaped her character and sealed her status as the number one 'Ah Jie' and the undisputed queen of Caldecott.

Photo from Harpers Bazaar