Jason was born and raised in England, his family owns a Chinese restaurant and has two brothers -- one older and one younger. His elder brother is a dentist, while his younger brother is an optometrist. Jason is a graduate at the University of London School of Oriental and Africian Studies (SOAS). His family wanted him to become a professional too and had previously worked in administration at the a hospital in London for two years, but he thought the work was too boring. At the age of 25, Jason's childhood dreams of becoming a celebrity came back. Since he grew up watching Hong Kong TV series, and seeing stars like Daniel Wu and Wang Lee Hom joining the entertainment industry after coming back from oversea, plus he knew Cantonese, Mandarin and can read Chinese, Jason decided to give it a try too. Back in HK, Jason started out as an English tutor, then entered the 20th TVB Artistes Training Class in 2005. After graduation, he was sent out to TVB Pearl, the English channel, to host a life program. The pure and simple looking Jason later got the opportunity to participate in TV series, such as Be Home For Dinner's pastry chef and his first leading role Missing You as the social worker. With his excellent educational background, healthy image and good looks, no wonder Jason has so many school girl fans.
Late Entry in Showbiz Benefits
"Actually I think the most important is to work with seniors in every series. Just like this time in Will Power, I got to learn from Wayne Lai and Ah Mo (Moses Chan). I was really excited. Wayne has more scenes opposite of me, he frequently gives me pointers, like how to study the script. His wife and son often visits us on the set, I could see how much he loves his family and how great their relationship is. Compared to Wayne, Ah Mo is a funny person, like a big kid."
35 year old Jason started his acting career later than most artists, but fortunately he possesses a baby face and his personality is like a big kid. He's full of expressions when he speaks and the experienced he gained from society before entering the industry is a benefit too. "Many have said its easy to follow bad examples in showbiz, but I didn't enter until age 26. I've seen a lot more of life and know my direction in life, so its a benefit."
At first Jason used going to Mainland to find development opportunities as an excuse. He went back to HK without his family knowing and after entering TVB, he didn't have many jobs, and his elder brother had to financially support him. Jason frankly expressed his family started worrying about him: "I remember what my father said to me on the phone, if I'm not happy in HK, then come back and open up a restaurant." In the recent year, Jason is finally getting promoted, he's busy hosting a travel show and shooting TV series. Of course now, his family in England does not need to worry about him anymore. "My parents read all my news, but they usually give me a few 'kicks' as an encouragement, like they would tell me to get better in acting and when I have time, learn singing and dancing." Jason's family support is his driving force.
The New Generation "Seun Poon"
The previous "seun poon" Moses Chan is now a father, Jason Chan and his peers Kenneth Ma and Ruco Chan have been seen as the TV industry's "new generation seun poon". Jason laughed and said he's not like Moses, who can brew such nice coffee, but he isn't a gamer either. He is considered the type with taste, his greatest interest is researching watches. "I like to find out different brands of watches, their designs and history. I'm not up to the point where I'm collecting watches, but I like to go to watch stores to look at them. I do buy watches, but the most important is if it fits my liking. I don't like how some people just buy watches just because other people have them." Jason is still renting a home now, he hopes to save up quick and buy a home for himself soon, then find the 'seun poon' in his heart. "But the housing prices are just too high now, so I haven't been looking, haha."
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