Boldly stepping back into the spotlight after two decades, Xie Shaoguang’s return to television is nothing short of heartfelt and powerful. His comeback role as a cancer patient in the emotional drama The Gift Of Time feels as if it was crafted expressly for him. But here’s where it gets truly compelling—this role isn’t just a part; it’s deeply personal.
In a heartfelt conversation earlier this year, Xie shared that after years of retreating from the public eye, he was drawn to projects that delve into “human nature and human psychology.” He hoped to connect with audiences who have patiently awaited his return and wanted to offer them something meaningful in exchange. That wish is finally fulfilled with this October’s premiere of The Gift Of Time, which also stars Chen Hanwei, Xiang Yun, Chantalle Ng, Jeremy Chan, Desmond Ng, and Priscelia Chan.
The storyline is striking: Xie portrays a wealthy individual, while Chen’s character comes from modest beginnings. When both are struck by cancer, their social status and wealth become irrelevant, forging a unique bond grounded in their shared struggle. Together, they devote themselves to helping other terminally ill patients realize their last wishes. This narrative clearly resonated with Xie, who said, “This theme hit home for me because it confronts something universal—ageing, illness, and mortality.” He emphasized that no matter one’s success or riches, facing the end of life delivers an unavoidable wake-up call that forces us to reevaluate what truly matters.
The subject is not just academic for Xie; it’s heartbreakingly real. He revealed that cancer has touched his family profoundly: his father succumbed to pancreatic cancer, and now his closest friend is in the late stages of the disease. Besides acting, Xie has contributed time as a volunteer to support cancer patients, enriching his understanding of their experiences.
Approaching the role with sincerity, Xie drew from this personal insight to depict the harsh realities of battling cancer—the physical toll and emotional hardship. As he pointed out, these elements are so raw that they could only be fully captured in a documentary format. The drama also highlights how cancer treatments impact individuals in varied ways. Although Xie’s character does not lose hair like Chen’s, he chose to shave his head as an act of empathy and solidarity with those undergoing treatment. He said, “My appearance doesn’t define me. I embrace who I am, and I live comfortably with my age.”
Reflecting on his return to filming after 20 years, Xie expressed delight at how much easier it is now thanks to technological advances. “The digital age, AI, and all these modern tools have made the technical side smoother. I can focus completely on my acting—just lights, camera, and becoming the character.” He noted that technology’s rapid evolution has shaped a new lifestyle, one where genuine emotional connection sometimes gets lost.
“People often struggle to read emotions now that so much interaction happens through screens and video calls,” he mused. “We need to carve out quiet moments to reconnect with ourselves and our real social circles, not just the so-called ‘media social’ where you’re constantly bombarded with trivial updates. If I’m in a fan group, do I really need to know what someone had for breakfast or lunch?”
This reflective perspective doesn’t come from disdain; rather, it stems from Xie’s deep interest in observing and studying social behaviors—something he integrates into his acting craft. He likes to base his performances on psychological and sociological understanding, making his portrayals more nuanced and authentic.
While he hasn’t announced his upcoming projects yet, Xie remains open and optimistic about the future. “I aim to find satisfaction in every new experience. Once I commit, I face whatever comes with determination—no grumbling, just growth. That approach keeps me motivated and helps me evolve.”
For viewers eager to witness this remarkable return, The Gift Of Time will be available for free streaming on mewatch starting October 20 and will air on Channel 8 weekdays at 9 p.m. from October 23.
But here’s the thought-provoking question: In an era dominated by digital interactions, how might our understanding and expression of genuine human emotions change? Do you think technology has enhanced or eroded our capacity for empathy? Share your thoughts—this is the kind of conversation Xie’s insightful return aims to spark.
