DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ผ Taiwan /Health & Science

Golden Bell Director Recounts Near-Death Cancer Battle, Credits Actress Tien Hsin's Support for Recovery

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Golden Bell Award-winning director Wang Chuan-tsung shared his near-death experience with cancer.
  • He was hospitalized with a critical condition, his white blood cell count dropping to zero.
  • Actress Tien Hsin rallied over 50 celebrity friends to send encouraging videos, which Wang credits for his recovery.

Golden Bell Award-winning director Wang Chuan-tsung has recounted his harrowing battle with cancer, a journey that brought him to the brink of death. During a recent public appearance, Wang shared how he was diagnosed with cancer at the peak of his career and received multiple critical condition notices. His health took a severe turn, leading to hospitalization where he was intubated and his white blood cell count plummeted to zero. At one point, doctors considered using an ECMO machine as his chances of survival dwindled.

Amidst this life-threatening situation, actress Tien Hsin, who starred in Wang's first drama "My Perfect Man," played a pivotal role in his recovery. She mobilized over 50 friends from the entertainment industry, including actors Yang Yi-chan and Yang Chien-pei, to record more than 50 encouraging video messages. Tien Hsin even sent daily video updates of her life during filming breaks, which were played for Wang by his bedside. This outpouring of friendship and goodwill became a crucial force supporting him through his near-death experience.

I am who I am because of you, that's why I took on this role.

โ€” Wang Chuan-tsungWang Chuan-tsung explaining to Tien Hsin why he accepted the role in 'The Six of Us' drama.

Wang, who was not from a film or television background, had been working excessively long hours, leading to a persistent cough. He initially delayed seeking medical attention due to a lost health card and fear of potential health issues. The diagnosis came at a critical juncture, coinciding with the Golden Bell 50 nominations announcement, where his directorial work "The Angel's Radio Station" received nine nominations. This stark contrast between professional triumph and personal crisis profoundly impacted his understanding of human nature.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Wang emphasized the importance of "palms facing down" to help others and to be a giver when one has the capacity. He believes in warmly passing on genuine goodwill to society. He also revealed that he accepted the directing invitation for the Da Ai drama "The Six of Us" three to four years ago because the protagonist's warm and kind characteristics reminded him of Tien Hsin, his benefactor.

Palms facing down

โ€” Wang Chuan-tsungWang Chuan-tsung reflecting on the importance of helping others after his recovery.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.