Taiwanese host Patrick transforms for leukemia role, finds new life perspective

Taiwanese host Patrick is stepping away from his usual comedic persona to embody a leukemia patient in the upcoming drama "His Soul and His Bookstore." Based on a true story, the role of Huang Wan-tong marks a significant departure for the Golden Bell Award winner, who has a background in theater and opera.

Patrick embraced the role wholeheartedly, agreeing to shave his head without hesitation, despite concerns from his agent about the impact on his hosting and endorsement work. He ultimately turned down more than ten job offers to fully commit to the production. "Compared to short-term financial returns, participating in a good work and spreading positive energy to society is the most valuable choice for me," he stated. He maintained a bald head for three months during filming, even sporting an awkward hairstyle at the Golden Bell Awards ceremony last year.

He described the acting process as vastly different from hosting, admitting to feeling both excited and pressured. To prepare, he consulted with friends who had battled cancer to understand the pain details accurately, aiming for a realistic portrayal rather than "exaggerated acting." He recalled a particularly intense scene where he acted out seizures, filmed with a real electrocardiogram attached, in the profound quiet of a rural set. The emotional toll was significant, especially during a scene depicting his character's death, which required him to simulate convulsions before relaxing into stillness.

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Compared to short-term financial returns, participating in a good work and spreading positive energy to society is the most valuable choice for me.

Filming a monologue scene in a theater setting proved the most challenging due to time constraints and a jumbled timeline. Patrick had to switch rapidly between different emotional states, from relaxed to critically ill, while memorizing extensive dialogue. This demanding scene resulted in the most retakes. Despite the difficulties, meeting Huang Wan-tong's family, particularly his sister, provided deep insight into the character's devotion to family. Her praise, "You portrayed Wan-tong so well! That's exactly how my brother looked," moved him to tears and validated his efforts.

Portraying Huang Wan-tong has shifted Patrick's worldview. While he doesn't typically make wish lists, the character's journey prompted him to appreciate life's details and cherish moments with family and friends. He finds solace in gatherings with friends, engaging in lighthearted conversation rather than dwelling on negativity. The drama has also inspired positive actions; Patrick plans to register as a bone marrow donor after receiving messages from cancer patients seeking transplants, hoping to help others in need.

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You portrayed Wan-tong so well! That's exactly how my brother looked.