Michelle Chong may make comedy look like child’s play but she reveals to Weekender that she’s had her share of difficulties, regrets and creepy fans too
A comical actress and host, Michelle’s role as ambassador for face care brand Pond’s has also been extended.
Some comedy actors tend to take themselves too seriously, cutting the jokes once the cameras stop rolling; but visit Michelle Chong’s Instagram account and you’ll see, that’s not the case with her.
“Pretending I’m overseas, where haze is really romantic fog,” she quips, on one photo of her with a hazy background.
She even takes friendly digs at her good friend and fellow artiste Sharon Au. In one photo of Sharon on a gondola in Venice, Michelle joked: “Is this MBS [Marina Bay Sands]?”
It’s apparent that comedy is Michelle’s calling, even beyond her popular caricatures on local parody news show “The Noose” such as the flamboyant Lulu and domestic helper Leticia Bongnino.
More recently, she starred in local movie Our Sister Mambo as the eldest daughter who tries to get her three sisters hitched. Her role as ambassador for face care brand Pond’s has also been extended.
While it seems that Michelle is laughing all the way to the bank, things haven’t always been smooth for her. She shares with us the outtakes of her life.
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN BUSY WITH?
I’ve been busy doing my third movie, Lulu the Movie, starring my sexy Chinese character from “The Noose” — which I’ve been busy with too.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR RESTAURANT, MISCHIEF? HOW’S IT GOING?
It’s doing great and it’s been fun coming up with the menus and having food tastings. We serve American street food and we try to make sure it’s authentic yet appealing to Singaporeans.
WHO’S YOUR FAVOURITE COMEDIAN?
David Letterman. He does have a team of writers… but he pulls off interviews with such ease, confidence and wit without being condescending. I was quite sad when “The Tonight Show” ended.
Michelle Chong is regarded as one of the best comedic actors in Singapore, thanks to her exaggerated roles on “The Noose”. She is seen here hosting one of the National Day Parades. (Photo: Jordan Tan / Shutterstock.com)
WHAT’S THE FREAKIEST FAN ENCOUNTER YOU’VE HAD?
I remember seeing this fan three times in a day: Once early in the morning where I had a meeting, then at a photoshoot at a café and the third time at a dinner with my friend.
They were all non-publicised events, and it freaked me out.
HOW DO YOU BUILD UP CONFIDENCE FOR ZANIER ROLES?
I tell myself it will be all over soon and that I’m doing it for a noble cause — to make people laugh.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO’D GO TO GREAT LENGTHS FOR BEAUTY?
I think it’s important to know how you’d look after the procedures and have proper and thorough discussions with the doctor before doing them. Some of these procedures are high-risk and irreversible.
I’m not against any treatment but you must do enough homework and be prepared for any consequences.
YOU’VE SAID THAT YOU REGRET GETTING BOTOX. WHY IS THAT?
I think the doctor was too heavy-handed and Leticia ended up looking like Michael Jackson!
HOW DO YOU CARE FOR YOUR SKIN?
I try to drink a lot of water and get enough sleep! In addition, I use the full range of Pond’s Age Miracle products because, ever since working with Pond’s, I have learnt the steps to take to prevent aging.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP RECOMMENDATION FROM POND’S?
My favourite product is the Pond’s Age Miracle Dual Action Eye Cream!
I think it’s such a fabulous idea to have a different texture for the upper and lower lids. I don’t even have to use concealer under my eyes.
WHAT SHOWS CAN FANS NEXT SEE YOU IN?
Apart from “The Noose” on Channel 5, Lulu the Movie, which opens next year!
By Pamela Chow
Michelle Chong is the ambassador of Pond’s Age Miracle range of skincare products. Look out for her in Lulu the Movie, to be released this year.
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