With Ma Tianyu’s new drama My Mowgli Boy 我的莫格利男孩 with co-star Yang Zi currently on the air, the actor recently revealed some of his thoughts about his career and his future in the entertainment industry in an interview with Sina.
OG Fans of the actor might already know this, but before his acting breakthrough in the wuxia drama The Vigilantes in Masks, Ma Tianyu debuted in the entertainment industry not as an actor but as a singer more than ten years ago. Having released a good number of albums and EPs, the 33 year old carried over his vocal skills to his acting projects, contributing songs to the soundtracks of some of his dramas like the just ended River Flows To You.
When asked about how his career remained stagnant for a time after the release of his early single “Damned Tenderness” (lit.) 该死的温柔 in 2007, the actor bluntly said that everyone is far too invested on “flow stars” or 流量 celebrities these days. For those of you unfamiliar with this term, it basically refers to the trend worthiness of a certain star – uber popular stars who have a vast following of fans and whose dramas sell out or are super successful which in turn grant them a higher commercial value. Trendy celebrities come and go, but actors need to focus on their skills for longevity in the business says Ma Tianyu. “I don’t want to be the new hottest ticket in town, I don’t want to be a star, I just want to be a genuine actor.”
Ma Tianyu accepts that he’s not everyone’s cup of tea and does not deny the criticism he gets for his acting. He explains that it’s only normal that every actor has a good day and a bad day while filming. And while his acting hasn’t quite reached the excellence exhibited by showbiz veterans, he doesn’t think it’s too shabby either.
Source: 1
hohliu
I too hope to see him acting long term. He need not be a lead star as long as he gets good roles that homes his skills.
neen
He is right. An actor who wants to act will stay long in the industry. Being so famous is hard and your private life isn't respected. His views on this is sincere. Respect!
Anonymous
He is o. K actor… He does his role well not bad really… Better than many others actor… Take luhan or that luhan girlfriend… They are disaster
hohliu
I personally really dont understand why Guan Xiaotong is popular. Her acting skills are so lacking even after so many years
Anonymous
she became famous when she was 6 and she is from a family of actors
Anonymous
People need to stop demeaning every actress that they have no acting skills. These actresses CAN act, they just don't have looks that are good enough.
Guan Xiaotong acting is not any better or worse than so call "BEST" actresses today. Her problem is she is not ugly but not pretty either. She's not attractive, not cute, not likeable. Her features are rather kind of old and masculine.
SO I totally see why she's not suitable to be a main leading actress, while her acting is very normal she just doesn't have an attractive aura.
Anonymous
I've watched his recent two dramas (River Flows To You and My Mowgli Boy) and he is horrible in acting though. Very awkward and stiff with bad line delivery. He has the right attitude, but should work more on his skills.
Anonymous
He's a great actor. He loved ALOT until Yang Zi haters found out he's her friend and post that one message about voting for her award. Since then, people just hate him. Before that, EVERYBODY loved him.
Anonymous
I couldn't stand him and Zheng Shuang in River Flows To You. I can't even hear his lines clearly!
Didn't watch My Mowgli Boy hopefully he is dubbed there.
Anonymous
Lol I remember that. People are so stupid. Both Ma Tian Yu and Yang Zi were clearly joking about the whole thing but crazy fans had to escalate it.
Unknown
I'm a big fan of Ma Tian Yu but I will also say he is a hit or miss actor. I think it all depends on character he plays and the people he acts against. He was a standout in Ice Fantasy (a "so bad it's good" drama). His character was tragic and his chemistry with his brother was touching. Same with Secret of the Three Kingdoms. For an pretty mediocre character he still came across as likable to me and it was probably because all the supporting actors/actresses around him made him act better. It's good that he knows where his priorities are. It's better try to improve your skill to last in this industry that cycles through "it" people quickly especially when looks fade.