Christopher Lee got the best early birthday present when he took home three trophies at the Star Awards last night (Jul 6). The Malaysian-born actor, who turns 54 on July 23, was the night’s biggest winner, clinching Best Actor for mystery drama Kill Sera Sera, Best Programme Host for variety show Dishing With Chris Lee 2, and the Special Achievement Award.

The first two, he shares, were completely unexpected.

In fact, he was so surprised that he hesitated before going on stage when pal Mark Lee announced his name for Best Programme Host.

Backstage, still clutching his trophies in disbelief, Chris beams: “I’m really surprised and happy. I was very contented to just receive the Special Achievement Award. I didn’t expect to get Best Host and Best Actor too.”

Chris, who snagged Best Host for the same show in 2023, previously took home Best Actor in 1997 for The Price of Peace and 2013 for Show Hand. He also has four Golden Bell Awards under his belt.

“Like my wife said, ‘What award can I win next year?’” he chuckles, referring to Fann Wong’s infamous quip at the 1995 Star Awards. “It really feels that way.”

For those too young to remember, a then-newbie Fann caused a stir when she blurted those words after sweeping three awards: Best Actress for Chronicle Of Life, Best Newcomer and Top 5 Most Popular Artiste.

While it’s debatable if Fann appreciated him bringing up her controversial one-liner, one person who would be most pleased with Chris’ antics is their 11-year-old son Zed.

“That's because I mentioned his name twice on stage,” says Chris.

If you too were wondering who the “buddy Li Xi Quan” Chris thanked in his acceptance speech was — it’s Zed.

Now that Chris is a two-time Best Host winner, does he think Zed — who impressed with his Mandarin skills at a Mother Tongue Symposium — would be inspired to follow in dad’s footsteps to be a host?

“His Chinese is good?” Chris laughs.

“I’ll let him make his own choices. Perhaps he might in the future. I will let him decide for himself.”

He adds: “Our generation and his are very different, and so is their way of thinking. If he wants to be a host, I’d support him. If not, I’d encourage him to do something else. What’s most important is that he does something he enjoys.”

As for celebrating his wins, that will have to wait. Chris had to catch a flight back to Taiwan for work right after the awards.

“Perhaps a couple of days before or after my birthday, I’ll come back and have a good celebration with my family,” he says.

Dishing With Chris Lee

Catch Chris' winning moment at the Star Awards in the video below: 

Photos: Mediacorp Photo Unit, Christopher Lee/Instagram