Former TVB actress Jessica Hsuan, 55, who starred in some of the broadcaster's biggest hits like A Step Into The Past (2001) and Square Pegs (2003), is well-known for being frank.

Recently, an old clip of her appearance on TVB entertainment show K-100 in 1994 resurfaced and quickly went viral.

In the footage, a then 24-year-old Jessica, who was still a newbie actress, confronted the company’s top executives, calling out the unfair preference for singers over actors.

“I once filmed in Studio Three, and at that time, the leads in Studios Two, Three, Four, and Five were all singers. We actors could only stand to the side. Even if we had many scenes, the leads were always singers. And when we were filming, we often had to wait three or four hours just for singers to show up. But when they were late, they didn’t even have to say sorry, and the company wouldn’t reprimand them,” she said.

Undeterred, she went on: “We don’t dare be late. If we are, people will point fingers at us: ‘Why are you late? Why are you so undisciplined?’ … I just want you to answer these questions.”

Her candid remarks, which echoed the frustrations of many actors at the time, drew applause from fellow artistes like Roger Kwok, Ekin Cheng, and Louis Koo.

At the time, TVB’s General Manager of Variety and Creative, Leung Man Cheuk, tried to downplay the issue, calling it a “misconception.”

He explained: “A decade or two ago, the station only had about 20 contracted singers. Now there are more than 200, while the number of actors hasn’t multiplied by that scale. It’s hard to strictly separate singers and actors anymore. Take Ekin Cheng for example — is he a singer or an actor? Right? So often it’s purely a matter of perception.”

Put on the spot, Ekin clarified: “I’m a salaried artiste.”

Jessica has been widely praised for her fearlessness, with netizens dubbing her a “workplace warrior role model.” Comments included: "Jessica has never lost her bold voice,” and “This is the true goddess spirit.”

ViuTV host Johnny Hui also reposted the clip, saying: “Wow! This programme is so powerful. Please accept my respect! #ThisIsHowItShouldBe,” while tagging Jessica.

The Star Awards 2025 Best Actress later responded with good humour: “Thanks to the company for not shelving me back then.”

Photos: Jessica Hsuan/Instagram, TVB