In new Mediacorp drama Furever Yours, veteran local actor Henry Heng plays the husband of veteran actress Lin Ruping, 72.
The two go way back in real life.
“We’ve been hosting shows together for many years. We’re old partners, so our chemistry definitely gives us an advantage [while filming],” he revealed in an interview with Chinese media zaobao.sg.
According to zaobao, Ruping and Henry are so close, they even finish each other’s sentences, which helps them when they’re acting.
Though they have been friends for so long, Furever Yours marks the first time the two are acting as a couple in a drama. Though that’s also why Henry feels awkward shooting intimate scenes with his pal.
In one scene, Ruping slips and falls into Henry’s arms.
According to Henry, he felt like laughing while shooting that scene.
Ruping, on the other hand, was a lot more chill about it.
In the same interview, the actress said she thought the scene was “quite unique” as it’s rare for older stars to have such romantic scenes.
When asked if she felt awkward touching noses with her pal, she said: “No. We would discuss before filming. Plus we’ve known each other for so long and can talk about everything. He’s really close to my husband too.”
Though she’s fairly cool about such scenes, Ruping did emphasise that the most she would do is hugging and kisses on the cheek or forehead. “[Everything] except kissing on the lips,” she asserted.
At least she doesn’t have to worry about seeking permission from her husband, Zheng Yuan, who used to work in showbiz too.
“He knows that’s just acting and it’s for comedic effect. Just like how [getai singer] Hao Hao would sometimes kiss or hug me on stage,” she explained. “Hao Hao and I have a really good relationship and he’s just like my son, so that’s acceptable.”