Behind a strong on-screen persona, renowned actress Jessica Hester Hsuan confesses she was once the unknowing "other woman”-- a heartbreak that left scars but has not extinguished her belief in destiny.
The 55-year-old actress shared this rare personal revelation in a recent online interview while promoting her new film, Back to the Past.
Soft spot for love
Celebrated as one of TVB’s “Four Golden Flowers” in the 1990s, Hsuan's private love life has long been the subject of public interest.
Despite four publicly acknowledged romances—with actor Dicky Cheung Wai-kin, businessman Ronald Wing, dentist Kevin Chan, and veterinarian Ruan Bester—she is still searching for "the one."
Unlike the principled, resilient characters she often portrays, Hsuan admits she softens considerably in love.
"When you love someone, many things that seemed important can change," she explained–a trait her friends have noted as a stark contrast to her professional persona.
A devastating discovery
In a rare disclosure, Hsuan recounted the shocking realization that she had once played the role of the "other woman” in real life.
"My university friends told me he already had a girlfriend one day. It was devastating," she said.
With no one to blame except herself, she admitted that the episode left her highly wary of future relationships, prompting her to leave a relationship at the first hint of trouble.
Belief in destiny
Despite the heartbreaks, Hsuan remains optimistic about love, expressing belief in the concept of a destined partner, regardless of their ethnicity.
“You can not force a relationship with the wrong person, “she added, noting it is more important to find someone who truly fits.
Behind the scene at TVB
Reflecting on her early career in TVB , Hsuan disclosed she once worked with the acclaimed actor Alexander Man Chi-leung who was known for his tough demeanor.
“He was direct and wouldn’t hesitate to criticize," she recalled, describing a moment when she was scolded to tears for being sick just before a promotional event.
She recounted how Man insisted she return to work—a level of dedication highly valued in that era.
In contrast to this disciplinary mentorship, she also received gentle encouragement from co-star Bowie Lam during her first TVB production.
She credits both experiences with shaping her professionalism and resilience, noting that tough criticism taught her to avoid repeating mistakes.
