Nancy Sit Ka Yin's Interview
Interview excerpt from a Singapore newpaper - Hong Kong evergreen actress Nancy Sit Ka Yin recalling Leslie's earlier days.
Sit Ka Yin said : "I have known Leslie for 25 years. Until, the fact of his death was reported on the news, I still cannot believe that the melancholy boy who cried on my shoulders was no longer on the world.
Leslie crying
In 1977, Leslie just won the second prize at the Rediffusion's Asia Amateur Singing Contest. But no record companies signed him on. I then got him into (a variety program for Sit Kar Yin and Lai Siu Tin). His role is to do everything - from singing backup, dancing, even acting in those comedy scripts. Once, during a dancing rehearsal, Leslie waited for a very long time. He looked very unhappy. When I asked him, he actually cried on my shoulders, saying that things were not smooth for him. I encouraged him: "You are for young and handsome, there will be lots of chances!". It was after talking for quite so me time that Leslie finally cheered up.
Making Stage Clothings For Leslie
At that time, Leslie said that his family does not care for him much. He alone rent a room opposite Rediffusion. He did not have much money too. Hence, each time I go for stage perfo rmance, I will bring him along. I would help him to make stage clothes too. Leslie was worked very hard. Siu Tin also helped push for Leslie to sing the theme song for the TV serial. Leslie also encountered being booed by people and was unhappy about it. He, who has somewhat like a "young master" temperament, kept asking me why did those people booed him. Later, when he became a superstar, he invited Siu Tin and I to watch his concert. Seeing his success, I was so happy that I kept crying during his concert.
Being Scolded "No Principle"
Later, having a failed marriage, I have to make a living for my three children. Leslie asked me: "Do you need money? Now that I can earn, money is not a problem." I did not take the money from him then but I was very grateful for his sentimentality and humanity. It was very touching. Leslie liked to pursue perfectionism in everything, and he also a person with principle. Once, when he was still a newcomer, I brought him to attend the Golden Horse Award. Later, I promised the boss of a producing company to shoot a MTV. But after the award, I was very tired and my legs hurt. He advised me to forego the MTV shoot. But that boss rented the shooting area and was giving out big red packets. So I endured by tiredness and pain to go ahead with the shooting. Leslie got angry with me, said that I did not have principle.
Thirsty for Love
Leslie is loves to cajole. This is because he wants people to show him love. All you have to do is to coax and care for him, he will be very happy. That's why there were reports during that time that he was secretly in love with me. The truth was, no such thing happened. When I was at my most unhappy, he encouraged me to let go of the unhappiness. Why can't he himself do it? This is so unworthy, so sad. But Leslie, I will always miss you."
Translation by Nicole Tan - LCIFC Memorial Forum