Entertainment

Veteran Actor Li Nanxing Critiques Young Actors’ Confidence Issues: "They Overthink Their Roles"

2025-01-15

Author: Nur

Veteran Insights

In a recent discussion, esteemed veteran actor Li Nanxing shared his observations regarding the confidence of young actors in the industry. Reflecting on their collaborative work in the touching drama *Uniquely Ours*, where he plays the father to Zhai Siming's character, Li praised Zhai’s growth since their previous project together in *The Peculiar Pawnbroker* four years ago. "He has improved significantly," Li noted, particularly admiring Zhai's ability to deliver emotional scenes convincingly.

Concerns About Confidence

However, Li also expressed concerns about a broader trend among younger actors. He believes that they often lack the necessary self-assurance that allows for authentic performances. "Honestly, it’s not just Siming. Many young actors today seem to struggle with confidence," he remarked. He pointed out that overthinking their performances leads to hesitation, which hinders their ability to fully embrace their characters.

Encouragement for Young Talent

Li encouraged young talent to adopt a more relaxed and bold approach on stage or in front of the camera. "Acting is about being natural and sometimes making mistakes," he insisted. "Those mistakes are part of the learning process. We all can try again." He emphasized the importance of understanding the storyline as a whole rather than fixating solely on their individual lines, encouraging young actors to immerse themselves fully in the narrative.

Emerging Talents Observed

When discussing other emerging talents like Zhang Zetong, Richie Koh, Tyler Ten, Ayden Sng, Herman Keh, and Zong Zijie, Li admitted he had not worked directly with them but had observed their performances. "They've been given opportunities. Now, it’s crucial for them to let go and unleash their full potential," he encouraged.

Zhai Siming's Response

Zhai Siming, visibly thrilled by the praise from Li, expressed his surprise at the recognition. "I never expected this feedback from him. It means so much to me and has given me a huge confidence boost," he shared. Zhai revealed that he felt pressure while acting alongside Li, who was often stern in their scenes. "I was afraid to become a burden, so I really pushed myself to embody the character and give my best," he explained, acknowledging the ongoing journey of building his craft.

Ongoing Journey of Growth

Zhai agreed with Li's assessment regarding confidence and admitted that he is continuously exploring his capabilities as an actor. "Every experience teaches me to be more diligent. As long as I can contribute positively and not let my team down, I'm satisfied," he stated.

Conclusion

Fans can catch both Li Nanxing and Zhai Siming in their compelling roles in *Uniquely Ours*, now streaming on mewatch. Whether you agree or not, the conversation about confidence in acting raises critical questions about the future of the industry and how the next generation can thrive. What are your thoughts on the performances of younger actors today?