After two decades away from the spotlight, Xie Shaoguang is finally returning to television — and he's taking on one of the most emotionally charged roles of his career. But here's where it gets truly moving: the veteran actor will portray a cancer patient in the upcoming drama The Gift of Time, a story that hits painfully close to home for him.
When Xie stepped away from acting 20 years ago to live a quieter, more spiritual life, few believed he would ever make a comeback. Yet in a previous interview, he revealed he had always hoped for a project that explored the deeper layers of human experience — stories rooted in emotion, psychology, and the complexity of human nature. And now, his wish has been fulfilled.
Premiering on October 20, The Gift of Time marks his first television appearance in two decades. The series also stars prominent actors such as Chen Hanwei, Xiang Yun, Chantalle Ng, Jeremy Chan, Desmond Ng, and Priscelia Chan. The premise itself is compelling: Xie plays a wealthy man whose life takes a dramatic turn when he and Chen Hanwei’s humble character both receive cancer diagnoses. Stripped of wealth and privilege, they find common ground in their shared mortality and decide to help other terminally ill patients fulfill their final wishes.
Xie explained that the story deeply resonated with him from the start. “They told me it’s a series about ageing, sickness, and death — topics I’ve always been deeply aware of. These are realities every human being must face eventually,” he said at a press conference promoting the drama. Reflecting on the inevitability of death, he added, “No matter how rich or successful you are, when you reach life’s end, it forces you to question your priorities. What truly matters?”
That question is more than philosophical for Xie — it’s personal. He revealed that cancer has touched his life repeatedly: several relatives have battled the disease, his father passed away from pancreatic cancer, and his best friend is currently fighting late-stage cancer. “That’s why this role means so much to me,” he said candidly. Off-camera, Xie has also volunteered with cancer patients, offering emotional and spiritual support, experiences that helped him bring authentic empathy to his performance.
Approaching his character, Xie didn’t just rely on emotion — he brought real-life understanding. “You can’t fake the pain of illness or the mental struggle patients go through,” he reflected. “Unless you’re making a documentary, the best you can do is channel what you’ve witnessed and felt.”
One symbolic decision Xie made was to shave his head, even though his character wasn’t scripted to lose hair due to treatment. “It was an act of solidarity,” he said simply. “My appearance doesn’t define me — acceptance does. I’ve learned to live my age and embrace every stage of life, from the pre-digital days to the AI era we’re in now.”
So how does it feel for him to be back after twenty long years? “Oh, so much easier now!” he laughed. “Technology has advanced incredibly. I just focus on acting — the lighting, cameras, everything around me works so smoothly thanks to digital tools.” Still, he couldn’t help noting how modern life has changed the social landscape: “People have become so screen-dependent that it’s harder to read emotions in real life. Everything’s on Zoom, everything’s posted online — but where’s the human connection?”
With a thoughtful grin, he added, “If I’m in a fan group, do I really need to know what you’re having for breakfast?” It’s not that he disapproves — rather, he’s observing how social behaviors evolve. “I enjoy studying human psychology and social patterns. That understanding helps me act with authenticity.”
Although Xie hasn’t confirmed his next project, he remains open-minded about what’s to come. “I’ve learned to enjoy each moment,” he shared. “Once I make a decision, I don’t worry about the outcome. Challenges come, and I face them — not by complaining, but by learning. That’s how I grow.”
The Gift of Time will be available for free on demand via meWATCH starting October 20, and will air on Channel 8 from October 23, weekdays at 9 PM.
But here’s something that might divide opinions: Has technology and digital life made us lose touch with real human emotion — or has it simply evolved the way we connect? Do you agree with Xie’s perspective, or do you think he’s being too nostalgic? Share your thoughts in the comments — let’s talk about what truly makes us human.
