Hong Kong actress Miao Yu, who now works as a waitress in Dongguan, China, revealed that she earned 150 yuan (US$20.6) in a single day for cutting 30 watermelons during her shift.
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Hong Kong actress Miao Yu. Photo fom Yu’s Weibo |
According to The Star, Yu shared her new lifestyle and income in a video posted on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. She said on other days, she can earn up to 180 yuan for tasks like setting tables.
Yu said her current job feels more manageable and rewarding than her former life as an actress.
“I’m in Dongguan every day, and it’s very fulfilling,” she said. “I earn money daily.”
The actress also shared a screenshot of a recent film role offer that would have paid her 500 yuan per day. However, she declined it.
“I’m in Dongguan now and have some fame here,” she responded. “I’ll consider it first. 500 yuan… should I go to Hong Kong to film a movie or stay here and work?”
Yu explained that income stability was her primary reason for stepping away from the entertainment industry, as sometimes she has to wait “up to a year” for a role.
At 37, Yu joined Hong Kong broadcaster TVB in 2012 after becoming a finalist in the Miss Chinese International Pageant and remained with the network until 2023. She gained popularity for her roles in dramas such as “Ghost of Relativity,” “My Lover From The Planet Meow,” and “Wonder Women.”
Her comments come amid growing discussions about low pay in the entertainment industry, which has led some celebrities to change careers or seek more affordable lifestyles. Earlier this month, Taiwanese singer Li Mao Shan was seen working as a waiter in China, while TVB actor Niklas Lam revealed he had to travel to Shenzhen for a dental procedure because of the high costs in Hong Kong.
