Joe Ma Tak-chung (Chinese: 馬德鐘) is a Hong Kong TVB actor and former model. He is best known for his roles in numerous television series produced by TVB, often portraying authoritative figures such as police officers, detectives, and professionals. His notable works include "Triumph in the Skies" (2003), "Maiden's Vow" (2006), "Tiger Cubs" (2012), and "Life on the Line" (2018), for which he won the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actor.
He was a policeman before he joined the Hong Kong entertainment industry in 1993. He was a member of the elite G4.
Ma is one of a few Hong Kong actors who are former members of Hong Kong law enforcement or colonial services.
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Early life
Before entering the entertainment industry, Ma was a member of the Hong Kong Police Force, as a member of the elite VIP Protection Unit, also known as G4.
He was scouted for modelling in the early 1990s and joined the entertainment industry as a fashion model. After that he joined TVB after being scouted by them.
Career
Ma began his acting career in the early 1990s, playing minor and supporting roles. He cites his performance in the 1999 television series At the Threshold of an Era as when he felt that his acting skills had matured. This role gave Ma a breakthrough and started getting him more opportunities and finally landed his first leading role.
His performance as an airline pilot in the 2003 television series Triumph in the Skies is widely considered his breakthrough role, bringing him critical attention and establishing him as a household name.
Throughout the 2000s, he became one of TVB's most recognisable leading actors, frequently cast in roles that leveraged his authoritative presence. His most iconic roles include:
Triumph in the Skies (2003) as Vincent, a charismatic airline pilot.
Revolving Doors of Vengeance (2005) as Ko Fung (Martin).
Tiger Cubs (2012) as Chin Hon To.
Life on the Line (2018) as Man Choi Tin, a paramedic.
Despite his popularity and critical acclaim, Ma was nominated for the Best Actor award 16 times over 15 years before finally winning.
After focusing on projects in mainland China, he returned to TVB and won the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actor in 2018 for his complex portrayal of a paramedic in Life on the Line.
In 2021, Ma and his son Ma Zai Xiang, performed on the television series The Kwoks And What.
Filmography
Films
Defiance (2019)
Line Walker 2: Invisible Spy (2019)
Bye! Mr. Wang (2019)
Out of Inferno (2013)
72 Tenants of Prosperity (2010)
Night Security Guard (2003)
Taxi Driver (2002)
Cop Shop Babes (2001)
Tough Cop Inside (2001)
Clean My Name, Mr. Coroner! (2000)
Desirous Express (2000)
Home for a Villain (2000)
The Hong Kong happy man 2 (2000)
The Hong Kong happy man (2000)
Killers from Beijing (2000)
Marooned (2000)
Point of No Return (2000)
Untouchable Maniac (2000)
Body Weapon (1999)
The Evil of a Woman Heart (1999)
The House of No Man (1999)
My Heart Will Go On (1999)
Unexpectable Killing (1999)
The Victim (1999)
Raped by an Angel 2: The Uniform Fan (1998)
Awards
2018
TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actor (Life on the Line)
People's Choice Television Award for Best Actor (Life on the Line)
