Actor Andy feels the heat in VCD fracas

Fame is something every actor pursues, but being infamous can be just as desirable.

Lin Fu-chin (林富進), often referred to as Andy, plays a significant role in the controversial VCD series Special Report. That role has led to his involvement in a slander lawsuit and to massive, controversial publicity.

Lin has been in the entertainment business for about 20 years, performing on many Hoklo-language (commonly referred to as Taiwanese) television programs. His sense of humor and quick wit have been well-received by Hoklo-speaking audiences. However, because Taiwan's mainstream TV culture has long been dominated by Mandarin-language programs, the professional opportunities of Lin and many other Taiwanese actors have been limited. In the past, it was almost impossible to become a TV star if one was a Hoklo-speaking actor.

Since the transfer of power in 2000, Hoklo-language programs have gained ground.

In 2000, Lin performed in the TV series A-bian and A-chen (阿扁與阿珍), which was based on the true love story of Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) and Wu Shu-chen (吳淑珍). "I was labeled `pan-green' for taking part in that TV series," Lin said in a recent television interview.

Lin said he was criticized by a producer at a different TV network for his performance in A-bian and A-chen.

"The producer shouted out many vulgar Mandarin words at me just because I took part in the performance," Lin said.

Lin said being involved in a lawsuit was the last thing he expected when agreeing to do a performance.

"As an actor, I simply read the script I am given and come up with the necessary body language and facial expressions required by the director. That's exactly what a good actor should do," he said.

"We are no longer living in a society that is shrouded in White Terror. I don't understand why actors are still being terrorized," Lin said.

He said he had witnessed how the change in Taiwan's political climate had affected his craft.

"Before, Hoklo-speaking actors could not take part in prime time television drama series, as theses series were strictly Mandarin. Finally, things have changed. Unfortunately, we Hoklo-speaking actors still face much opposition to our acting." Lin said.

Chen Huei-er (陳慧娥), Lin's wife, described how they have been threatened.

"One morning while I was asleep, I received a phone call from a stranger asking for my address as if he was doing some sort of questionnaire. I was so sleepy that I didn't think twice before uttering out my address. Later that day, I was followed and started getting threatening phone calls from strangers," Chen said.

She said that for three days, her family of three did not dare step onto the doorstep and had to eat instant noodles.

Lin said Chen Shui-bian has never publicly criticized performances that mocked him.

"I have seen many television shows where performers constantly mock the president by imitating him. However, the president has never criticized anyone who participates in these shows," Lin said.

Chen Huei-er echoed her husband's view.

"How come actors performing in pan-blue shows are not accused of anything? For instance, pro-People First Party (PFP) actors can show up in public and take pride in their performances. Why then, can't other actors do the same?" she said.

Chen said she sees nothing wrong with having a political ideology.

"Despite the fact that I am an entertainer, I am also a citizen of Taiwan. As a citizen, I have my own political ideology as well. Therefore, I don't understand why being a supporter of A-bian is wrong," she said.