Former actor Xie Shaoguang creates Instagram page, prompts questions about acting comeback

It's been 19 years since former Mediacorp actor Xie Shaoguang left showbusiness in 2005, but it appears there's still plenty of interest in what he's been up to. 

On Saturday (Jun 1), the 62-year-old who is known for being very private, surprised fans by creating a personal Instagram account. 

He even shared his first post that same day – a reel of himself at a cafe with head of Mediacorp's talent management arm The Celebrity Agency Ivy Low, and her dog, Anna.

In his caption, the five-time Star Awards Best Actor wrote in Mandarin: “A reunion with an old friend feels like a continuation of our fate from yesterday”.

His Instagram page soon became a reunion space of sorts for former colleagues as stars like Zoe Tay and Xiang Yun followed and commented on his post.

As for why the former actor decided to create an Instagram page, Ivy told entertainment publication 8days that she convinced him to do it.

"Turns out he was pretty open, hence his first IG post was born on the spot," Ivy said, adding that they are old friends as she managed him when he was still a Mediacorp actor.

"We remained in touch over the years. On the side, he's been helping some of my artistes on (private) acting training," she shared. 

But does this newly minted Instagram account means he’s making an acting comeback? Ivy said: "He’s a go-with-the-flow guy so it’s too early for further comments if he’s stepping back into the scene. Let’s see what happens.”

Shaoguang previously starred in classic Singaporean TV shows including Stepping Out, Legend Of The Eight Immortals and The Guest People.

He relocated to Malaysia after retiring from the entertainment industry. Since then, he has been ordained as a Buddhist monk, opened an animal shelter and became a vegetarian restaurant chef.

He attended a Mid-Autumn Festival celebration last September where he caught up with veteran actors and crew members.