Guo Liang Surprised by Wife’s Last-Minute Text Before Star Awards

The 2026 Star Awards ceremony in Singapore became the unexpected backdrop for a deeply personal moment when veteran actor Guo Liang revealed that his wife, Cheryl Chou, sent him a last-minute text message just before he took the stage—despite the couple having no television at home to watch the broadcast together.

Guo Liang shared the anecdote during a post-awards interview with 8days, explaining that while he and Chou have long maintained a television-free household as part of their lifestyle choice, she still found a way to connect with him emotionally during one of the biggest nights of his career. The message, sent moments before he was announced as a nominee, read simply: “I’m proud of you. No matter what happens tonight, you’ve already won.”

The revelation offered a rare glimpse into the private life of one of Singapore’s most respected actors, whose career spans over three decades in Mandarin-language television and film. Guo Liang, known for his roles in dramas such as The Little Nyonya and Justice Riders, has been a consistent presence at the Star Awards, winning multiple accolades including Best Actor in 2015 and 2019.

Despite his stature in the industry, Guo Liang emphasized that the absence of a television in their home is not a rejection of media, but a deliberate effort to prioritize conversation, reading, and shared experiences over passive viewing. “We don’t need a screen to feel close,” he said. “Sometimes, a text at the right moment means more than any live broadcast could.”

His wife, Cheryl Chou, a former actress turned entrepreneur, has largely stepped away from the public eye in recent years to focus on her wellness business and family life. Though she rarely attends industry events, her support has remained a quiet constant in Guo Liang’s career. The Star Awards 2026 marked one of the few occasions in recent years where her influence was publicly acknowledged by him in such a direct way.

Also nominated in the same category was Zhang Zetong, whose breakout performance in the drama Shining Inheritance earned him his first Best Actor nomination. While Guo Liang did not ultimately win the award—Zhang Zetong took home the honors—he said the gesture from his wife shifted his perspective on the evening.

“Winning is wonderful, but being seen—truly seen—by someone who knows your journey? That’s the real award,” Guo Liang reflected. “Cheryl doesn’t need to watch the show to know what I’ve put into my work. And I don’t need the TV to know she’s there.”

The Star Awards 2026, held on April 19, 2026, at Marina Bay Sands, celebrated excellence in Singaporean English- and Mandarin-language television. The event continues to serve as a major platform for recognizing talent in the region’s entertainment industry, blending glamour with heartfelt moments that often extend beyond the stage.

For Guo Liang, the night will be remembered not for the outcome of a category, but for a simple message that arrived without fanfare—proof that in an industry built on visibility, the most meaningful connections often happen off-screen.