We all grew up with them on our TV screens, films, radio and through the occasional street sighting. Here are the 20 local celebs we all loved.
1. Gurmit Singh
There’s no denying the most in-demand actor of the time. Who could forget those yellow boots when he was playing Phua Chu Kang?
2. Andrea De Cruz
The Eurasian actress and former Miss Singapore Universe was a big hit on Channel 8 dramas like Making Love and The Reunion.
3. VJ Utt
One of the pioneer VJs on MTV, this Thai-born guy was the stuff of dreams back then.
4. Pierre Png
Although he was a pretty successful actor in his own right, we’re sure everyone remembers him for being the doting boyfriend who gave half his liver to Andrea De Cruz.
5. Irene Ang
Who can forget the doyenne of the entertainment industry? She now nurtures homegrown talents and owns restaurants and bars, too.
6. Jack Neo
Ah Boys to Men, I Not Stupid, Money No Enough… the list of films he directed goes on.
7. Mark Lee
The funnyman solidified his status as a comedian on Channel 5’s Police & Thief.
8. Zoe Tay
The multi-hyphenate actress and model has bragging rights as “The Queen of Caldecott Hill”.
9. Fann Wong
She’s one of the first local actresses to make her Hollywood debut as Owen Wilson’s love interest in the film Shanghai Knights.
10. Patricia Mok
The comedienne was everyone’s favorite TV “auntie” in roles like Madam Tan in My Sassy Neighbour.
11. Chen Liping
An actress with one of the longest resumes, she’s often known for her role as the feisty Mo Wanwan in Holland V.
12. Flying Dutchman
Who could mistake this radio DJ’s voice? He was everywhere, including all the roadshows we can remember.
13. Li Nanxing
The king to Zoe Tay’s queen of Caldecott Hill, the actor was best known for roles in The Vagrant and The Unbeatables trilogy.
14. Denise Keller
Aside from having one of the coolest Y2K jobs as an MTV VJ, remember her days on match-making TV show “Eye for a Guy”?
15. Jacintha Abishgenaden
The Sri Lankan-Chinese songstress first came to prominence when she won local talent show, Talentime, but she is also the founder of TheatreWorks.
16. Eunice Olsen
She was the winner of Miss Universe once upon a time, but actually put it to good use as an elected member of parliament.
17. Kym Ng
Probably one of the most sought-after hosts on variety shows, she tantalized viewers with her drool-worthy food reviews.
18. Moses Lim
Another foodie, the actor started his own foodie club that does reviews of restaurants around town. But we probably all remember him as being the lead character from sitcom Under One Roof.
19. Dick Lee
Who didn’t grow up listening to him perform or singing the National Day songs he composed?
20. Fandi Ahmad
Sports fans will know: he put Singapore on the map for soccer. He’s also the first Singaporean to ever play for a European soccer team.
