Hongkong Showbiz 2012/08/29

Miss HK Carat Cheung gets attacked by Netizens, heavy support for Tracy Chu
This year's Miss Hong Kong 2012 "one vote per person" system turned into a laughing stock as it ended with a server crash. HK citizens were not only unable to vote for the winner in their heart, Tracy Chu, but even the 'voting prize' (Mini Cooper) disappeared and became a mystery. The entire city is angered! To expressed their dissatisfaction, yesterday there were 527 complaints, and today another 229 complaints were added to that number, yielding a total of 756 complaints within two days. This broke the previous record of 343 complaints set by Joyce Cheng kissing Ron Ng during their performance at the Children Song Awards back in 2005.
In addition to Netizens voicing out their dissatisfaction, there is also someone taking revenge on Miss HK winner Carat Cheung because they believed she doesn't deserve the title. The person did a major background check on Carat's personal life and defamed her as much as possible. Yesterday a reader exposed Carat is a "Stamp Collector Miss HK" and Netizens uploaded a photo they claimed to be Carat and her 'boyfriend'. They heavily bashed the 'boyfriend' that he looks like Mainland gossip king Zude Song. However, based on the research done by reporters, the 'stamp collecting evidence' given by the reader were just normal photos Carat took with other artists. In reality, Carat used to host a television show in Vancouver, and interviewed several artists such as Eason Chan and Steven Ma. So, it's normal she took photos with artists. As for the 'boyfriend', his real identity is Carat's younger male cousin. As for first ru! nner-up, Jacqueline Wong, she also got miserably denounced by Netizens. Supporters of second runner-up, Tracy Chu shouted: "Give Us Back the Cooper!"
In regards to Netizens' defamation, Carat was not upset at all, but laughed: "This proves audience pays attention to Miss HK. Netizens does not represent all of HK. (Are you afraid there will be a HK wide poll and you may get less votes?) I was satisfied with my performance that night." As for Carat's great uncle, he said she's "not that pretty", Cara calmly said: "That proves that I'm not relying on relationships." As for Tracy Chu, she's just very grateful to have Netizens' support.
Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum
Niki Chow's 33rd birthday, still an 18 year old inside
Yesterday Niki Chow, Mandy Wong and Vincent Wong started their first day of filming for TVB new series A Good Heart Goes Haywire. Tomorrow is Niki's 33rd birthday (August 30th), so Mandy and Vincent prepared a birthday cake to celebrate with her. The child star (Lam Wing Yu), who played the young Niki in Bottled Passion, brought a birthday gift for her as well.
Niki reveals her birthday is coincidentally on the same day as the Chinese Ghost Festival (July 14th, Lunar Calendar). She decided to celebrate with her family early and comforted herself: "Nothing is taboo for young people. Can't do anything about coincidences. As I get older, I don't want any big celebrations, but I still maintain a mental age of 18 years old! (Do you have to work on your birthday?) Yes! I didn't take a day off or anything, it would be best if the crew automatically gives me the day off. Actually the majority of my time is shooting with Bosco Wong, wait until he comes back to HK first, not sure when that is though. (Any pursuers that asked you out?) Nope, just friends and family taking up all my time. Also, I have a lot of jobs an! d I got a pimple today on my forehead as a gift!"
The single Niki reveals its not her first birthday without a boyfriend, so she's used to it. When speaking of her birthday wish, Niki smiled: "Don't ask me when I'm going to start dating, so stressful! But, if I'm really am dating and the relationship is stable, I would admit it. (Any one-night stands during your trip to Europe?) No! They are all people I know." Asked if she conveniently brought a wedding gift for her sister Kathy Chow, who is getting married next month? Niki expressed she didn't and avoided to respond to questions related to her sister's marriage. "I didn't schedule anything, just let her marry peacefully and happily! If she wants to say it, then she'll say it. I'm following orders, I cannot answer questions on her behalf."
Source: Oriental Daily, (Images: HKHeadline, HKChannel)
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum
Joe Ma's thoughts on his female co-stars: Ada Choi, Charmaine Sheh, Flora Chan & Sonija Kwok
Joe Ma has been said to have vigorous peach blossoms (girls), indeed he has had countless rumors since his debut. Almost all of the female artists he had worked with gets a rumor with him. Of course, time proves everything, many of his so-called rumored girlfriends are in fact his good friends.
JOE: Many people call me a "FaDan Killer". Actually Moses Chan has that title too! Haha! Honestly, there are just two types of rumors in this industry, two artists are dating or two artists are on bad terms. Well, I rarely have any bad term rumors, it's usually just dating rumors!
I've worked with many actresses, such as Maggie Cheung, Jessica Hsuan, Ada Choi, Charmaine Sheh, Sonija Kwok, Flora Chan, and many more. Let's talk a little bit about Ada Choi. She's a very good artist to learn from because she treats people very well. She makes the people around her feel comfortable and because I'm a Cancer and I've been a police officer before, I'm very defensive. That's why I don't have many friends, she is the one who opened me up.
I still remember one time we had to shoot early in the morning ! in the studio. That time I lived in Yuen Long, and couldn't awake up. At the time, I was shooting the series with her, so I called her right away. I told her I overslept and I'm flying over there. Ada heard this and immediately said: "Whatever you do, don't speed! I'll put on my makeup slowly and try to stall a little." Before she hangs up, she asked me if I had breakfast yet. She's really that good of a person!
As for Charmaine, I collaborated with her in several series. The first one should be in 2001 Country Spirit. People say she's always letting out her 'electricity', but I only feel one thing about her, she's just amazing. She is the only person I've seen that could withstand working overnight. We could get our days and nights confused, but she still manages to maintain the same good looks, nothing changes. She's an actress that never gets overworked! Sometimes we shoot continuously through the nights, she says she's very tired, but she still looks so awake and high spirited. I think she's just a natural beauty, haha! Also, Charmaine's EQ is extremely high. She has a very good temper and sometimes when she hears negative comments, she'll just laugh it off. You will never see her upset. This is the deepest impression Charmaine left on me.
Sonija Kwok is a person that can really eat. That time we were shooting for several months in Mainland. The environment in Mainland is pretty hard, but she didn't complained at all. She has a straightforward personality.
My wife in Triumph in the Skies, Flora Chan, she's actually technically my senior. That time, she was already very popular. She taught me a lot. I remember when we were shooting the first scene in TITS, it was pretty intimate. She said I don't have to mind at all, just put my hands on her. In fact, sometimes in kiss scenes, the actor is actually not unnatural than the actress. After all, men can easily get misunderstood. If the actress is as open as Flora, then you feel a lot more comfortable to do the scene.
*Note: T! his inter! view continues from the previous article: Joe Ma: Didn't Get A Single Award in 18 Years
Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum
Ekin Cheng announces he's marrying Yoyo Mung next year
Last night at Ekin Cheng's final show of his Hong Kong Coliseum concert, Ekin was pressured to announce his plans to marry girlfriend Yoyo Mung next year. Ekin's parents, girlfriend Yoyo and good friends Angela Tong, 'Young and Dangerous' brothers Jordon Chan, Chin Kar Lok, Jerry Lamb, Jason Chu and director Lau Wai Keung all supported him at the concert.
On stage, Ekin's brothers chatted happily and then switched the topic onto Ekin's love life. Chin Kar Lok said: "You promised me before that you will have something to say tonight!" The crowd immediately went wild after Kar Lok made that comment. Ekin answered: "Yes, say that you're getting married!" Jordon interrupted him: "Let me say it, but you can't be upset, please welcome Yoyo Mung!" Ekin initially tried to wave his hands telling them to stop, but Jordon kept going and invited Yoyo up on stage. Ekin immediately stopped him: "Ok! I will say it myself. My girlfriend and I are very personal, I don't like to take our relationship out and let people see it! I admit I'm a very romantic person, otherwise how can I sing love songs to everyone?" However, the audie! nce were displeased by Ekin's answer and kept booing him.
Then the special guest Leo Ku suddenly comes on stage, he said: "Today the producer called me and said why don't I give Ekin a surprise. He said you're going to make an announcement tonight that I'm invited to your banquet." Ekin smiled embarrassed, but Leo continued: "I said invite me to his celebration banquet! How about this, I won't say the word 'marry', I'll say 'dodo' instead. Everyone repeat after me, Ekin and Yoyo dodo!" Ekin laughed: "If I dodo, then I will definitely invite you!"
Later, Ekin accepted an interview and when speaking of all the pressure his brothers gave him and he still wasn't willing to announce the marriage news? He said: "After all, I'm not married yet. If I do get married, I will definitely let you all know." After reporters asked Ekin again and again when he's going to admit it, he finally said: "It will be next year, but I won't say when and where. This is very personal to me." As for Yoyo, she accepted an interview over the phone and had difficulty covering her joy, when asked if Ekin ever officially proposed to her? She said: "He did half of it, the other half he'll do it when he has free time." She stressed Ekin is focused on his work and hopes the public can put the attention on her boyfriend's career instead.
Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum
Gordon Liu recovering from stroke, Mrs. Liu rumored money hungry taking all of his assets
Gordon Liu (real name: Sin Kam Hei) was hospitalized last year due to having a stoke. Last month it was rumored because he's seriously ill, his second wife from Thailand had a scheme to take all of Gordon's assets, which includes a several million dollar property. As this damages her reputation, yesterday Mrs. Liu and her son (Kris Sin) speaks out from Thailand for the first time. She said she never had the motive to take Gordon's assets and exposed beginning last month, someone prevented her children from seeing their father. She was furious by this and decided to stand up for them and hope her children can see their father soon!
Gordon is a famous martial arts actor, he has been in showbiz for nearly 30 years. He became an international known star based on Hollywood film Kill Bill. Last August, Gordon accidentally fell and suffered a stroke. He had partial right-sided paralysis and speech impairment as a consequence of the stroke. The strong and robust Gordon was greatly impacted from this accident and stroke. At one point, he was depressed and isolated himself, but fortunately he eventually got out of the haze.! This year, Gordon's physical therapy has been going smoothly and made improvements in the recovery. The only trouble he's facing is the recent rumor that Mrs. Liu directed her children (Kris and Sonia Sin) to ask their sick father for money and even wanted to swallow his 800 square feet property, which currently holds a market price of over HK$7.5 million. Regarding to the negative news, the low-key Mrs. Liu had to break out from her silence and accepted an exclusive [Oriental Daily] interview yesterday with her son. They did the interview with [Oriental Daily] all the way from Thailand.
R - Reporter ; Mrs. Liu - Gordon Liu's second wife ; S - Kris Sin, the son.
R: There has been a lot of rumors lately. It was reported you're money hungry and want to take all of Gordon's money while he's sick?
Mrs. Liu: There is no such thing! I came with him to Hong Kong in 1991 and we were married then. We have a son and daughter, but unfortunately after we had our youngest daughter, we realized our personalities didn't really match. He likes to drink and has a playboy personality. All along, I've just relied on my religion and concentrated on raising my children to maintain the marriage. Until 2009, Gordon said he wanted to send our son to Singapore for his studies, and I thought, isn't it time to start a new life? So, under Gordon's arrangements, I signed the divorce contract. At the time, I told him I'm willing to get a divorce, but our oldest son's name must be added to the property, giving him half of the ownership. I just hoped my children have some security and then I went back to live in Thailand.
R: Are you and Gordon officially divorced then?
Mrs. Liu: I'm not sure myself. I already called the HK lawyer, [he/she] said Gordon got a new lawyer, so I couldn't get any answers.
R: After Gordon had the stroke, did you visit him back in HK? Did you ask him for money?
Mrs. Liu: After he had the st! roke, I i! mmediately went back to HK to look after him. Because I'm not doing too well financially, I borrowed $20,000 from a relative to use as living expenses. Actually when we signed the divorce papers, I didn't ask for a penny, why would I be hungry for his money! It is just because a few years ago I had ineffective turnover from my business and have borrowed $30,000 from Gordon. At the time, Gordon didn't get the stroke yet. After he suffered from the stroke, I have never asked him for any money nor have I asked him to change the house title to my name.
R: It was said you wanted to bring Gordon back to Thailand for treatment?
Mrs. Liu: Actually I already suggested for Gordon to get treatment in Thailand in March. After all, its more convenient for me to look after him in Thailand. However, from then on, someone did whatever they could to prevent me from sending Gordon over here, but since I separated with Gordon, I didn't persist on. Up until the end of last month, someone was trying to prevent my children from visiting their father. Also, all those negative rumors started circulating then. I just feel its necessary for me to speak up this time! Firstly, I want to clarify the false reports and secondly, I hope my children can visit their father because its a very normal matter for children to see their father.
R: When was it, where you could no longer visit your father Gordon Liu?
S: Last November. I went to HK from Singapore and went to visit my father as usual in the late evening. I hope he gets well soon, but starting March of this year when my mom suggested that we bring my father back to Thailand, there were a lot of strange rumors that started circulating. Late last month, someone transferred my father to the nursing home without notifying me. I tried a lot of different methods to find out where my father was living. I wanted to visit him, but the nurses stopped me at the door. The nurse said my father doesn't want to see anyon! e. I don'! t know what is happening, I just want to visit my father! I really want to know my father's current condition!
R: How are you and your mom doing financially now?
S: Last year when my father had the stroke, I decided to take 1 year off from school and go back to take care of my father and younger sister. Although my father gives us $5,000 a month for living expenses, through his manager, we still want to reduce the financial burden. I'm currently working as a waiter. We are doing fine now.
R: Gordon has always loved his children very much?
Mrs. Liu: Yes, very! Whatever our children wanted, if Gordon could afford it, he would buy it for them. Each week, he takes them out. On their birthdays, he would throw a huge birthday party and make them very happy.
Source: Oriental Daily
Translated by: aZnangel @ AsianEU Forum
Casper Chan Botox Job
Casper Chan recently got an endorsement deal in which she has to get botox on her nose and chin to show off the results... and I think she looks horrible! I don't know how this will convince people to get this procedure. I don't know if part of the reason she did this is to get more acting opportunities, but there's nothing special about her acting so I don't really see her moving up beyond minor acting roles. What do you think of her makeover? If you were paid to get botox on your nose and chin, would you?
A Record-Breaking Final
The Miss Hong Kong Pageant 2012 ended last night. The show averaged 27 points peaking at 32 during the announcement of the winners.

The Communication Bureau Received 447 Complaints

After the show, the Communication Bureau received a total of 447 complaints regarding the mismanaging, misleading, deceiving, and unfair results. They called for TVB to explain how to deal with the prize. The department took the complaints seriously, and will have to learn more about the schedule of the show to handle the complaints. This was a rare case.

TVB To Turn Hackers Into the Police

TVB immediately organized a press conference to explain the incident. Cheng revealed that the investigating team found unusual traffic during the voting period. The number of voters exceeded Hong Kong's population several times. It is suspected that hackers might have been behind the incident. TVB will hire an independent company to do professional investigation, and might call the police for help.

Sandy Yu Learned a Harsh Lesson

Many people felt that Sandy Yu should be responsible for the system's failure and resign from her position. She revealed through a telephone interview, "TVB asked no one to be responsible for the incident, but I have learned a harsh lesson. The ratings were not bad. 'Any new attempt has unexpected risks.' We will insist on a voting system, and try it on other shows until it succeeds."

(Was the failure a big joke?) Eric Tsang said, "It's quite funny! Everyone paid efforts into the show, but voting failed at the last hurdle. The technicians said it would work. Who knew it didn't! (Should Sandy take responsibility?) That would not be necessary. On the bright side, it is everywhere in the news! (Is her style too aggressive?) She is from ATV, and they are known for being aggressive. But the high officials assured her plans."

Cheng Shin Keong To Announce The Luxury Vehicle Prize-Playing Details

As announced earlier, one lucky voter would win a luxury car worth 40 million HKD. Since the system crashed, TVB changed the competition rules and no winner was selected to win the prize.

Cheng Shin Keong revealed at the press conference, saying that a winner will be determined within two weeks. It will be an MHK-related telephone voting game. The details will be announced within these two days.

Carina Lau Did Download the Voting App

Carina Lau supported TVB's sincerity to select a lucky winner for the prize. She said, "I downloaded the app, and was ready to vote! The judges elected the champion, and we would have believed in the audiences' decisions too. (Re-election?) The chances are slim. Even if I weren't a judge, I would have respected the judges' decisions. Moreover, the results were reasonable."

Source: HK Channel
TVB Artist Glossary (Males A-C)
There are a ton of artists listed on TVB.com. You would probably know the name of the lead actors but may not know all the supporting actors, green leafs, minor actors, hosts, musicians, etc. I'm going to attempt to go over all the artists that they have listed and give a brief description of each of them based on what I know and see of them. I say attempt because there are over 350 people and I have no idea when I'm going to finish or if I will even remember to complete this but I'm going to start off with the guys.

MC Jin- Winner of Most Improved Award at the 2011 TVB Awards. He'll soon be seen in Highs and Lows although I don't know how much further he'll develop in Hong Kong since his new baby was born and he mainly resides in the U.S. now.

More Male Artists- Last names A-C

Stephen Au- He's mainly a supporting actor although he does get some 2nd lead roles. His last biggest role was in Be Home For Dinner where he played one of the male leads in the sitcom.

Brian Burrell- Since he is the only Caucasian male at TVB, he plays a lot of the foreigner roles when required. He plays a lot of minor roles although he lo! oks like he might have a bigger role in the upcoming Detective Columbo.

William Chak- A former Mr. Hong Kong who definitely seems to be promoted by TVB because of his good looks. He's had a few supporting roles so far, but he's in the popular Tiger Cubs and has lots of screen time in the upcoming Sergeant Tabloid.

Angus Chan- former contestant on The Voice 3. I'm not sure where he's going to develop but I wouldn't be surprised if we see him in some little brother roles soon.

Calvin Chan- A former Mr. Hong Kong winner in the youth category. You probably best know him from Yes Sir, Sorry Sir as the student that was not part of K4.

Hong Kin Chan- He's originally from the first season of The Voice, but you may mainly recognize him as one of Ruco's coworker buddies in No Good Either Way.

Jason Chan- He's a popular rising siu sang due to his commercial appeal. He may seem young, but he's actually 35, which is older than a lot of the current siu sangs! He started off as a host/presenter due to his proficiency in English and had many small acting roles. His first series as the male lead has just completed in which he'll play Linda Chung's love interest in Blissful Ferris Wheel.

Kelvin Chan- He does not look familiar to me at all so I have no info on him right now. Oops? :P

Kwong Yiu Chan- I have no idea who he is either.

Moses Chan- Winner of the 2002 Most Improved Award and the 2007 TVB King
His fame skyrocked due to War and Beauty and is probably the richest of the TVB actors that do not go to China to film. He tackles a variety of roles from comedy to drama. I prefer his dramatic side since I think he tends to portray all comedic characters the same.

Oscar Chan- Due to his baby face, he gets cast in a lot of little brother roles.

Otto Chan- A former 2006 Mr. Hong Kong winner in the "Maturity" category. He's mainly a supporting actor right now but he did garner attention for his supremely fit body in Gloves Come Off. He is currently engaged to Law Lok Lam's daughter. If there is a Tiger Cubs 2, they should definitely cast him!

Penny Chan- Former contestant on The Voice 2. He had a memorable duet with Mimi Lo which basically revitalized her music career due to her powerful performance. His first acting role was in Sergeant Tabloid in which he's featured in the first few episodes. I can see him doing well because he's a good looking guy.

Ruco Chan- After returning from ATV, he started off in supporting roles- most of them as the villian. His first lead role was in The Other Truth in which he was a standout and is now one of the leading siu sangs.

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Joel Chan- He basically gave up his promising acting career to follow his rich girlfriend everywhere. :P His next (and probably last) series will be aired soon- The Last Steep Ascent.

Sunny Chan- One of the most stable actors at TVB right now. He plays a lot of naive roles, but my favorite role of his is when he played the serious detective in Detective Investigation Files 4. After taking a year off to take care of his autistic son, he'll soon return to film a pre-modern comedy.

Wing Chun Chan- You probably don't know his name but I'm sure you recognize his face since he's had many roles ranging from cameo to supporting actor in so many series. I think you'll probably see him in more prominent supporting roles soon since so many green leaf actors had left.

Daniel Chau- One of the twins from The Voice. Daniel and Adrian have been in a few series together but they've also been in separate series as w! ell. Danie! l has been in Tiger Cubs, No Good Either Way, and will be in Love Seasons.

Adrian Chau- He seems to have more filming opportunities since he was in Ghetto Justice 2, Silver Spoons Sterling Shackles, and will also be in Triumph in the Skies 2. I can't tell them apart so I have no idea who's acting is better!

Victor Chen- Another former contestant of The Voice. He was one of the 4 Voice contestants who sang the theme song for Gun Metal Grey.

Fred Cheng- He's another supporting actor that seems to be cast in a lot of younger brother roles. One of his more memorable roles was in Forensic Heroes as Yoyo Mung's brother. He's also a talented musician and I think he primarily acts to bring exposure to himself and his music.

Hoffman Cheng- He plays a lot of minor characters so you've probably seen him in many series as well. He just completed filming for The Jus! tice of L! ife.

Jackie Cheng- He doesn't look familiar to me.

Jason Cheng- He's a former Mr. Hong Kong contestant who mainly joined so that he can enter the entertainment industry.

Kevin Cheng- Although he won the Best Actor award in 2006, his popularity skyrocked in 2011 with his role as Law Ba in Ghetto Justice as well as his 8th prince role in Bu Bu Jing Xin. He was awarded the TVB Best Actor, Favorite Male Character and TVB.com popularity award and became the highest paid TVB actor. His previous roles consisted of him portraying a gentleman , although he also took risks with his role in Last One Standing and The Ultimate Crime Fighter. He is currently in China filming the tv version of Ip Man.

Rocky Cheng- Another former Mr. Hong Kong. He's had small roles where he usually plays the dumb beefcake. He is currently filming Triumph in the Skies 2 in which he plays an airplane technician.
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Timothy Cheng- He's a supporting actor who portrays a lot of villainous roles.

Aaryn Cheung- He recently graduated from the 25th training course and will be in The Hearts Pathway GPS.

Albert Cheung- No idea who he is.

KK Cheung- A green leaf who gets a lot of good roles because he is such a great actor. I really loved him in Curse of the Royal Harem as the evil yet loyal eunuch.

Owen Cheung- Another graduate of the 25th training course and he is currently filming The Hearts Pathway GPS.

Russell Cheung- He's had a lot of minor roles in different series but not big supporting roles so far.

Stanley Cheung- He started off as a host for various programs, until his popularity soared due to his memorable role as Ka Ming in When Heaven Burns. Since then, he's been boosted to bigger supporting roles such such as The Hearts Pathway GPS which he is currently filming.

Vincent Cheung- Another actor you may have seen since he has a lot of minor roles.

Jonathan Cheung- His first big role was in Three Kingdoms RPG where he went from kelefe to one of the audience's favorite characters as the lovable and loyal friend. I can see him getting some bigger supporting roles in the future.

Yuang Cheung- Another graduate of the 25th training course who will portray a pilot in Triumph in the Skies 2.

Ram Chiang- He started out as a popular singer/songwriter before he quit the music business. Instead, he focused on actor and I really love a lot of his roles. I like when he plays adorable characters such as the uncle in Witness Insecurity. He usually has a lot of big supporting roles.

Chin Ka Lok- Host, Stuntman/director, and actor. He loves to race and will soon get married to Angela Tong. He does more acting in movies, but when he films for TVB, he usually plays the lead in smaller productions.

Mason Chiu- A graduate of their training course and he's had some small roles in various series.

Raymond Chiu- A supporting actor who gets smaller roles in regular series, but has bigger roles in their sitcoms. I think he's been in every sitcom s! ince 2008! . I actually prefer watching him in sitcoms.

Raymond Cho- One of their more popular supporting actors. Due to his youthful appearance (he's 46!), he plays a lot of younger roles. His most popular role was probably Healing Hands but I loved him in Ghetto Justice 2.

Vin Choi- He seemed promoted in the beginning because he was one of the main characters in the sitcom, Off Pedder, as Esther Kwan's son, but he plays a lot of minor supporting roles now.

Jarvis Chow- one of their entertainment reporters

Brian Chu-Best known for being part of K4 from Yes Sir, Sorry Sir but I think he's actually a pretty bad actor right now.

William Chu- no idea

Kyle Cui- The Voice 3 contestant

Okay, so I'm done the first part which took a really long time! It was kinda fun but I'm not sure when I'm ever going to finish this since I have a long way to go. I need to set aside time to start the next batch.

Do you have any information on the various guys I didn't recognize? Feel free to leave your thoughts and comments on any of these actors.