Durian Picks & Laughs: Henry Thia’s Baffling Guide
Ever opened a durian and felt like you’d just peeled back the skin of a grandmother’s wrinkled face? Henry Thia swears that’s the sign you’re about to taste the good stuff.
Why Wrinkles Matter
In a recent chat with AsiaOne, the 70‑year‑old actor‑comedian tossed out the real secret: the more wrinkles on the flesh, the better the flavor. “If it’s smooth, it’s still a kid. Don’t eat that one,” Henry quipped with a chuckle. It’s the ultimate test of durian maturity.
Hollywood vs. Kitchen
While Henry is busy crafting jokes, his co‑star Mark Lee (54) is out on set filming the upcoming romantic comedy The King of Musang King, slated for Lunar New Year release next year.
- Plot essentials: Jack Neo’s character Mao Shan runs a durian farm and wants to export his goods, battling the “Three Heavenly Kings” of the trade.
- Mei Lian (Yeo Yann Yann) – the supportive neighbour and farming love interest.
- Jin Shui (Mark Lee) returns from abroad, complicating the love triangle.
- Throughout, durians are the absolute central point of the film.
Mark’s “Mysterious” Selection Rules
When pressed about his own durian expertise, Mark admitted he’s pretty clueless. “Honestly, I just grab the Musang King because it’s known to be top‑tier,” he said. Then he made fan‑base people laugh: “But you gotta check the packaging. If they let it sit at the back of inventory, the Musang King might downgrade to a D24.”
Set‑Day Spoilage Saga
Every day on set, fresh durians arrive—only to be opened and devoured by the crew during wrap‑up. Mark explained the inevitable “treat‑as‑you‑go” dilemma: “We can’t store them overnight, so the crew opens and eats the waste. We try to finish, but the numbers just keep piling up.” Henry added, “It’s a lot—more than we can chew!”
Takeaway
Whether you’re hunting for durians based on the “grandmother’s wrinkle” test or simply grabbing a Musang King straight from the store, remember: fresh and correctly handled, the fruit’s heart‑warmingly sweet inside is always worth the precision.
‘We’ll always need new blood’
Mark Lee — A Champion of the New Chinese Comedy Crop
When you’re in the groove of a comedy show, or even just binge‑watching a sketch, it’s hard not to notice the next generation of talent blooming on stage. Mark Lee, the seasoned Singaporean comic, has been giving a solid thumbs‑up to every up‑and‑coming Chinese comic that’s trying to make a splash.
“New Blood Is the Name of the Game!”
“If someone decides they want to make a name for themselves in Chinese comedy, we’re all for it. No matter the platform, fresh faces keep the conversation lively,” Mark says while smiling in Mandarin.
- Supportive Mentorship – Mark isn’t just a cheerleader; he offers guidance and honest feedback to budding comedians.
- Endless Motivation – “Having a clear goal is a good thing,” he adds. “When you’ve got a plan, we seniors are ready to back you and give you a reality check.”
It’s Fair Play, Not “Takeover”
But there’s a fine line between helping the comedy scene grow and throwing in a shot at the classics. Mark keeps his comments balanced.
He admits, “Even I’d be hesitant to claim I’ll take over the likes of Henry or Jack Neo. I’m not suggesting we can mimic Wang Sa and Ye Fong either. That’s not fair.”
Wang Sa & Ye Fong – The Legends
The duo, celebrated in the ’60s and ’70s, were the East Asian Laurel & Hardy, bringing slapstick to Singapore. Mark respects their legacy:
- They set a high bar for comedy.
- They’re a benchmark for aspiring artists.
Instead of “taking over,” Mark proposes a different approach: “Use their artistry as a springboard. Learn their craft, then inject your own flavor into the Chinese comedic scene.”
Mark Lee, a Mentor, Not a Competitor
While Mark’s support is laser‑focused on innovation, he avoids making a declarative statement that he’s cutting into the territory carved by iconic figures like Henry Thia, Jack Neo, or Yeo Siong. He’s all about bridging gaps, not crushing territories.
Leading to a future where the comedy circus keeps expanding without the fear of a “takeover,” keeping the old lore alive while ushering in new vibes.
Quick Takeaway
- Mark Lee endorses fresh talent!
- He advocates for mentorship over conquest.
- Respect for legends, while carving space for fresh comedic beats.
So, the next time you catch a Chinese comic performing or a new show appears, know that Mark Lee has your back, cheering for your future stage moments—no overreach, just pure enthusiasm and guidance.
