A Hollywood Tale Reimagined: "Fat Sister" and the Cycle of Star-Making
The entertainment industry’s quest for stardom often paints a picture of glitz and glamour, but a recent revelation from Taiwanese talent manager "Fat Sister" offers a glimpse into its darker, moreexploitative side.
Fat Sister, known for her no-nonsense approach and seasoned experience, recently recounted a cautionary tale on the Taiwanese talk show "11 O’Clock Shop."
“There are many similarities between [my management style] and Michelle Chung’s character in ‘Big Fat Lies,’" she admitted, drawing parallels to the popular Netflix series about the cutthroat world of agenting. However, she quickly clarified "But I won’t hand out business cards everywhere like in the play, and I won’t sign contracts with artists" – implying a more selective and strategic approach.
Fat Sister’s story, however, goes beyond mere representation. Sharing a deeply personal anecdote, she spoke of a time when her protegee, a promising actress, was lured away by the promise of quick fame.
Remembering a new talent she excitedly nurtured, Fat Sister recounted, “[She] once told me, ‘Fat Sister, it’s enough for you to be alive!’” Those words, spoken with assurance and loyalty, cemented their bond.
Fat Sister invests deeply in her client relationships, travelling with them, immersing herself in their world, even venturing to promote their career in Japan.
However, this trust was tragically broken when the actress, after only four months under Fat Sister’s management, “[came] to me with other producers, saying there was an opportunity to play in a Category III movie in Hong Kong," Fat Sister recalled, “Because I worked with Vivian Hsu back then, and I heard too many bad things.”
Concerned for her protege’s future, Fat Sister vehemently urged caution, believing shortcuts could jeopardize long-term success. Her advice was ignored.
The actress readily accepted the Hong Kong project, espousing a "get famous quick" mentality often endemic in imbalanced power structures. The film failed to propel her career, leavingiesen realizing the fleeting nature of fleeting fame. The collaboration ended, leaving both individuals with a profound sense of betrayal.
"This beautiful actress… had no achievements" Fat Sister lamented, concluding, "so ultimately, she married quickly.”
Fat Sister’s story highlights a disturbing reality for young talents striving to break into the entertainment industry: the allure of quick success often overshadows the potential for lasting careers, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation. It serves as a stark reminder that behind the glittering facade of stardom lies a complex web of ambition, relationships, and often, heartbreak.
