Sheren Tang

2.1. Childhood and Family Background

Sheren Tang was born on March 2, 1966, in Hong Kong. Her mother was only 17 years old at the time of her birth. Due to various factors, including the lack of readiness and financial struggles, her parents divorced when she was just five years old. Following the separation, Tang was raised primarily by her paternal grandparents, who were described as strict. She also has one paternal half-sister. Her ancestral hometown is Nanhai, Guangdong. Growing up, Tang rarely saw her parents, which contributed to a sense of loneliness and a preference for solitude, as there were not many children her age living nearby. This led her to often play with herself and talk to herself, significantly influencing her personality, leading her to develop a private world and a tendency to prefer being alone over being in large groups.

2.2. Education and Early Influences

Tang attended Heep Yunn School from primary through high school. Upon graduating from high school, seeking freedom from strict family control, she decided against pursuing a university education and immediately sought employment. Her initial aspiration was to become an air hostess, a dream shared by many young women at the time. However, after being rejected for the position, a disheartened Tang discovered an advertisement for TVB's acting training course. Being a fan of television dramas and possessing a natural aptitude for performance, she decided to apply, subsequently becoming a new actress for the network.

In 1984, with a nomination from veteran actor Andy Lau, Tang joined TVB's 13th acting training course. This particular year saw the course's duration reduced from a full year to half a year, split into two semesters. Tang was part of the second semester, alongside notable future actors such as Kitty Lai, Aaron Kwok, Maggie Shiu, and Michael Tse. Tragically, her paternal grandparents, who were her primary caregivers, passed away within a few years after she began her TVB training, with her grandfather dying before her first drama even aired, leaving her to live alone from then on.

In 1991, Tang traveled to the United States on a student visa to study interior design. During this period, she considered leaving the acting industry permanently to settle in the U.S., continuing to film for TVB only during her study breaks. However, upon her return to Hong Kong in 1994, she ultimately decided to remain in her hometown and continue acting, recognizing the increasing availability of more compelling roles for women in the industry at that time.

Her personal experience of a difficult childhood and estranged family relationships played a significant role in her decision to convert to Christianity in 2005. Tang has stated that her spiritual journey and conversion were instrumental in mending her relationship with her parents later in adulthood. She later became the president of the Hong Kong Artistes Christian Fellowship, an organization whose members include many prominent Hong Kong artistes. The fellowship itself was established in 1985 by Zheng Mingming, a close makeup artist to Barbara Yung, following Yung's tragic suicide due to depression and stress, with the purpose of providing support and assistance to Christian artists in Hong Kong.

3.1. Debut and Early Years (1985-1995)

After graduating from TVB's 13th training class in 1985, and having only appeared in a few commercials, Sheren Tang immediately secured her first leading female role in the series The Legend of the General Who Never Was. She stepped into this role after the original lead, Maggie Cheung, was re-assigned to take over Barbara Yung's remaining scenes in Battlefield following Yung's untimely death. This debut role not only launched Tang's career but also led to her first romantic relationship with co-star Alex Man. The drama itself achieved significant success, garnering an average viewership rating of 60% in Hong Kong.

Subsequently, Tang also took a leading role in King of Ideas (also known as The Feud That Never Was). In her initial years at TVB, she consistently played first or second leading roles, with many in the industry touting her as a successor to Barbara Yung due to their comparable beauty and similar appearance. She was frequently nicknamed "Little Barbara Yung" and "Most Beautiful Ancient Costume Actress," reflecting the network's high expectations for her.

Her early career also included starring in the comedy series Happy Spirit alongside Carol Cheng, where Tang played Cheng's younger sister. In 1986, she took on the role of Chow Chi-yeuk in New Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre, an adaptation of The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber novel. She later appeared as Ching Yuet Yue in Police Cadet 1988, the second sequel to the popular Police Cadet series.

By 1989, Tang was featured in five different series. Three of these - The Vixen's Tale, I Do I Do, and The War Heroes - saw her starring alongside Roger Kwok. That same year, she was cast as Ding Dong in Ode to Gallantry, a wuxia comedy based on a famous novel, which reunited her with her Police Cadet and New Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre co-star Tony Leung. In 1990, she played Fong Hei Tung in Friends and Lovers with Teresa Mo, a role she actively sought after expressing her interest in working with Mo to producers, for which she remained deeply grateful.

Her first notable supporting role came in 1994 with The Intangible Truth, where she played the sister of Roger Kwok's character. Although initially a guest role, it evolved into a significant part for the first half of the series. In the same year, Tang portrayed Tong Man Yung, best friend to Amy Chan's character, in the popular series Fate of the Clairvoyant, and also starred as Kam Yik Lin in the comedy Filthy Rich. In 1995, Tang appeared as Joyce Yan, a forensic pathologist, in File of Justice IV, the fourth installment of the acclaimed File of Justice series. She also played ICAC officer Poon Wai Yan in Corruption Doesn't Pay, a female-led drama alongside Esther Kwan and Kiki Sheung.

3.2. Move to ATV and Period of Transition (1996-1999)

In 1996, Sheren Tang made a significant career move, signing a one-year contract with ATV, a direct competitor to TVB. During this period, she filmed over 200 episodes within a span of one to two years. She notably starred as Yiu Siu Deep in the 1996 adaptation of I Have A Date With Spring. While this drama did not achieve significant viewership in Hong Kong, it became a massive success in mainland China, acquiring a dedicated cult following. This role is considered one of her early representative works in China, leading to numerous appearances on variety programs and awards shows where she performed songs from the series. She also reunited with former co-stars Amy Chan, Kiki Sheung, and Maggie Shiu in The Good Old Days, one of ATV's few popular series. Additionally, she featured in the drama Interpol, released in 1997.

Her time at ATV was also marked by a significant personal controversy. Tang became romantically involved with her I Have a Date with Spring co-star Jiang Hua, who was married at the time. This affair was widely publicized by the paparazzi, becoming a major scandal in newspapers. The relationship ended painfully, with Jiang Hua allegedly denying responsibility and placing all blame on Tang. This major public incident led her to refuse to renew her contract with ATV, prompting her return to TVB. This period is often described as one of the lowest points in her acting career.

After her contract with ATV concluded, Tang pursued acting opportunities in several Taiwanese drama series. In 1998, she also appeared in Liang Po Po: The Movie, portraying a foreign talent from Hong Kong hired to impart knowledge of the triad to local gangsters. In 1999, Tang took on a supporting role in the widely popular film Fly Me to Polaris.

3.3. Return to TVB and Resurgence (2000-2008)

In 2000, Sheren Tang returned to TVB. While the network welcomed her back, her roles were initially less prominent than before, with some observers noting a perceived demotion from "Grade A" actress status. Many of her roles during this time were considered daring and featured passionate love scenes, such as in The Quick Step of Passion, which was dubbed an R-rated television drama by the channel, or Loving You 1-2, a series exploring diverse forms of love and relationships in Hong Kong society, with each episode concluding a story. Despite their controversial nature, these roles proved instrumental in significantly developing her acting skills, allowing her to showcase versatility across a wide range of characters, including charming women, strong police officers, awkward doctors, single mothers, hawkers, air hostesses, massage parlor workers, drug addicts, kept women, and even lesbian roles, which were rarely seen in Hong Kong entertainment at the time.

Her official return to TVB in 2000 saw her starring in the weekend drama series The Threat of Love, which gained popularity for its unique and progressive storylines, leading to a sequel in 2003. In 2001, Tang portrayed a film director, Koi Ying-Jing, in Screen Play, and Koo Yiu in the period drama Country Spirit. She also took on supporting roles in the 2002 drama Good Against Evil and the 2003 teen drama Aqua Heroes. In 2003, Tang appeared as Su Tian Xin in the Taiwanese series Eternity: A Chinese Ghost Story, which featured a large cast from mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.

A pivotal moment in her resurgence came when she won the My Favourite Powerhouse Actress Award (later renamed Best Supporting Actress Award in 2005) at the TVB Anniversary Awards in 2003 for her various roles in The Threat of Love II. She repeated this win in 2004 and also secured one of the Favourite Television Character Awards for her critically acclaimed portrayal of Yu Fei (如妃) in War and Beauty. Her performance as the initially favored but ultimately fallen imperial consort, Yu Fei, was met with widespread critical acclaim, making her a strong favorite for the "Best Actress" award in 2004. However, the award was controversially given to Gigi Lai instead. Public outcry was significant, especially since Tang had been leading by a landslide in votes the night before the awards ceremony, leading many to believe her win was assured. This outcome prompted investigations by the ICAC and is remembered as one of the biggest snubs in the history of the awards show. Tang acknowledged feeling a "tiny bit of disappointment" due to the overwhelming public support, stating that "anyone can get affected by people's words." However, she also emphasized that her best performance was recognized by audiences, which she considered sufficient, likening an award to "dessert, something that is extra."

In 2005, she expanded her career into mainland China, starring in two series. That same year, Tang played So Sam in the costume drama The Prince's Shadow and also appeared in the suspense film Slim till Dead. In 2006, she made a cameo appearance in the Hong Kong film Dragon Tiger Gate as the mother of Dragon, a character played by Donnie Yen, in a flashback scene.

Her leading role as the tough marketing CEO Hilda Hoi in La Femme Desperado in 2006 marked another high point, with the series ranking number one in Hong Kong viewership ratings that year and winning the Best Drama Award at the TVB Anniversary Awards. Tang was nominated in both the Best Actress Top 5 category and the My Favourite Female Television Role Top 5 category for her performance. In 2007, Tang starred as Mung Ka-Ka (Monica) in The Family Link, which again saw her nominated in the Best Actress Top 5 category. This drama also ranked number one in average Hong Kong viewership ratings that year and received a nomination for Best Drama at the 2007 TVB Anniversary Awards. She also played a role in The Drive of Life, a major joint production between TVB and CCTV. In 2008, Tang starred as Kelly Yim in Your Class or Mine, reuniting with her File of Justice and Screenplay co-star, Bobby Au Yeung. That same year, in addition to Rosy Business, Tang also filmed two Chinese series.

3.4. Peak Success with "Rosy Business" and "No Regrets" (2009-2015)

The period between 2009 and 2015 marked the zenith of Sheren Tang's career, largely defined by the groundbreaking success of the Rosy Business series and its acclaimed sequel.

In 2009, Tang's portrayal of Hong Po-Kei (the "4th Wife") in Rosy Business brought her immense popularity, once again positioning her as a strong frontrunner for the "Best Actress" award. However, there were widespread rumors that TVB deliberately postponed the award ceremony to December to include major productions like Born Rich and Beyond the Realm of Conscience in the nominations, purportedly to reduce Tang's chances of winning, especially since she was not under a permanent contract with the network. It was rumored that TVB initially favored promoting Tavia Yeung, the female lead of Beyond the Realm of Conscience, for Best Actress. However, Yeung publicly declared that if Tang did not win, she would join netizens in protesting against TVB's decision. Fortunately, with the backing of TVB producer Catherine Tsang and a significant public petition that threatened protests outside TVB City if Tang did not receive her "long-overdue" award, she was duly awarded the "Best Actress" award, much to the delight of Hong Kong citizens. This victory established her as a major force in the industry.

Her critical and popular success continued in 2010 with her brilliant performance as Cheng Gau-Mui (鄭九妹), often referred to as Miss Kau (Cô Cửu), in No Regrets, the highly acclaimed indirect sequel to Rosy Business. In this complex role, she portrayed the daughter of a drug lord who covertly plans to dismantle her father's illicit business from within. Her performance once again made her a hot favorite for the "Best Actress" award. Bolstered by strong support from netizens, Tang was again awarded the coveted "Best Actress" award, making her the first actress in Hong Kong television history to win this top award consecutively. Her acting in No Regrets garnered even more praise and critical acclaim than her previous work in Rosy Business, solidifying her reputation as one of TVB's most talented actresses. Tang has consistently stated that her roles in Rosy Business and No Regrets are her favorite among all the characters she has played throughout her career.

The immense popularity generated by War and Beauty was further amplified by the success of both Rosy Business and No Regrets, catapulting Tang and her co-star Wayne Lai to even greater fame across Hong Kong, mainland China, Taiwan, and Cantonese-speaking Asian communities globally. They are widely considered one of the best on-screen duos in television, continuing to collaborate occasionally for charity, public events, and variety shows over the years.

In 2011, Tang starred as the Empress (Jihuanghou, Ô Lạt Na Lạp Cảnh Nhàn) in the mainland China series New My Fair Princess, a remake of the 1998 hit series My Fair Princess. This role earned her a Huading Award for Best Supporting Actress in 2011. Her commitment to New My Fair Princess prevented her from taking a similar role in the Chinese hit series Empresses in the Palace; that role instead went to her co-star and friend Ada Choi, who was originally slated to play Tang's character in War and Beauty. Tang has referred to this "character swap" as a "fantastic" stroke of fate. She also clarified that while she was asked to join New My Fair Princess, rumors of her rejecting a role in another hit series, Story of Yanxi Palace, were false as she was never offered a part in that production.

From 2012 to 2014, she also played a supporting role as Aunt Poise in The Four film trilogy, reuniting with her 2005 suspense film Slim till Dead co-star and friend Anthony Wong. In 2012, Tang starred as Bai Yuqin in the historical drama Allure Snow. In 2013, she played the executive of a supermarket chain in Love Is Not For Sale.

Her contract with TVB expired after filming for Beauty at War (also known as War and Beauty 2), the indirect sequel to War and Beauty, in 2012. In mid-2013, during promotional events and interviews for the series' release, Tang openly discussed the significant difficulties she faced during production, particularly the challenges caused by constant script delays. She noted that often, scripts were unavailable even on the day of shooting, leading to major anxiety and some physical health problems. She was diagnosed with dysautonomia during this period. Tabloid reports initially suggested that TVB would not renew her contract. However, Tang had stated in 2012, before production began, that Beauty at War would be her last drama with the network for the time being, as she intended to focus her work in mainland China. Both Tang and TVB later clarified that these reports were largely exaggerated and that there was no significant conflict, with Tang consistently expressing her openness to returning to TVB if a suitable role arose.

In 2014, she starred in the costume comedy Cosmetology High, portraying the historical figure Wu Zetian, the only empress regnant (female emperor) of China. Tang took approximately two years off from acting in 2014 and 2015 to prioritize her health following her diagnosis with dysautonomia and minor thyroid problems, from which she has since made a full recovery.

3.5. Recent Activities and New Directions (2016-Present)

After a short hiatus, Sheren Tang returned to acting, appearing in the film Heartfall Arises in 2016. She was subsequently cast in Star April and Once Given Never Forgotten in 2017. During this period, Tang also joined Wong Cho Lam's Tailor Made Productions Limited for a year.

Despite reports indicating that TVB had approached Tang for several dramas since 2015, including My Unfair Lady and Wonder Women (as the network sought to revitalize after years of low viewership and a significant exodus of artistes and employees), she instead chose to appear as a presenter at the TVB Anniversary Awards in 2016 and participated in a couple of the network's talk show programs in 2017.

In 2018, Tang made her return to Hong Kong television with ViuTV, starring in Till Death Do Us Part, where she collaborated with former TVB castmates Sunny Chan and Bernice Liu. In 2021, Tang confirmed via Weibo that she had signed with the Chinese management company Haohan Entertainment, which subsequently announced her as part of the main cast in the Chinese drama Women Walk The Line.

In recent years, Tang has openly stated her renewed focus on health, expressing her reluctance to overwork herself again. She now prefers to read at least a partial script before committing to a new role. She is also known for not signing long-term contracts with TVB, preferring to work on a per-drama contract basis. At the 2016 TVB Anniversary Awards, she lightheartedly remarked that she "cannot handle fei tze jai" (a colloquial term referring to small pieces of paper used by crew to deliver lines to actors on location due to unfinished scripts). Furthermore, Tang has emphasized her desire to only take on roles that she believes will have a positive impact on people's lives. She has also publicly stated that she feels she is treated more seriously and professionally as an actress in mainland China than in Hong Kong.

In September 2023, Tang announced that she had declined to participate in No Return, the fourth installment of the Rosy Business series. She explained her decision by citing an "unhappy past filming experience" and her unwillingness to compromise on unprofessional industry practices. She clarified that her decision was not financially motivated, dispelling tabloid rumors that TVB could not afford her due to her rising popularity in mainland China following the success of the film No More Bets; her decision, she noted, was made prior to that film's release.

Since May 2024, Tang has embarked on a new direction in her career by taking on the leading female role of Shou Ma in the Chinese theatre play Crocodile. This play was written and produced by Mo Yan, the renowned novelist and playwright who was awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Literature. This marks Tang's debut in stage theatre, and Crocodile is currently on tour, having performed in various cities across Suzhou, Guangzhou, and Ningbo.

4.1. Personality and Public Image

Sheren Tang often projects a strong, serious, and perfectionist image in her on-screen roles, frequently portraying characters who are independent career women or ideal heroines. This has led to her being seen as a symbol of modern, capable women who can stand on their own without relying on men, often associated with feminism. However, Tang has publicly clarified that she is not as strong as many perceive her to be, stating that she cannot live her life with every step planned out like her character Yu Fei. She has also emphasized that if given the choice between power and love, she would choose love without hesitation.

Off-screen, Tang has revealed a contrasting personality; she describes herself as easygoing, clumsy, and even a bit lazy. She is known for being informal and maintaining a close relationship with her fans, many of whom are younger students or working professionals. This connection with her younger fanbase is particularly significant, as she feels a special affection for them.

4.2. Relationships

Sheren Tang has had several publicized relationships with fellow actors throughout her career, including Alex Man, Jiang Hua, and Zheng Jingji. Most of these relationships were relatively short-lived, lasting between one and three years. Among them, only Zheng Jingji has remained a caring friend, consistently showing concern for her well-being, particularly during her health issues and the period when she faced a ban from her former television station.

Tang has reflected on her past relationships, admitting that she did not fully understand love in her earlier years. She describes herself as having been demanding and constantly yearning for love, without adequately reciprocating or showing affection to her partners. She attributes this pattern of failed relationships, in part, to a profound lack of warmth and security experienced during her childhood.

Despite these challenges, Tang once came close to marrying a foreign Jewish man who was not involved in the entertainment industry. She openly revealed that she ultimately decided against marriage because she recognized fundamental differences in their religious beliefs and lifestyles that she believed would inevitably lead to divorce. Nevertheless, she considers that period of her life to have been one of her happiest, as he taught her about true happiness and was unafraid to accompany her in public, even in the presence of paparazzi, unlike previous partners who might have distanced themselves during scrutiny. Though their relationship concluded, she holds a lasting memory of him. Currently, Sheren Tang remains single, affirming her readiness to marry should she find the right person who can understand and support her, and she vows not to close herself off to such a possibility.

4.3. Religious Activities

In 2005, Sheren Tang converted to Protestant Christianity. She has cited her faith in Christ's teachings of love and forgiveness as the primary reason for her spiritual journey. Her conversion was also instrumental in mending the previously estranged relationship with her parents later in her adulthood. Tang currently serves as the president of the Hong Kong Artistes Christian Fellowship. This organization was founded in 1985 by Zheng Mingming, who was a close makeup artist to the late actress Barbara Yung, following Yung's tragic suicide due to depression and stress, with the purpose of providing support and assistance to Christian artists within the Hong Kong entertainment industry.

5.1. Television Series

5.2. Film

6.1. Music and Concerts

Tang has contributed to music primarily through soundtracks and appearances in music videos.

• She sang "默默耕耘" (Mo Mo Geng Yun) for the soundtrack of the film Phi Chi Meng Xiang.
• She contributed to the soundtrack of I Have A Date With Spring (1995).
• She appeared in music videos for George Lam's "愛到發燒" (Love in Fever) in 1985 and Alan Tam's "第一滴淚" (Di Yi Di Lei) in 1986.

Tang has also participated in various music-related events:

• In 1988, she joined Lam Man-Chung in a singing competition in the "Shanghai-Paris World Singing Competition", performing "消失在风里" (Disappeared in the Wind).
• She has held several concerts, often alongside her frequent co-star Wayne Lai:
  • October 10, 2009: Concert in the U.S. with Wayne Lai and Kwan Kuk-Ying.
  • June 19, 2010: Concert in Toronto, Canada, with Wayne Lai.
  • October 10-11, 2011: "All Stars Gala Live In Genting" concert in Genting, Malaysia, with Wayne Lai and Mao Shun-Jun.
  • August 4, 2012: Concert in Singapore with Sit Ka-Yin, Tse Tin-Wah, Lam Bo-Yee, Ngo Ka-Nin, and Ma Choi.
  • October 5, 2012: "Hong Kong Film Festival" concert at Yunxing Theatre, Genting, Malaysia, with Sit Ka-Yin, Tse Tin-Wah, Lam Bo-Yee, and Ngo Ka-Nin.
• She was a guest performer at Adam Cheng's Concert Special in 2005, Sammi Cheng's LoveMi Concert Special in 2010, and Andy Lau's Unforgettable Concert Special in 2010.

6.2. Commercial Endorsements

Throughout her career, Sheren Tang has endorsed various brands and products, reflecting her commercial appeal:

• 2009: La Prairie cosmetics (泊妮化妆品), OTO Bodycare (OTO揼揼鬆).
• 2010: Lion White Story Laundry Detergent (潔白物語洗衣粉), Meiriki Japan Strong Bones (日本命力強骼素), Rohto Eye Moisturizer (樂敦養潤水), Easy Dance 纤形22. She continued endorsing Meiriki Japan until 2020.
• 2011: Blue Cross Insurance Hong Kong (藍十字保險), with Wayne Lai.
• 2012: Salon De Pro hair dye (染髮劑).
• 2013: Noto Ginseng (樂道三七).
• 2016-present: Rohto 50 no Megumi Hair Nutrients (50の惠 養潤育髮精華素).
• 2020: SCHSA Medical Alarm Smartphone and SCHSA Medical Alarm Smartwatch (the latter with Law Lan).

6.3. Variety and Reality Programs

Tang has been a frequent guest, host, or participant in numerous television variety and reality shows across different networks:

• She performed at the TVB 18th Anniversary Gala in 1985 and the TVB 21st Anniversary Gala in 1988.
• In 1995, she co-hosted 寰宇風情 (Worldly Customs) with Gordon Lam, covering episodes about Peru and the Amazon in Brazil.
• She appeared in various seasons of the popular TVB game show Super Trio Series, including Series 4 (1999) and Series 5 (2000), and Series 7 (2004).
• From 2001 to 2002, she hosted travel programs like 旅遊真的感受 (The True Feeling of Travel) and 旅遊真程趣III (Travel Fun III), which included episodes on Korea. She also guest hosted 名人蒲點食名菜 (Celebrities Eat Famous Dishes) covering Taiwan and Shanghai.
• She co-hosted Mission Reality (大學群英越野狂奔) with Kevin Cheng in 2002.
• Tang was a nominee or recipient at the TVB Anniversary Galas in 2003, 2004, and 2009, and a presenter at the TVB8 Mandarin Music On Demand Awards Presentation in 2004.
• She made appearances on mainland Chinese and Taiwanese variety shows such as Queen (女人我最大, TVBS, 2006), Happy Camp (HBS, 2011), Nothing is Bigger Than Eat (吃飯皇帝大, TVBS, 2011), Run For Time Season 2 (HBS, Mango TV, 2016), Ace VS Ace Season 1 (Zhejiang TV, 2016), The Jin Xing Show (SMG, 2016), and Crossover Singer (BTV, 2017).
• In 2020, she participated in Sing Or Spin Season 2 (HBS, Mango TV) and 流淌的歌声 (Flowing Songs, Guangdong TV).
• In 2021, she was part of Life Is Beautiful Season 2 (HBS, Mango TV), presented at the Changchun Film Festival (CCTV-6), and appeared on 辣妈学院 (Hot Mom Academy, Shenzhen TV, iQiyi).
• In 2022, she continued her appearances with China Literary and Art Circles Spring Festival Gala (Performer), China TV Drama Awards (Performer/Presenter), Night In The Greater Bay Season 1 (HBS, Mango TV), Hello, Saturday Season 1 (HBS, Mango TV), Duality Of Her (Douyin web series), Everlasting Classics Season 5 (CCTV-1, with Joey Meng), 曜言派 (Douyin), and served as a Guest Judge on Memories Beyond Horizon (Zhejiang TV, Youku, TVB).

Other notable appearances include:

• 1995: Host of 寰宇風情 (Global Customs) with Gordon Lam, covering Peru and Brazil.
• 1999: Guest on Super Trio Series (Series 4: 驚天動地獎門人).
• 2001: Guest on Weakest Link (一筆out消).
• 2009: Guest on Starry Kitchen (星級廚房) for 4 episodes, Be My Guest (志雲飯局), Club Sparkle (星星同學會), Beautiful Cooking (美女廚房) Series 2.
• 2010: Guest on Big Four Up (Big4大四喜) and The Green Room (今日VIP).
• 2016: Presenter for "Best Drama" at the TVB Anniversary Awards.
• 2017: Guest on SOBEM (恩雨之聲) and Telling Maria (最佳拍檔).
• 2020: Performer at the China Literary and Art Circles Spring Festival Gala.
• 2021: Performer at the China Literary and Art Circles Spring Festival Gala.

Tang also participated in stage plays such as The Miss Appointment (1991), Shanghai Under the Eaves (1995), and The Man Who Arrived Unannounced (2014). In 2006, she performed in the radio drama Lion Rock Under the Lion Rock (狮子山下) as Jan. From 2005 to 2006, she hosted the radio program Sex in My Heart 2 (性在有心2) with Ko Ho-Ching and Cheng Shui-Wan. In 2013, she hosted Pressure Never Falls (压力不倒翁). She also appeared in TVB's calendar photos in September 2007, 2008, and 2009.

7.1. Major Awards

Other awards and recognitions include:

• 1986: Overseas Chinese Daily News - Top 10 TV Stars.
• 2004: My Favourite TV Character (voted by artistes/War and Beauty), 娱乐满天星 - Most Popular Actress, 娱乐满天星 - Most Popular Villain (War and Beauty), Metro Radio - Best Classic Character (Grand Prize), Metro Radio - Best Actress, Radio Television Hong Kong - Most Outstanding Actress, Sina.com (Hong Kong) - Top 10 Outstanding People (4th position).
• 2005: FarmX Teen Power B-Day Party - Most Popular TV Personality Prize, Next Magazine Awards - Top 10 Artistes (1st position), Next Magazine Awards - Top 10 TV Dramas (1st position/War and Beauty).
• 2006: 南方盛典 Southern China Award Ceremony - Best Actress (Love of Fate).
• 2007: Metro Radio - Best Newsworthy TV Queen.
• 2009: My Favourite TV Character (voted by artistes/Rosy Business), Best Actress (voted by artistes/Rosy Business), YAHOO! Asia Buzz Awards - "Most Popular Drama" Award (Rosy Business), 腾讯网星光大典 - Most Popular Female Artiste, 腾讯网星光大典 - Most Popular Drama (Rosy Business).
• 2010: Next Magazine Award - Top 10 Dramas (2nd position/Rosy Business), My Favourite TV Character (voted by artistes/No Regrets), Best Actress (voted by artistes/No Regrets), Eileen Cha's Netizens' Choice - Best Actress, Eileen Cha's Netizens' Choice - Best Drama (No Regrets), YAHOO! Asia Buzz Awards - "Most Popular Drama" Award (No Regrets), YAHOO! Asia Buzz Awards - "Best Drama Theme Song" Award (No Regrets).
• 2011: Next Magazine Award - Top 10 Dramas (2nd position/No Regrets), 2nd Starhub-TVB Awards Ceremony - My Favourite TVB Drama (No Regrets), Mingpao Weekly "Best TV programme" - No Regrets.
• 2012: 星尚大典 Best Film & Television Character, Meiriki Japan Most Powerful Star.
• 2013: 卓展·Lady - Top 10 Female Characters with Positive Energy (Beauty At War).
• 2016: Meiriki Japan Most Powerful Star.
• 2021: OK! Magazine Awards - OK! Yearly Favourite Actress, iFeng 凤凰网 Fashion Choice - Tribute Actor of the Year, Rayli 瑞丽网 - 2021-2022 Quality Actress.

7.2. Controversies and Criticisms

Sheren Tang's career, despite its many successes, has also been marked by notable controversies and criticisms that have shaped her public image and approach to her work.

The most prominent controversy occurred in 2004 when she was widely considered the frontrunner for the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress for her role as Yu Fei in War and Beauty. Despite leading by a significant margin in public polls, the award was unexpectedly given to Gigi Lai. This decision sparked widespread public backlash, leading to accusations of favoritism and calls for an investigation by the ICAC. This incident is still remembered as one of the biggest snubs in the history of the TVB Anniversary Awards. While Tang expressed a degree of disappointment, she maintained that public recognition of her performance was paramount.

Another significant controversy arose in 2013 during the promotion of Beauty at War, an indirect sequel to War and Beauty. Tang publicly criticized TVB's production practices, specifically highlighting severe script delays that often meant actors did not receive their lines until the day of shooting. She revealed that these stressful working conditions, compounded by long hours (often 12-15 hours a day), led to significant anxiety and physical health issues, including a diagnosis of dysautonomia. Tabloid reports initially suggested that TVB would not renew her contract as a result of her outspokenness. However, Tang and the network later clarified that these reports were largely exaggerated, and Tang had already planned to focus her work in mainland China following the completion of Beauty at War. This incident underscored her commitment to professionalism and her willingness to advocate for better working conditions in the industry. Her decision in 2023 to decline participation in Rosy Business 4 also stemmed from her past "unhappy filming experience" and a refusal to compromise on unprofessional practices, further highlighting her stance on industry standards.

7.3. Public Acclaim and Influence

Sheren Tang holds a formidable standing as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, widely celebrated for her acting prowess and impact. She is frequently recognized by popular nicknames such as the 'Queen of Ratings', owing to her consistent ability to lead dramas to high viewership numbers. Early in her career, she was also known as 'Little Barbara Yung' and "Most Beautiful Ancient Costume Actress," reflecting industry and public perception of her as a potential successor to the beloved late actress Barbara Yung.

Her influence extends to younger generations of actors, who often look up to her as a role model. For instance, the acclaimed novelist Qiong Yao personally approached Tang to star in New My Fair Princess due to her admiration for Tang's performance in War and Beauty. This personal invitation, despite Tang's initial refusal due to prior commitments, highlights the high regard in which her talent is held by industry veterans. Her nuanced and strong female characters, particularly in dramas like Rosy Business and No Regrets, have resonated deeply with audiences, portraying resilient women who can overcome challenges independently, inspiring many viewers and reinforcing her image as a symbol of modern female strength. She is perceived as a highly professional actress, especially in mainland China, where she believes her craft is respected to a greater degree.

8.1. Television Series

8.2. Film

8.3. Music videos

8.4. Variety & reality programs

8.5. Soundtracks

• I Have A Date With Spring (1995)

8.6. Commercial Endorsements

Throughout her career, Sheren Tang has endorsed various brands and products, reflecting her commercial appeal:

• 2009: La Prairie cosmetics (泊妮化妆品), OTO Bodycare (OTO揼揼鬆).
• 2010: Lion White Story Laundry Detergent (潔白物語洗衣粉), Meiriki Japan Strong Bones (日本命力強骼素), Rohto Eye Moisturizer (樂敦養潤水), Easy Dance 纤形22. She continued endorsing Meiriki Japan until 2020.
• 2011: Blue Cross Insurance Hong Kong (藍十字保險), with Wayne Lai.
• 2012: Salon De Pro hair dye (染髮劑).
• 2013: Noto Ginseng (樂道三七).
• 2016-present: Rohto 50 no Megumi Hair Nutrients (50の惠 養潤育髮精華素).
• 2020: SCHSA Medical Alarm Smartphone and SCHSA Medical Alarm Smartwatch (the latter with Law Lan).

9.1. Major Awards

9.2. Other awards and recognitions

• 1986: Overseas Chinese Daily News - Top 10 TV Stars.
• 2004: My Favourite TV Character (voted by artistes/War and Beauty), 娱乐满天星 - Most Popular Actress, 娱乐满天星 - Most Popular Villain (War and Beauty), Metro Radio - Best Classic Character (Grand Prize), Metro Radio - Best Actress, Radio Television Hong Kong - Most Outstanding Actress, Sina.com (Hong Kong) - Top 10 Outstanding People (4th position).
• 2005: FarmX Teen Power B-Day Party - Most Popular TV Personality Prize, Next Magazine Awards - Top 10 Artistes (1st position), Next Magazine Awards - Top 10 TV Dramas (1st position/War and Beauty).
• 2006: 南方盛典 Southern China Award Ceremony - Best Actress (Love of Fate).
• 2007: Metro Radio - Best Newsworthy TV Queen.
• 2009: My Favourite TV Character (voted by artistes/Rosy Business), Best Actress (voted by artistes/Rosy Business), YAHOO! Asia Buzz Awards - "Most Popular Drama" Award (Rosy Business), 腾讯网星光大典 - Most Popular Female Artiste, 腾讯网星光大典 - Most Popular Drama (Rosy Business).
• 2010: Next Magazine Award - Top 10 Dramas (2nd position/Rosy Business), My Favourite TV Character (voted by artistes/No Regrets), Best Actress (voted by artistes/No Regrets), Eileen Cha's Netizens' Choice - Best Actress, Eileen Cha's Netizens' Choice - Best Drama (No Regrets), YAHOO! Asia Buzz Awards - "Most Popular Drama" Award (No Regrets), YAHOO! Asia Buzz Awards - "Best Drama Theme Song" Award (No Regrets).
• 2011: Next Magazine Award - Top 10 Dramas (2nd position/No Regrets), 2nd Starhub-TVB Awards Ceremony - My Favourite TVB Drama (No Regrets), Mingpao Weekly "Best TV programme" - No Regrets.
• 2012: 星尚大典 Best Film & Television Character, Meiriki Japan Most Powerful Star.
• 2013: 卓展·Lady - Top 10 Female Characters with Positive Energy (Beauty At War).
• 2016: Meiriki Japan Most Powerful Star.
• 2021: OK! Magazine Awards - OK! Yearly Favourite Actress, iFeng 凤凰网 Fashion Choice - Tribute Actor of the Year, Rayli 瑞丽网 - 2021-2022 Quality Actress.

9.3. Controversies and Criticisms

Sheren Tang's career, despite its many successes, has also been marked by notable controversies and criticisms that have shaped her public image and approach to her work.

The most prominent controversy occurred in 2004 when she was widely considered the frontrunner for the TVB Anniversary Award for Best Actress for her role as Yu Fei in War and Beauty. Despite leading by a significant margin in public polls, the award was unexpectedly given to Gigi Lai. This decision sparked widespread public backlash, leading to accusations of favoritism and calls for an investigation by the ICAC. This incident is still remembered as one of the biggest snubs in the history of the TVB Anniversary Awards. While Tang expressed a degree of disappointment, she maintained that public recognition of her performance was paramount.

Another significant controversy arose in 2013 during the promotion of Beauty at War, an indirect sequel to War and Beauty. Tang publicly criticized TVB's production practices, specifically highlighting severe script delays that often meant actors did not receive their lines until the day of shooting. She revealed that these stressful working conditions, compounded by long hours (often 12-15 hours a day), led to significant anxiety and physical health issues, including a diagnosis of dysautonomia. Tabloid reports initially suggested that TVB would not renew her contract as a result of her outspokenness. However, Tang and the network later clarified that these reports were largely exaggerated, and Tang had already planned to focus her work in mainland China following the completion of Beauty at War. This incident underscored her commitment to professionalism and her willingness to advocate for better working conditions in the industry. Her decision in 2023 to decline participation in Rosy Business 4 also stemmed from her past "unhappy filming experience" and a refusal to compromise on unprofessional practices, further highlighting her stance on industry standards.

9.4. Public Acclaim and Influence

Sheren Tang holds a formidable standing as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, widely celebrated for her acting prowess and impact. She is frequently recognized by popular nicknames such as the 'Queen of Ratings', owing to her consistent ability to lead dramas to high viewership numbers. Early in her career, she was also known as 'Little Barbara Yung' and "Most Beautiful Ancient Costume Actress," reflecting industry and public perception of her as a potential successor to the beloved late actress Barbara Yung.

Her influence extends to younger generations of actors, who often look up to her as a role model. For instance, the acclaimed novelist Qiong Yao personally approached Tang to star in New My Fair Princess due to her admiration for Tang's performance in War and Beauty. This personal invitation, despite Tang's initial refusal due to prior commitments, highlights the high regard in which her talent is held by industry veterans. Her nuanced and strong female characters, particularly in dramas like Rosy Business and No Regrets, have resonated deeply with audiences, portraying resilient women who can overcome challenges independently, inspiring many viewers and reinforcing her image as a symbol of modern female strength. She is perceived as a highly professional actress, especially in mainland China, where she believes her craft is respected to a greater degree.