Once hailed as a rising star in Hong Kong’s entertainment industry, Matteo Ko Kwan Yinthe first ever winner of TVB’s Mr Hong Kong competition in 2005, is now making headlines for a very different reason: his fall from grace. Once earning up to CNY¥552,400 ($76,000) per acting project, Matthew is reportedly working as a construction worker to provide for his wife and young daughter after years of financial mismanagement.
At the height of his fame, Matteo Ko starred in a hit TVB dramas like On the first beat, Burning Flame IIIAND Forensic Heroes II. However, instead of saving or investing his earnings, he adopted a lavish lifestyle, spending indiscriminately. Despite declining popularity and long periods of unemployment in recent years, Ko has continued to burn cash, spending more than CNY¥27,000 ($3,795) every month.
His excessive spending eventually led to financial ruin. According to his wife, Matthew now does daily construction work carrying bricks and mixing mortar under the scorching sun just to earn enough for diapers and milk for their one-year-old daughter. That once cured TVB The star now lives frugally, opting for cheap street food and a modest lifestyle, despite still residing in a relatively posh home.
Before turning to manual labor, Ko also briefly worked in a car wash. In 2023, he attempted a comeback with a role in television drama News queenthanks to the support of some old colleagues. However, without a management company to back it up and with TVB No longer interested in reviving his career, Ko’s return to the entertainment industry proved to be short-lived.
Born in 1984, Matteo Ko Kwan Yin was once considered TVB golden boy, known for his model looks and charm. His journey from celebrity to construction worker has sparked sympathy and cautionary reflections within the entertainment community.
Sources: afamily
