Richie Koh Shines in Heels and Corset, Nominated for Golden Horse Best Actor

Richie Koh is quickly gaining recognition as one of Singapore’s most intense actors. His film debut has already garnered a nomination for Best Actor at the Golden Horse Awards, thanks to a remarkable transformation for his role.

In the upcoming film *A Good Child*, set to hit theaters on October 9, Koh portrays a drag queen returning home to care for his mother, played by Hong Hui Fang, who is battling dementia. Seizing the opportunity presented by her memory loss, he assumes the role of her daughter, rekindling their strained relationship. Together, they navigate the complexities of their past while sharing lighthearted moments of shopping and pampering.

Directed by Ong Kuo Sin, known for *Reunion Dinner* and *Number 1*, this M18-rated film draws inspiration from the life of Christopher Lim, famed in drag circles as Sammi Zhen.

Koh’s vibrant drag character is captivating, but the film focuses more on the universal longing for belonging than on addressing societal taboos. It invites viewers to ponder how identities are formed, the essence of home, and the impact of acceptance from loved ones.

His performance, both in extravagant makeup and as the troubled son, offers a blend of humor and heartfelt moments, reminiscent of *Hedwig and The Angry Inch*. Koh humorously remarked, “Everyone says I’m very pretty,” attributing it to the makeup artistry and styling. The film is also competing for a Golden Horse accolade in Best Makeup and Costume Design.

Perfecting his appearance took nearly four days, and Koh expressed feeling transformed upon seeing himself in the mirror. “The makeup layers helped me visualize how to perform and portray a different version of myself,” he reflected.

A corset was essential in embodying his character. “The corset aligns your posture, altering how you express yourself and even the way you sit,” Koh explained, highlighting how it influenced his on-set demeanor. Wearing high heels also contributed to a confident presence. “How I felt while wearing them reflected in my dialogue delivery and overall performance,” he shared.

To prepare for this role, Koh lost between 9 to 11 kg in just a month, subsisting mainly on soup, wontons, veggies, and a bit of meat. Despite his past experiences with fasting, he advised caution for those unfamiliar with it.

He has since regained some weight, but his appetite remains subdued, noting, “I couldn’t even finish a bowl of bak chor mee or wantan noodles at first.”

Despite the physical challenges, Koh finds fulfillment in achieving the desired performance. He has openly expressed interest in transformative roles and, after winning Best Actor at the 2023 Star Awards, he immediately sought opportunities like *A Good Child*.

He noted, “This was indeed the most exhausting role I’ve ever taken on. Once filming wrapped, all I could think about was resting. I felt drained.” However, he added that the complex nature of his character made it enjoyable to portray.

Several scenes demanded high concentration, filmed in long takes that tapped into his emotional depth.

Koh credits director Ong for assisting him in reaching his best performance. “Without him, I wouldn’t have been able to grasp the character’s nuances. He was always on set, guiding me. His encouragement allowed for creative freedom, which I cherished,” Koh stated.

Regarding his nomination at the Golden Horse Awards, he mentioned, “Being nominated is an incredible honor. It showcases the talent from Singapore and may uplift the industry during these challenging times.” He hopes the film inspires audiences and new actors alike.

In his own words, “This heartfelt story about family, love, and humanity is worth watching, and I hope it offers valuable insights into life after the cinema experience.”

At its core, the film conveys a poignant message of cherishing time with loved ones. Koh emphasized, “Time is precious, so spend it with family and close friends. Make memories while you can.”

Looking ahead, he hopes his upcoming projects will be just as compelling. He’s currently working on a comedy titled *Luck My Life!*, expected for release during the Chinese New Year. In this film, he portrays a character who, after losing his good fortune overnight, seeks to regain it through mahjong.

He also expressed a desire to tackle more challenging roles, mentioning an interest in playing a blind character to explore their unique experiences.

*A Good Child* is set to release in cinemas on October 9.