Adrian Pang Yeow Soon (born 8 January 1966) is a Singaporean actor, host, and contracted artiste under FLY Entertainment. A full-time Mediacorp artiste from 1990 to 2010, Pang first came to prominence in the Singapore television scene with his performances in both English-language and Chinese-language television dramas produced by MediaCorp and SPH MediaWorks in the 1990s. Since then, he has taken roles in hosting and theatre production.
In 2010, Pang left MediaCorp to set up his theatre company, Pangdemonium, with his wife and produced several plays. Pangdemonium would close in 2026.
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Early life
Pang was born in Malacca, Malaysia, but emigrated to Singapore shortly after with his family when he was four years old. He was educated at Anglo-Chinese School and Anglo-Chinese Junior College. Although he graduated with a law degree from Keele University in England, he did not practice. After his graduation from Keele University, he trained at the ARTTS International in Bubwith.
He worked for a number of years in British theatre and television before returning to Singapore. While he was based in Britain, he would occasionally return to Singapore for stage work where he first caught the eye of Singaporeans when he starred in the Singaporean comedy film Forever Fever (1998).
Career
In 2014, Pang wrote his first book for children, Hansel and Girl Girl. The children's picture book, illustrated by Cultural Medallion winner Milenko Prvacki, transplants the traditional Hansel and Gretel fairy tale to a Singapore setting. Published by Epigram Books, part of the proceeds went to charity.
Theatre career
Pang had also appeared in various theatrical performances such as Forbidden City: Portrait of An Empress (2002), The Odd Couple (2004), A Twist of Fate (2005), The Dresser (2006) and many others.
In late 2012, Pang starred in the Singapore Repertory Theatre's production of God of Carnage. The next year, he went on to star in a stage adaptation of Rabbit Hole opposite popular actress Janice Koh.
In January 2010, Pang announced that after his current artiste contract with Mediacorp expired in March of that year, he would "experimentally" leave the entertainment industry, and establish a drama company with his wife, to be called "Pangdemonium!". According to Pang, the "experimental" leave was made possible via a prior arrangement with Mediacorp executives, and that he is open to returning to Mediacorp, or act in Mediacorp projects, in the future. At this time he did not appear for the last few episodes in New City Beat and acted in Channel 8 drama series With You.
Pangdemonium!'s inaugural production was The Full Monty held in June 2010, based on The Full Monty. Their next production, Closer showed from February to March 2011. Their third play, Dealer's Choice was played from 29 September to 12 October 2011. They went on to produce Spring Awakening in February 2012 and Swimming with Sharks in September 2012.
2026 would be Pangdemonium's final year with the couple attributing the closure to personal reasons.
Media career
While in England, Pang also acted bit parts in television series like The Fragile Heart with Nigel Hawthorne and films such as Tony Scott’s Spy Game and Night Watch with Pierce Brosnan.
In December 2000, it was announced that Pang had agreed to switch to SPH MediaWorks as a producer-presenter. He quickly established himself as a household name through his work on SPH MediaWorks Channel i. A versatile talent, he excelled in hosting as well as acting, such as in the comedy Durian King and the main actor in the channel's final production, Six Weeks, before its impending merger with Mediacorp in 2005. An original idea of his, Pang co-wrote Six Weeks and was part of the creative process from start to finish.
In 2017, after the merger of SPH MediaWorks and Mediacorp, Pang was transferred back to Mediacorp. He went on to appear in Chinese dramas on Channel 8, such as the blockbuster drama Portrait of Home in 2005. His portrayal of the eccentric Dadi earned him a Best Actor nomination in Star Awards 2005. Pang admitted he had much difficulty acting in the show. He even describes himself as a 'kentang', a Malay term, to describe someone who is very Westernised.
Pang also starred in Jack Neo's romantic comedy I Do I Do (2005) with Sharon Au. He also appeared on Makan King on Channel U, Nine Lives on Arts Central and Maggi & Me on Mediacorp Channel 5. In March 2007, he clinched the coveted Best Actor award at the national Life! Theater Awards for 2006.
Pang's humour makes him one of the more sought-after hosts in Singaporean media. He was the host for The Arena and Deal or No Deal aired on Mediacorp Channel 5. He has also helped to host the National Day Parade Celebrations in Singapore as well as Miss Singapore Universe.
He also played the male lead in the series Parental Guidance opposite Hong Kong actress, Jessica Hsuen. That was also the first time Pang played a legal professional on television.
In 2008, Pang filmed a Chinese drama serial, Nanny Daddy, which was telecast on Channel 8 in September that year.
Personal life
Pang married Tracie Pang in 1994 or 1995. They have two sons, the younger of whom is Xander Pang.
In 2001, Pang moved back to Singapore permanently with his family.
