Hsu Hsiao-shun Reveals Dark Period After 38 Years in Showbiz: Cried in Tears Backstage Before Double Knee Surgery

(Taipei, June 16 — Reporter Hung Su-chin) TV host Hsu Hsiao-shun recently shared his emotional journey of 38 years in the entertainment industry. Known for his humor on stage, Hsu reveals the hidden struggle behind the comedy — years of battling severe physical pain. He recalls a time before his double knee surgery when the pain became so unbearable that he broke down in tears backstage, needing painkillers just to perform.

Hsu recently appeared on the YouTube talk show 'T TALK,' where he opened up his private sanctuary — the 'Hsi Hsiao Shun Lifestyle Cultural Space' — located in a historic residence on Dihua Street in Dadaocheng, Taipei. At 65, having weathered over three decades of ups and downs in showbiz and health issues, he now shares his philosophy of 'dealing with whatever comes' through tea ceremonies and a collection of elegant stones displayed throughout his home.

Though he gives his all to make audiences laugh on stage, Hsu is extremely quiet offstage. In a press release, he opened up about the hardships behind his comedic persona: 'I've had surgery on both legs. My meniscus was damaged to the extreme.'

Recalling the dark period before his knee surgeries at age 60, Hsu remembers crying uncontrollably backstage during a show, desperately pleading with staff, 'Give me ten minutes,' as he had no idea how he would manage to go on stage. His condition worsened from taking painkillers every four hours to needing one every thirty minutes.

Looking back on nearly 38 years in the entertainment industry, Hsu admits it hasn't been smooth sailing. During his time on the show 'Lian Huan Pao,' he earned only NT$300 per day and had to secretly perform at construction site events with fellow comedian Kuo Tzu-chien to make ends meet. He once considered quitting showbiz entirely due to overwhelming setbacks — until he found a 'Buddha-shaped stone' on Bali Beach. That stone, he says, pulled him back, inspired him to stay on stage, and opened a new chapter in his life. (Edited by Li Hsi-chang) 1150616

Stand with the truth. Your support protects press freedom.

Download the CNA 'First News' app for real-time updates.

Text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, broadcast, or transmitted without authorization.