Fandy Fan
Fandy Fan (Chinese: 范少勳; born November 4, 1993) is a Taiwanese actor and model recognized for his versatile performances in film and television.[1] Rising to prominence in the late 2010s, he has become a prominent figure in Taiwanese entertainment, particularly in dramas and independent films that explore themes of youth, relationships, and social issues.[2] Fan's breakthrough came with his role as Chiang Hsiu-Yu in the 2019 sports drama film We Are Champions, which earned him critical acclaim for portraying a young athlete navigating personal and team challenges. He gained further international attention through the boys' love series HIStory2: Crossing the Line (2018), where he played a lead role in a story of forbidden romance, contributing to the growing popularity of the genre in Asia. Subsequent notable works include the romantic adaptation More Than Blue: The Series (2021), in which he starred as Chang Che-kai, a terminally ill musician, and the psychological thriller Copycat Killer (2023), a Netflix series where he portrayed the nightclub DJ Shen Jia-wen amid a serial murder investigation.[3][4] His filmography also features projects like Bu xiang yi ge ren (2021) and the recent drama A Balloon's Landing (2024), showcasing his range across genres.[1] In 2019, Fan received the Best New Performer award at the 56th Golden Horse Awards for We Are Champions, marking a significant milestone in his career and highlighting his impact on Taiwanese cinema.[5][6] On a personal note, he married Lucy Yeh on February 14, 2023, and they have one daughter born in 2022.[7] Fan maintains an active presence on social media, with over 280,000 Instagram followers, where he shares insights into his professional life and endorsements.[8]Early life and education
Family background
Fandy Fan was born on November 4, 1993, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, and as of 2025, he is 32 years old.[1][9] He holds Taiwanese nationality and was born under the zodiac sign of Scorpio in the Year of the Rooster.[10] Public information about Fandy Fan's immediate family, including his parents and any siblings, remains limited, as he has maintained a degree of privacy regarding his personal upbringing.Academic background
Fandy Fan attended Hwa Hsia University of Technology in New Taipei City, Taiwan, where he majored in mechanical engineering.[11][12][13] During his studies, Fan participated in extracurricular activities that exposed him to media and performance opportunities. In 2013, while still enrolled, he joined the popular Taiwanese talk show 大學生了沒 (Da Xue Sheng Liao Mei, or "No More University Students") as a regular panelist, engaging in discussions on youth issues alongside other university students.[11][14] This involvement provided early training in public speaking and on-camera presence, laying groundwork for his interests in acting and modeling.[11] Fan graduated from Hwa Hsia University of Technology, though specific details on the year or any academic honors received during his tenure are not publicly detailed in available records.[12][13] His engineering education emphasized technical discipline and problem-solving.Career
Early career and debut
Fandy Fan entered the entertainment industry as a model, leveraging his 180 cm height and youthful appearance to secure early gigs that helped build his portfolio and provide financial stability while pursuing higher education. These modeling opportunities, including appearances in advertisements and music videos, marked his initial foray into the public eye around 2012, allowing him to gain visibility without formal training in the field.[15][16] His acting debut came in 2012 with the Disney Channel Taiwanese series As the Bell Rings (課間好時光一年二班), where he portrayed the character Ding Liang in this campus sitcom, marking his first on-screen role and introducing him to scripted television. Following this, Fan transitioned more fully into acting by joining the variety talk show University (大學生了沒) as a fixed guest starting in 2013, where he discussed youth issues alongside university students, aligning with his own studies in mechanical engineering at Hwa Hsia University of Technology. Between 2012 and 2017, he took on minor supporting roles in short films, advertisements, and web projects, such as micro-films and promotional content, which honed his skills through diverse, low-profile experiences.[15][11][14] As a newcomer, Fan encountered significant challenges, including the need to balance rigorous university coursework with frequent auditions and part-time jobs to sustain his ambitions. He often worked odd jobs like restaurant server, doorman, and Uber driver to make ends meet, while pushing through rejections in tryouts—for instance, during one beverage advertisement audition, he drank eight cans of soda to show dedication, yet was not selected. These early hurdles tested his resilience, but his self-taught approach, sparked by acting classes with instructor Lang Zu Yun, laid the groundwork for his persistence in the industry. His mechanical engineering background offered practical discipline, briefly referenced as a stabilizing force amid the uncertainties of entry-level entertainment work.[17][18][19]Breakthrough roles
Fandy Fan's portrayal of the rebellious high school student Hsia Yu Hao in the 2018 boys' love web series HIStory2: Crossing the Line marked a pivotal moment in his career, introducing him to a dedicated audience within the LGBTQ+ themed drama genre. Directed by Tsai Mi Chieh, the series follows Yu Hao's journey from a troublemaker transferred to a new school to a key member of the volleyball team, where he develops a romantic relationship with team captain Cheng-En He, played by Zach Lu. This collaboration with Lu and supporting cast members like Nick Yang highlighted Fan's ability to convey emotional depth and vulnerability, contributing to the series' strong reception and Fan's rising popularity among fans of Taiwanese BL content.[20][21][22] Building on this momentum, Fan took on the lead role of Chiang Hsiu-Yu in the 2019 sports drama film We Are Champions, directed by Chang Jung-chi, which demonstrated his versatility beyond genre-specific works. In the film, Fan plays a teenager from a disadvantaged background who, alongside his brother portrayed by Berant Zhu, pursues basketball as a path to redemption and family unity, under the guidance of coaches played by Chun-hao Tuan and David Wu. This project showcased Fan's dramatic range through intense physical performances and heartfelt family dynamics, earning critical praise for its authentic depiction of youth struggles.[23][24][25] These breakthrough roles significantly elevated Fan's profile, leading to heightened media attention and establishing him as a prominent figure in LGBTQ+-themed narratives while expanding into mainstream dramas. The success of HIStory2: Crossing the Line solidified his fanbase in the BL community, while We Are Champions broadened his appeal, influencing subsequent opportunities in diverse projects and collaborations with established directors and co-stars. This period from 2018 to 2019 positioned Fan as a rising star in Taiwanese entertainment, specializing in roles that explore themes of identity, relationships, and personal growth.[2][22]Recent developments
In 2021, Fandy Fan starred as Chang Che-kai in the Netflix series More Than Blue: The Series, a 10-episode adaptation of the 2009 Taiwanese film of the same name, which explored themes of terminal illness and unrequited love.[3] This role marked Fan's continued presence in romantic dramas while expanding his visibility on a global streaming platform. By 2023, Fan diversified into the thriller genre with a supporting role as the nightclub DJ Shen Jia-wen in Netflix's Copycat Killer, a 10-episode crime series set in 1990s Taipei that depicted a media-manipulating serial killer and the ensuing investigation.[26] The project highlighted Fan's versatility, moving beyond his earlier romantic leads to portray a character entangled in the high-stakes narrative inspired by a Japanese novel. As of 2025, Fan has lined up roles in two anticipated projects, further broadening his portfolio. In the crime thriller film That Burning House, directed by Tsai Yin-chuan and world premiered at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival on November 17, 2025, he plays Tsai Jen-hsing, a character entangled in a story of social workers, troubled youth, and institutional failures at a children's home.[27] Additionally, Fan appears in a supporting capacity as Xin Yi-fu in the romantic drama series Adrift in Love, a 10-episode production that premiered on October 25, 2025, which examines modern relationships through interconnected stories of love, wealth, and emotional drift.[28] These developments reflect Fan's strategic shift toward genre variety and international platforms, building on his established fanbase from romantic roles to encompass thrillers and ensemble dramas, thereby enhancing his profile in Taiwan's evolving entertainment industry.[29]Filmography
Films
Fandy Fan began his film career with supporting roles in anthology features before transitioning to leading parts in sports dramas and romantic narratives, showcasing his versatility in Taiwanese cinema. His early work in At Cafe 6 marked his debut in a multi-segment romance, while subsequent films highlighted his ability to portray complex emotional journeys. By the 2020s, he took on more prominent roles in independent dramas and comedies, contributing to stories exploring family dynamics and personal growth.| Year | Title | Role | Notes on Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | At Cafe 6 (六弄咖啡館) | Lin Zi-Ming | Supporting role in an anthology film exploring love stories in a coffee shop setting, serving as Fan's cinematic debut and early showcase of his dramatic range. |
| 2017 | Youth (青春應學會的十件事) | Xiao Gui | Supporting role in a coming-of-age anthology addressing youth challenges.[2] |
| 2018 | Bad Boy Symphony (惡小子哭哭) | Zhang Ren Kui | Main role in a drama about juvenile delinquents finding redemption through music.[2] |
| 2019 | We Are Champions (下半場) | Chiang Hsiu-Yu | Lead role as a high school basketball player navigating family hardships and team rivalries in this inspirational sports drama, earning Fan a Golden Horse Award for Best New Performer.[30] |
| 2021 | Leave Me Alone (不想一個人; also known as Bu xiang yi ge ren) | Loong | Romantic lead as a lonely pimp aspiring for social ascent while forming an unlikely bond, blending dark humor with themes of isolation in urban Taipei.[31] |
| 2022 | Mama Boy (初戀慢半拍) | Wei Jie | Main role as the troubled son of a single mother in this romantic comedy-drama about unconventional relationships and maternal bonds, adding depth to ensemble family portrayals.[32] |
| 2024 | A Balloon's Landing (氣球來了) | Zhong Yi Xiang / Jin Run Fa | Main role in a drama exploring identity and relationships.[2] |
| 2025 | Gan Bei (乾杯; also known as Lonely Lovers) | Eric Xu | Lead role in this cross-cultural romance following a Taiwanese-American woman's journey between Los Angeles and Taiwan, emphasizing themes of connection and cultural identity.[33][34] |
Television and web series
Fandy Fan entered the realm of web series with a prominent role in the 2018 boys' love drama HIStory2: Crossing the Line, portraying high school student Yu-Hao Hsia, a rebellious athlete navigating a forbidden romance and team dynamics in a volleyball club.[35] This 8-episode series, produced for online streaming, marked a significant step in his career by showcasing his versatility in youth-oriented serialized narratives that addressed LGBTQ+ relationships within a Taiwanese educational setting.[20] Aired primarily on LINE TV, the production emphasized emotional depth through episodic progression, contributing to Fan's growing recognition in genre-specific web content.[36] Expanding into mainstream adaptations, Fan starred as the lead Che-kai Chang in More Than Blue: The Series (2021), a heartfelt romance depicting a terminally ill protagonist's selfless efforts to secure his love interest's future happiness.[3] The 10-episode Netflix original, adapted from the acclaimed 2009 film, allowed Fan to delve into themes of sacrifice and unrequited love across a multi-episode arc, blending melodrama with character-driven storytelling.[37] His performance in this serialized format highlighted his emotional range, resonating with audiences through the platform's global reach and the series' focus on relational complexities.[38] In 2021, Fan took a main role as Yu Zhou in Heaven on the Fourth Floor, a mystery drama involving supernatural elements and personal secrets in an apartment building.[39] In 2023, Fan took a main role as nightclub DJ Jia-Wun Shen in Copycat Killer, a Netflix series centered on a cunning serial murderer exploiting media attention.[26] Appearing across all 10 episodes, his character provided interpersonal tension and backstory elements that enriched the investigative plot, underscoring Fan's adaptability in ensemble-driven suspense narratives.[40] The production's episodic structure built suspense through interconnected personal and criminal threads, marking Fan's entry into international streaming thrillers. Fan continued his television work in 2023 with a main role as Xia Tian Yu in W Series: The Way You Shine, a romance series about aspiring musicians and their relationships. In 2024, he starred as Zhou Yi in Monday Again?!, a time-loop comedy-drama. Also in 2025, he appeared in Realty of the Murder House as a main role in a thriller about real estate and mysteries.[2] Fan continued his television work in 2025 with the role of Xin Yi Fu in Adrift in Love, a drama interweaving tales of forbidden passion and resilient romance amid personal hardships.[41] In this 14-episode series, broadcast on platforms including Viki and iQIYI, Fan's supporting portrayal contributed to the dual-storyline format, exploring love's moral dilemmas through sustained character development.[42] Adapted from Hou Wen-yong's novel, the series emphasized serialized exploration of desire and consequence, further diversifying Fan's contributions to Taiwanese dramatic web content.[43]| Year | Title | Role | Episodes | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | HIStory2: Crossing the Line | Yu-Hao Hsia | 8 | LINE TV |
| 2019 | The Teenage Psychic Season 2 | Zhang Yu Xuan | 8 | LINE TV |
| 2021 | More Than Blue: The Series | Che-kai Chang | 10 | Netflix |
| 2021 | Heaven on the Fourth Floor | Yu Zhou | 10 | PTS |
| 2023 | Copycat Killer | Jia-Wun Shen | 10 | Netflix |
| 2023 | W Series: The Way You Shine | Xia Tian Yu | 24 | LINE TV |
| 2024 | Monday Again?! | Zhou Yi | 22 | iQIYI |
| 2025 | Realty of the Murder House | Unknown | 10 | Unknown |
| 2025 | Adrift in Love | Xin Yi Fu | 14 | Viki / iQIYI |
Variety and reality shows
Fandy Fan began appearing on variety and reality shows shortly after his debut, leveraging his youthful energy and charm from early acting roles to secure invitations to youth-oriented programs. His initial foray into non-scripted television came as a regular panelist on the talk show University (大學生了沒), where he discussed campus life and current trends alongside other students from 2013 to 2015.[11][44] This exposure helped build his off-screen persona as an approachable, relatable figure, which later attracted opportunities in reality formats.[45] In the late 2010s and early 2020s, Fan transitioned to reality shows that emphasized teamwork and adventure, showcasing his proactive and humorous side. He joined the cast of Three Piglets Season 2 (阮三个2) in 2020 as a "small helper" alongside veteran actress Yang Kuei-mei and comedian Soac Liu, assisting in managing a guesthouse in a rural setting.[46] The following year, he reprised the role in the special Three Piglets: Island Tour Food Truck to Get Rich 2 (阮三个：環島餐車發大財2), where the team embarked on a cross-island food truck journey to promote local cuisine and community bonds.[47] These appearances highlighted his adaptability in unscripted environments, contributing to his growing popularity from scripted series.[48] Fan continued with reality programming in 2022, participating in Welcome to My Home 1 (歡迎光臨-等你來家1) as a cast member and "small long-term worker," collaborating with Lin Mei-hsiu, Power Station, and Nine One One to renovate and engage with communities on Penghu Island over 16 days.[49] By 2024, he took on a hosting role in the travel reality series Actors' Travel (演員們的旅行), co-hosting with Lin Yu-hsi and inviting celebrity guests for spontaneous international trips, including challenges in South Korea and Hong Kong.[50][51] He also made guest appearances, such as on episode 15 of 36 Questions Season 2 in 2021, engaging in interactive Q&A segments.[2]| Year | Title | Role | Episodes/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013–2015 | University (大學生了沒) | Regular panelist | Multiple episodes; youth talk show |
| 2020 | Three Piglets Season 2 (阮三个2) | Small helper (cast member) | Full season; guesthouse management reality |
| 2021 | Three Piglets: Island Tour Food Truck to Get Rich 2 (阮三个：環島餐車發大財2) | Small helper (cast member) | Full special; travel and food reality |
| 2021 | 36 Questions Season 2 | Guest | Episode 15; interactive Q&A variety |
| 2022 | Welcome to My Home 1 (歡迎光臨-等你來家1) | Small long-term worker (cast member) | 10 episodes; community renovation reality |
| 2024 | Actors' Travel (演員們的旅行) | Host | Multiple episodes; travel reality with guests |
Awards and nominations
Major awards
Fandy Fan received his first major accolade at the 56th Golden Horse Awards, held on November 23, 2019, in Taipei, Taiwan, where he won the Best New Performer award for his role as Chiang Hsiu-Yu in the sports drama We Are Champions.[52][6] The film, directed by Chang Jung-chi, explores themes of youth, redemption, and teamwork through the story of a troubled high school basketball player finding purpose on the court, and Fan's portrayal of the protagonist's emotional growth was praised for its authenticity and depth.[23] No co-winners were announced in this category, marking Fan's solo recognition as an emerging talent in Chinese-language cinema.[52] This victory significantly elevated Fan's profile in the industry, transitioning him from supporting roles in television series to leading parts in high-profile projects. The award, often seen as a launchpad for new actors in the Asian film circuit, aligned with We Are Champions' emphasis on perseverance and personal transformation, mirroring Fan's own career trajectory from debutant to acclaimed performer and opening doors to subsequent nominations and collaborations in both film and television.[6]Other recognitions
Fandy Fan has received nominations from key Taiwanese award ceremonies, including the Golden Bell Awards and Taipei Film Awards, as well as international recognition from the Asian Film Awards. These accolades reflect his ability to portray complex characters in both film and miniseries formats.[53][5][54] The following table summarizes select nominations:| Year | Award Body | Category | Project |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Asian Film Awards | Best Newcomer | We Are Champions |
| 2020 | Taipei Film Festival | Best Actor | We Are Champions |
| 2022 | Taipei Film Awards | Best Leading Actor | Leave Me Alone |
| 2022 | Golden Bell Awards | Best Leading Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film | More Than Blue: The Series |
| 2025 | 60th Golden Bell Awards | Best Leading Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film | Monday Again?! |