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【COVER STORY】Vivian Dawson Is Not Just a Return, But a Reinvention/ 錦榮的回歸，一場偉大的 A Great Comeback

Dylan Tang
11 minutes ago
4 min read

“I’m no longer here just for the cameras.”

A return not to the spotlight, but to the self

After rising to fame as a model and transitioning into acting and hosting across Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, Vivian Dawson stepped away from Taiwanese media for several years. His return isn't merely a reappearance on screen — it’s a reinvention from the inside out, a journey of reflection on identity, purpose, and personal evolution.

The day of the interview, Taipei basked in gentle sunlight. Vivian, casually dressed, walked into the studio with a warm smile, greeting everyone like an old friend. Gone was the polished idol from TV dramas. In his place stood someone quieter, perhaps wiser — ready not just to return, but to begin again.

The silent chapter: forced pause, unexpected growth

“When I left Taiwan, the plan was to head to the US, take on a few roles and eventually return to Asia with more under my belt.” Vivian speaks calmly, but there’s an ambition that lingers between the lines. He had secured an O-1B visa — commonly referred to as the Extraordinary Ability Visa — a highly selective US work visa reserved for individuals with exceptional achievements in the arts and entertainment industry. He was set on making it in Hollywood.

Then came the pandemic, and not long after, the longest actor and writers’ strike in recent memory.

“No acting, no side jobs, nothing at all. I just had to wait,” he says. “It felt like a forced retreat — a kind of mental boot camp.”

And yet, it was this silence that allowed him to rediscover something deeper.

“For a while, no one paid me any attention,” he laughs. “But that gave me the freedom to just live. I went for walks, hit the night markets, watched films, worked out... All the things that made me feel like myself again.”

Those quiet, ordinary days off-camera helped him piece together a different version of himself — one no longer curated for the public eye, but grounded in a personal rhythm.

錦榮 wears John Varvatos ©️ TAIKER Magazine

From centre-stage to intentional distance

“In the past, being an ‘artist’ meant everything I did was amplified. I couldn’t speak freely, couldn’t socialise openly,” he reflects. “That kind of scrutiny really disconnects you from your own instincts.”

Now, things have shifted. Social media has flattened the hierarchy — actors are no longer just performers, but also curators of their lives.

“I know it’s important,” he admits, “but I’ve never been one to film myself. Maybe it’s because I’ve always been the one being filmed. It’s just not my habit.”

That said, he’s far from reclusive. “I love talking to people. If a fan stops me on the street, I’m always happy to chat. Even paparazzi — I’ll wave and say hi. I’m just that kind of guy.”

Reclaiming wholeness: what a comeback really means

To Vivian, a “comeback” isn't necessarily a recovery from failure — it’s about showing up when you’re ready.

“People leave the industry for all sorts of reasons — burnout, family, personal growth. Whether you come back or not shouldn’t be judged. What matters is whether you’re happy.”

He doesn’t romanticise his return, nor does he expect instant results. “I know the popularity I once had might not be the same. But if there are good opportunities, I’ll take them. I just don’t have any delusions about it.”

When asked if he wants to redefine himself, his answer is simple: “I’ve done modelling, acting, hosting. People can label me however they want. For me, it’s about having meaningful work and something to challenge myself with.”

He chuckles, “I’ve never turned down a good opportunity. If you don’t try, your chance of success is zero. But if you try, even if you fail — at least you gave it a shot.”

One of his favourite mottos sums it up: “If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll end up looking back with regret. Opportunities aren’t always going to be there.”

錦榮 wears Versace ©️ TAIKER Magazine

Bridging worlds: navigating different screens in different markets

In recent years, Vivian has mostly worked in China. “In Taiwan, I only filmed my first two movies. The rest of my acting career has played out in China.”

He laughs when reminded that many people in Taiwan still think of him as a model or host. “Honestly, I love acting. In China, they often cast me as the ‘guy who just came back from abroad’ — it kind of works. But in Taiwan, there aren’t many roles like that, so acting opportunities were few and far between.”

His tone remains neutral — not bitter, just observant. “If there’s a chance to act in Taiwan, I’d love to. It just hasn’t happened yet.”

He’s also curious about the rise of streaming platforms. “I’ve seen some really great Taiwanese films on Netflix recently. It’s exciting. If something fitting comes along, I’d love to be a part of that world.”

Between challenge and discovery: what’s next

When asked about future plans, he answers without hesitation: “I love hosting travel and physical challenge shows. The one I worked on the longest in Taiwan was Prince’s Moving Castle. These days, if someone recognises me from that, they’re probably about my age — or older,” he laughs.

There’s a twinkle in his eye when he talks about spontaneity — a quality central to travel shows and, perhaps, to this new phase of his life.

He’s no longer confined to one title or trajectory. Instead, he’s open to the full spectrum of possibility.

“So, what does this Great Comeback mean to me?” he repeats thoughtfully. “I’m still me, but I’m not the same. This return is about discovering who I can be next.”