Singaporean actor Desmond Tan underwent a significant physical transformation for his upcoming film Pace, which opens in Singapore on October 8. The 40-year-old Mediacorp artiste gained and subsequently lost weight within a short period to authentically portray his character, Malcolm, a former drug addict seeking purpose through running following his late brother’s footsteps.
Tan, who typically weighs around 70 kilograms at a height of 1.82 meters, put on 15 kilograms to depict Malcolm’s overweight state upon release from rehabilitation. He then shed 20 kilograms to represent a leaner, more determined version of the character. The entire process took place in under three months, demonstrating a demanding commitment to the role.
In an interview conducted on September 28, Tan elaborated on his willingness to share candid photographs of his transformation on social media, despite their unflattering nature. He emphasized that embracing imperfections aligns with both his personal growth and the film’s themes of resilience and perseverance. “I am past that point of being vain,” he said, noting that his early career included roles in romantic dramas where he was more concerned with maintaining a perfect image. Now, he regards himself primarily as an actor whose focus lies in authentically embodying diverse characters.
To achieve the weight gain, Tan collaborated with nutritionist Fion Chia, consuming a calorie-dense diet that included smoothies made from full-cream yogurt and fruit, along with increased portions of bread, hawker, and fast foods. He described the regimen as challenging and, at times, physically uncomfortable, resulting in symptoms such as snoring, leg cramps, and elevated cholesterol levels. He credited his wife with enduring the most difficult aspects of his transformation.
Following the filming of heavier scenes, Tan engaged in an intensive weight loss regimen under the guidance of personal trainer Lucas Lim. His exercise routine included strength training exercises like chin-ups and rowing, leading to weight reductions of up to three kilograms per week. He maintained a strict diet during this period, even abstaining from festive indulgences such as alcohol and meat during a Christmas celebration with friends.
In preparation for his role, Tan conducted extensive research into drug addiction, reading literature and watching relevant materials to understand the experiences of addicts. He also had discussions with co-star Simon Khung, known as Simonboy, a former drug addict and Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association ambassador, to gain deeper insight into the struggles faced by former addicts reintegrating into society.
Off-screen, Tan balances his professional commitments with family life. Married since 2021 to his university sweetheart, they have two young children and are planning to move into a landed property in late 2026. He credits fatherhood with enriching his emotional range and deepening his connection to his roles.
Tan’s acting career spans over a decade, beginning with his runner-up finish in Star Search 2007. He has earned recognition for various roles, including a Best Actor award in 2018 for the military-themed When Duty Calls, and again in 2026 for Devil Behind The Gate. He is also a consistent recipient of the Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes award and is set to receive the All-Time Favourite Artiste accolade in 2027.
Continuing to pursue diverse roles, Tan’s latest television drama, Keep It Down, premieres on October 19 on Channel 8. Despite his achievements, he remains eager to explore new genres and has expressed a long-standing ambition to work with Hong Kong actor Tony Leung Chiu-wai, citing admiration for Leung’s range and depth in films such as In The Mood For Love and Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings.