Tuck Bongkot, along with Chao Sua Boonchai Bencharongkul, and her son, Khaohom, came to pay their respects on the passing of "Re McDonald," and to offer support to Maam Sarinya, Re’s wife, at Wat Yang Royal Monastery.
Tuck spoke to the media, sharing her close bond and the kindness of Re McDonald, who agreed to be the leading actor in her first directorial film "Pai in Love." She said she contacted several lead actors without success, then bravely reached out to Re’s wife, Maam, who immediately agreed and gave Tuck the opportunity and encouragement.
"We came to see Re off and to support Maam. The energy of love was strong. Maam is very strong, but understandably, as a woman, this is very difficult. If it were me, I’d have to be strong because I have children. Maam is strong, and we offer her our support to stay strong. Everyone at the event shared only love and concern."
May I ask about when you posted about wanting Re to be your movie’s lead actor?
"That was when I was ending my contract with Sahamongkol Film. I shifted to working behind the scenes, directing films with several directors. But as a new director, actors might not have been confident. I called many, but they were busy. Then I called Re through his wife, Maam, and told him I was a new director and wasn’t sure if he’d trust me. He said it was okay and he'd help."
"I called several people, but none were available, so I finally dared to call Re."
When you contacted Re, did you explain the role? Did he agree immediately?
"He asked about the film type and I said it was a travel film. Honestly, I thought of him first but didn’t dare contact him because he’s a top star and I wasn’t sure about his schedule. I tried others first but no one was free, so I finally called him."
How did you feel the moment Re accepted to be your film’s lead actor?
"I felt like he gave me a chance. He trusted me as an actor before, though I had never directed a romance film. He said, ‘Hey, you can do it.’ Those words encouraged me a lot."
At that time, did Re mention anything about payment?
"No, not at all. He only said he would fly with his wife. I booked two flight tickets for them. That was all."
During your work with Re, what did you gain from him, as he was the first leading actor you worked behind the scenes with?
"At first, I was afraid to give Re directions or tell him what to do. But when directing, he said if I didn’t tell him what to do, he wouldn’t know either. That gave me the confidence to express what I wanted. I will never forget his kindness because it helped me get the budget to continue making films. Sahamongkol Film then gave me funding for my next project."
How was the filming process, considering many praised Re’s acting?
"He was very kind. Re was wonderful, and Maam was lovely too. Maam was always there, and Re stayed throughout. We worked happily together with no complaints or conditions."
What is the most memorable thing about working with Re that you still remember today?
"The phrase ‘Hey, you can do it’ really touched me because I wasn’t very confident then. Having a Thai superstar say that made me feel I had to do it. Directing isn’t easy."
Do you have any special message for Re today?
"We recently talked about him wanting to film at a farm and about cars. I told him that was fine, but he decided to film elsewhere. We also talked about cool shoes he wanted to buy for his son. Just a week before he passed, he asked how I was doing."
Did that collaboration lead to an ongoing connection?
"Re was very friendly. No matter how long I was away, he always kept in touch. He was always the same person — kind and lovely, never changing."
If you could send a voice message to Re today, what would you say to this first leading man?
"I don’t know if he would hear me, but his kindness and warmth are why, when someone passes, everyone remembers the good things they did. Everyone loved Re because he was a kind person."
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