Desmond Tan (actor)
Desmond Tan is a Singaporean actor. He won the Star Awards for Best Actor for his role in When Duty Calls in 2018.
Career
Tan first came to prominence in the entertainment industry when he finished runner-up to Andie Chen in Star Search 2007. He was awarded a contract with Mediacorp and began his part time acting career with some minor roles in various Channel 8 dramas. After almost five years in the industry, Tan won his first award, the Rocket Award, at the 2012 Star Awards for the biggest breakthrough after a critically acclaimed performance as rickshaw driver Luo Xiaoxiao in the anniversary drama A Song to Remember. Tan's rising popularity also earned him the ambassadorship of Samsung's GALAXY Camera in 2012 and later, as Samsung Mobile's Lifestyle Ambassador for the GALAXY S4 in 2013. In 2018, he starred as the fictional serial killer Derek Ho in Code of Law.Tan has won 9 Star Awards for Top 10 Most Popular Male Artistes in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Personal life
Desmond Tan was educated at Pioneer Secondary School and Jurong Junior College. After Star Search 2007, he juggled acting commitments with studies at the National University of Singapore. He studied real estate and graduated with an honours degree in 2011.He completed his national service in the 1st Commando Battalion with the rank of Captain.
On 7 December 2021, Desmond married his university sweetheart at a ceremony held in France. On 4 October 2023, Desmond announced on social media that his wife was pregnant with a baby girl. They welcomed their baby daughter on 5 March 2024.
On 3 April 2025, Desmond announced via Instagram that his wife is pregnant with their second child, a boy.