The category was introduced in 1995, at the 2nd Star Awards ceremony; Xie Shaoguang received the award for his role in Larceny of Love and it is given in honour of a Mediacorp actor who has delivered an outstanding performance in a supporting role.
The nominees are determined by a team of judges employed by Mediacorp; winners are selected by a majority vote from the entire judging panel.
Zhang Ze Tong is the most recent winner in this category for his role in All That Glitters.
Since the ceremony held in 2006, Huang Yiliang remains as the only actor to win in this category thrice, surpassing Chen Guohua, Chen Hanwei, Chen Shucheng, Tay Ping Hui, and Xie who have two wins each.
Andie Chen and Zheng Geping hold the record for the most nominations without a win, with six.