18-year-old actress draws attention in 'Bong ma hanh phuc'

Le Huynh Bao Ngoc, an 18-year-old TikToker with over 4 million followers, is gaining recognition on the small screen for her role in the film "Bong ma hanh phuc".

Born in 2008, Le Huynh Bao Ngoc began her career at six years old. Her mother discovered her talent early on, moving her from their hometown of Can Tho to TP HCM for acting and singing lessons. She rose to prominence after winning the runner-up prize in the second season of "Guong mat than quen nhi" in 2015, performing an excerpt from the cai luong (reformed opera) play "Tran Quoc Toan ra quan" in the final round.

Director Nguyen Duong's television series has captivated audiences since its premiere one month ago. On YouTube, a platform for parallel streaming, many episodes have garnered millions of views. Le Huynh Bao Ngoc plays Thanh Tu, the daughter of businessman Hoang Dung (Luong The Thanh) and Thanh Mai (Le Phuong).

Beyond plotlines exploring marital infidelity, the film delves into the conflicts between parents and their children during adolescence. Bao Ngoc received positive reviews for her acting in scenes where Tu expresses frustration over her mother's interference in her romantic relationships. In some situations, her character sparked debate due to her innocent, somewhat oblivious personality, often disregarding others' feelings.

Tu cries and apologizes to her mother for accidentally knocking over a tray of food, in episode 22 of Bong ma hanh phuc. Video: THVL

Her film debut was in the Vietnamese adaptation of the sitcom "Gia dinh la so 1" (Unstoppable High Kick) season two. Director Nhat Trung stated he was convinced by Bao Ngoc's natural acting style at the time, casting her as Lam Chi (the original Korean character Hae Ri), a girl who is both humorous and sassy. The film became a sensation, bringing Bao Ngoc closer to audiences.

Bao Ngoc at six years old, transformed into Tieu Yen Tu on the show Guong mat than quen nhi. Video: VTV

In 2025, Bao Ngoc ventured into cinema, joining Ly Hai's film "Lat mat 8". She played Mi, a high school student in a central coastal rural area, who dreams of forming a band with her friends. To embody the character, Bao Ngoc spent nearly one week sunbathing in Binh Thuan to achieve the appropriate skin tone for the role. The actress expressed gratitude for the guidance of Ly Hai and his wife, producer Minh Ha, which provided a stepping stone for her confidence in pursuing acting.

With her charming face and bright smile, Bao Ngoc quickly became a beloved child star, attracting invitations from many directors for commercial shoots.

She is also in high demand for photo modeling and has attracted over 4 million followers on TikTok with numerous fashion and dance videos.

In her daily life, the actress prefers simple, versatile outfits and peach-toned makeup.

Bao Ngoc at age 15. During this period, the child star primarily focused on her studies, occasionally appearing at entertainment events or in minor guest roles.

Attending an international school in TP HCM, Bao Ngoc is currently focusing on her exam preparation period. She stated that she plans to continue seeking acting opportunities and excel in the fields she is pursuing. "I am ready to portray any type of role, even characters that evoke mixed reactions," she said.