The familiar television face discusses his career, life, and his return as Xuan in the series "Co anh, noi ay binh yen" (With You, There is Peace), which aired on 29/7.

Balancing his new film role with his work at the Youth Theatre, Ba Anh explains, "The theater supports me so I can make time for television. For me, the theater fulfills my passion for the stage, while film allows me to reach a wider audience. I still have leisurely days, waking up early to cycle, have breakfast, enjoy coffee before heading to work. In the evenings, I dine out and stroll around the city with my family."He continues, "I separated from my first wife in 2019. We have three sons, and the second lives with me. Last year, I married an old friend. We had been friends for 15 years, then lost touch when she moved to Ho Chi Minh City. We reconnected in 2023. After catching up, I learned she had also separated from her husband in 2019. After a period of getting to know each other again, I suggested, 'Let's give this a chance'."

Initially, she declined, having no intention of remarrying. Ba Anh recalls, "I explained, 'Our children will grow up, pursue their dreams, and eventually leave, leaving us alone. It's better if we're together, caring for each other.' Gradually, she was persuaded. We married last year. As old friends, we have a deep understanding and empathy. My wife is a few months older than me. She used to jokingly make me call her 'older sister'."

Actor Ba Anh at age 51. Photo: Provided by the subject

Actor Ba Anh at age 51. Photo: Provided by the subject

Having experienced a previous divorce, Ba Anh values his current family. "I've decided this relationship needs to be respectful to show my wife how much I value her. We're both over 50 now; if we're lucky, we might have another 30 years together. It's a long time. So, from the start, I wanted everything built on understanding."His approach to love has evolved. "I've slowed down to listen to my wife, understand her health, joys, and sorrows. We prioritize emotional connection over superficial appearances. I leave any burdens or worries at the door when I come home, focusing on enjoying every moment with my family."Addressing the complexities of blended families, he explains, "My wife and I live with her son and mine. From the beginning, I've been open with the children, so things are comfortable. I told them, 'We're a family. We don't all have to love each other, but let's focus on each other's good qualities to live peacefully together.'"He continues, "I address my wife's son as 'Chu' (uncle) and call him 'Con' (child). My son calls my wife 'Co' (aunt). Titles aren't that important, as long as the children are well-behaved and respectful. If they genuinely want to call us 'Dad' and 'Mom' at some point, they'll do so naturally."He adds, "My wife is sincere, loving towards me and my son, and respectful of my mother, making family relationships harmonious. I admire her for that."His parenting style is balanced. "I'm not overly strict but firm when necessary. I don't force my will on my children but try to understand their desires. I resonate with the idea in Tran Thanh's film 'Nha ba Nu' (Madam Nu's House): Everyone has the right to live freely, to be respected."

Ba Anh (as Van) in "Nhung ngon nen trong dem" (Candles in the Night). Video: VFC

Reflecting on his 30-year career, Ba Anh says, "I entered this profession innocently. In high school, watching 'Van bai lat ngua' (The Flipped Card), I was captivated by artist Chanh Tin in his military uniform, walking through rubber plantations. I dreamt of being on screen someday."He continues, "I was in the second acting class at the Youth Theatre. When I graduated, actors like Chi Trung, Anh Tu, Le Khanh, and Ngoc Huyen were at their peak. So, we were mostly given minor roles with few opportunities to hone our skills. I became discouraged and studied graphic design, graduating from the Hanoi University of Industrial Fine Arts. But my love for the stage and film drew me back. Thanks to the guidance of the previous generation, especially Chi Trung, I gradually found my place. Now, many people say my acting style resembles Chi Trung's, particularly in comedic roles."He adds, "Acting doesn't make you rich, just enough to get by. I'm a Buddhist, prioritizing balance. I don't have many material needs and feel content and peaceful."

Ba Anh (appearing from 0:13) in "Song o day song" (Waves at the Bottom of the River). Video: VFS

On career milestones, Ba Anh says, "Audiences remember me for roles like Y (Waves at the Bottom of the River), Van (Candles in the Night), Vuong (Days of Sunshine), and recently Hieu (Milk Flowers in the Wind). Some scenes still resonate with me. For instance, in Candles in the Night, the scene where Van makes Truc inhale heroin, I was haunted by the character's moral conflict. Or in Days of Sunshine, playing Vuong confiding in his widowed sister, I couldn't stop crying."He adds, "The audience should judge an actor's success or failure. I'm not yet satisfied. I want to explore different aspects of myself, take on unique roles, unlike anything I've done before."Drawn to the role of Xuan in "Co anh, noi ay binh yen" (With You, There is Peace), he explains, "My character is a scheming vice chairman of a commune who colludes with businesses for personal gain. I'm interested in the script's rural theme during a time of change, addressing current issues like VNeID registration, local mergers, and the problem of livestreaming low-quality products. I think the series has strong, relatable material for Vietnamese life."

Meritorious Artist Ba Anh was born in 1974 in Hanoi and currently works at the Youth Theatre. On stage, he has performed in plays like The Fox and the Grapes, A Doll's House, Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, and Men's Tears. His television credits include Candles in the Night, Waves at the Bottom of the River, and Eva's Secret. Last year, he played Tao Giao thong (Traffic God) in Tao Quan - Gap nhau cuoi nam (Kitchen Gods - Year-End Meeting).

Ha Thu