On 7/7, Cao Minh Dat and his wife celebrated their daughter, Dau Tay, turning 6 months old. The veteran actor stated that his greatest achievement is his happy home with Thanh Truc, his caring wife.

Cao Minh Dat and Thanh Truc at their daughter's six-month celebration. Photo: Courtesy of the subjects

Before they met, Thanh Truc was a fan of Cao Minh Dat, having watched his TV series like "Nhung Dua Con Thanh Pho", "Tinh Yeu Con Lai", "Vong Xoay Tinh Yeu", and "Blouse Trang" repeatedly. They met at a restaurant with a group of friends; she is 8 years his junior.

Recognizing her idol, Thanh Truc was nervous, wanting to ask for a photo but hesitated. At the end of the evening, a mutual friend, sensing her wish, helped her get his phone number, which Cao Minh Dat agreed to share. The actor said he fell for Thanh Truc then because she matched his ideal type: a gentle face and a charming smile. The next day, he initiated contact by messaging her.

According to Cao Minh Dat, their relationship developed steadily, like a love that grew slowly but deeply. They spent about two months getting to know each other through messages before their first date. Thanh Truc realized that off-screen, Cao Minh Dat was not as dashing as his characters, but rather approachable, sincere, and easily made a good impression. Despite this, she initially had low expectations for the relationship, fearing it wouldn't last. Two years later, as their feelings deepened, Thanh Truc introduced him to her family.

Cao Minh Dat and his wife at their wedding in 10/2016. Photo: Courtesy of the subjects

After three years of courtship, a small wedding was held in Ho Chi Minh City in 10/2016. The ceremony was intimate and private, attended only by family and close friends, including artist Tuyet Thu and actor Kim Tuyen. He did not want a lavish celebration then, concerned his wife was not yet accustomed to public attention.

For Cao Minh Dat, marital happiness is built on simple things. After long days on set, his wife always prepares a hot meal with his favorite dishes, such as sour soup and fried eggs. On days he has early morning shoots, she wakes up before him, sets an alarm, and calls him on time. She consistently finds ways to encourage him, for instance, complimenting him on looking younger with a new hairstyle.

When the actor films in other provinces for months, Thanh Truc occasionally visits the set, bringing his favorite foods. Though not involved in the entertainment industry, she quietly supports him, sharing both the joys and pressures behind the scenes. Thanks to his wife's thoughtfulness and understanding, he always feels at peace returning home.

What Cao Minh Dat values most is his partner's trust. When they watch his films with romantic or intimate scenes, she simply smiles, playfully teasing him. The actor states that in 10 years of marriage, they have never had a serious argument over jealousy because his wife understands the boundary between acting roles and real life.

In recent years, beyond acting, he supports his wife's business, occasionally filming promotional videos for perfumes and cosmetics with her. The couple shares a single Facebook account, with Thanh Truc often handling communications when organizations invite collaborations. She also helps manage his filming schedule, posts photos of his new roles, and responds to fan messages.

Cao Minh Dat and his wife with newborn photos of their child. Photo: Courtesy of the subjects

Their first child is the sweet fruit of the couple's nearly 10-year wait. In their early years of marriage, they believed children were a matter of destiny, letting nature take its course. After a long period of hoping and realizing they were getting older, he decided to seek assisted reproductive methods. In late 2024, following a friend's recommendation, the couple went to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City for in vitro fertilization. "The moment we held the film with the embryo in our hands, our happiness was indescribable," the actor said.

Cao Minh Dat and his wife's joy comes from watching their daughter grow stronger. After many days of filming, just hearing her laughter makes him forget all his fatigue. On days filming far from home, seeing his child's face via video call fills him with an indescribable emotion. "I only wish for my child to be healthy, to live a peaceful life full of laughter," he said.

Cao Minh Dat, 51 years old, initially studied maritime engineering before switching to enroll in Theater Arts School 2 (now Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema). He studied in the theater acting department, classmates with Thuy Nga, Viet Huong, Hanh Thuy, and Tiet Cuong, all students of artist Minh Nhi. In the 2000s, he gained recognition for his roles in numerous television dramas.

The actor has succeeded in both heroic and villainous roles. In 2019, his portrayal of "cau Ba" Khai Duy in "Tieng Set Trong Mua" (directed by Phuong Dien) brought Cao Minh Dat renewed popularity, reminiscent of his early career. He has received awards such as the Golden Kite Award 2011, Golden Apricot Award 2019, and the 39th National Television Festival.

Tam Ky