Businesswoman Tran Le Hoa, known to Chinese media as a "legendary businesswoman" and wife of actor Chi Trong Thuy, passed away at the age of 85 due to illness. Her funeral was held in Beijing on 9/4, with Chi Trong Thuy and her children and grandchildren present at the funeral home, according to Hongxing News. Actor Ma Duc Hoa, a close friend of Chi Trong Thuy, shared that Chi Trong Thuy has been devastated, suppressing his grief to manage his wife's funeral arrangements.
The funeral saw attendance from several members of the "Journey to the West" film crew, including Ma Duc Hoa, who played Zhu Bajie, and Luc Tieu Linh Dong, known for his role as Sun Wukong. Ma Duc Hoa fondly remembered Tran Le Hoa, stating, "She was a kind, dedicated older sister; she excelled in many aspects." In previous years, Tran Le Hoa often met with her husband's colleagues during New Year celebrations.
Despite the rainy weather, many members of the public gathered, holding umbrellas and queuing to pay their respects. They expressed admiration for the businesswoman's willpower to succeed.
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Tran Le Hoa. Photo: Sina |
Tran Le Hoa was a prominent figure in China's business landscape. According to statistics published this year by research firm Hurun, she held assets of 47 billion yuan (over 6,8 billion USD), securing her 12th position on the list of the world's richest self-made women billionaires. Her primary business ventures included real estate and the Red Sandalwood Museum.
Her marriage to actor Chi Trong Thuy in 1990 attracted considerable public attention. Their union, between one of China's wealthiest women and an actor 11 years her junior, was a subject of widespread discussion. Tran Le Hoa once revealed that she was the one who actively pursued Chi Trong Thuy, commenting, "Mr. Chi is handsome; many women lined up to pursue him."
Speaking on Dongfang TV, Chi Trong Thuy stated that he was never intimidated or insecure by his wife's powerful demeanor. Instead, he admired her image as a "strong woman" and found happiness in their mutual understanding and complementarity.
Tran Le Hoa and Chi Trong Thuy did not have children together. She had three children from a previous marriage. Her eldest son, Trieu Dung, currently oversees 71 companies within the group, including Changan Club. Her eldest daughter, Trieu Loi, manages 14 companies. Chi Trong Thuy holds leadership positions in two companies involved in red sandalwood.
Nhu Anh (according to Hongxing News)
