Actor Thuong Tin passed away on the evening of 8/12 at his home in Phan Rang after a period battling multiple illnesses, at 69 years old. Many colleagues, friends, and the public expressed their grief and lasting memories of his once-shining image.

People's Artist Kim Cuong was closely associated with Thuong Tin from the beginning of his career. She last met him in early 2024, at the "Tri An Artists" reunion – a program Kim Cuong organized every Tet for actors facing difficulties. At that time, despite his weak health after a stroke and Covid-19, Thuong Tin remained optimistic, stating he was luckier than many others as he could still manage personal activities and sing to earn money for his daughter. "I will always cherish the memories of performing the play La Dame aux Camelias with him," Kim Cuong said.

Artist Minh Chau, who acted alongside Thuong Tin in "The Coolie Never Cries," released in 11/2024 and his final project, was saddened by the news. Although they did not collaborate extensively on screen, they shared a close relationship in real life. Minh Chau recounted that Thuong Tin was once a "drinking buddy" with her late husband, often visiting their home whenever he traveled north. After her husband passed away more than 20 years ago, they became engrossed in their own lives and met less frequently. "I regret having to say goodbye to Thuong Tin," the veteran actress said.

Artists Minh Chau and Thuong Tin in the film "The Coolie Never Cries". Photo: Film crew provided

In his final months, due to illness and declining health, Thuong Tin could only stay at his elderly mother's home in Ninh Thuan, despite missing his friends, colleagues, and the vibrant atmosphere of film and theater. A few months before his passing, he contacted author Phung Hieu. During their conversation, the artist said his health was deteriorating, making it impossible for him to walk, and expressed a wish for someone to organize a gathering of friends, to meet fellow artists and thank them for their support and assistance during his many difficult years.

"At that time, I promised to try, but I hadn't managed to do it before hearing the news of his passing," said author Phung Hieu.

In the memories of his colleagues, Thuong Tin deserved the title of "most dashing heartthrob of Vietnamese cinema." The actor graduated from the National School of Music and Drama of Sai Gon, then joined the Cuu Long Giang Drama Troupe and later the Kim Cuong Troupe. At the Kim Cuong Troupe, Thuong Tin partnered with the "legendary actress" Kim Cuong and gained fame through many plays that left a strong impression on audiences, such as "The Rose Pinned to the Lapel," "The Abyss of Height," "Mother's Legend," and "Tania." His handsome face, sharp eyes, and romantic demeanor quickly made Thuong Tin a favored figure. "Back then, Thuong Tin was charming, gallant, and a ladies' man. In TP HCM, he was number one, sought after by many film studios. He was truly a screen star of his time," Minh Chau recalled.

At his peak, Thuong Tin starred in 12 feature films in one year. His influence was such that many producers had to wait for his approval. Thuong Tin once said that art brought him both fame and fortune. During that era, the artist frequently changed cars, wore designer brands, and was often seen at famous tea rooms in Sai Gon.

Thuong Tin's dashing look from a bygone era. Archival photo

In the 1980s and 1990s, mentioning Thuong Tin brought him to mind for audiences from north to south, known for his massive filmography of over 200 works. These included iconic roles such as Major Luu Trong Ky Vong in "The Flipped Card Game," Bandit General Bach Hai Duong in "Hunt for Robbers," Sau Tam in "Sai Gon Commandos," and Tam Thuong in "Battlefield Divided by Half a Moon."

According to colleagues, Thuong Tin's popularity at the time was "unmatched," with his fee reaching an amount equivalent to a tael of gold per film – a dream remuneration for artists then. Furthermore, Thuong Tin's appeal was evident as "girls would swoon wherever he went" because of his handsome and romantic appearance.

In the eyes of his colleagues, Thuong Tin lived fully for his passion. People's Artists Le Khanh and director Pham Viet Thanh had a close relationship with Thuong Tin. From collaborations in "Obsession" (Duc Hoan), "Hunt for Robbers," "Who is K07" (Tran Phuong), to "The Human Skin Mask" (Chanh Tin), the professional relationship between Le Khanh and Thuong Tin gradually blossomed into a beautiful friendship. For a time, they, along with artists Tran Phuong, Tat Binh, and Pham Viet Thanh, formed a close group of friends who met regularly. As the eldest, director Tran Phuong was affectionately called "father" by his juniors.

The first film marking the collaboration between Le Khanh and Thuong Tin was "Obsession," filmed in 1988. In the film, their characters were entangled in a love triangle with Tran Van. At that time, Le Khanh was young and unfamiliar with romantic scenes, which made her nervous. Before a farewell scene between the lovers by a lotus pond, she discussed with Thuong Tin to agree to omit the hugging and kissing, to which her co-star happily agreed. However, on set, as soon as the director cued "action," Thuong Tin approached, preparing for a kiss. Surprised, Le Khanh instinctively pushed him away with her foot, causing her co-star to fall into the lotus pond. The incident stunned the entire film crew, and the actress burst into tears. Ultimately, director Duc Hoan decided to keep the farewell scene but removed the intimate detail.

Le Khanh said she last met Thuong Tin about 10 years ago, when he launched his autobiography "A Stormy Life" in Ha Noi. After that, he lived a private life in Phan Rang, without contacting friends. In the artist's memory, Thuong Tin possessed a masculine, weathered beauty, somewhat rough and edgy, yet still romantic. "Thanks to his looks and acting talent, he could transform into many types of characters, from soldiers and intellectuals to gangsters," she said.

The artist regretted recalling that in 2022, the crew of "The Girl From The Past" by directors Nam Cito and Bao Nhan had planned to invite Thuong Tin to participate. Le Khanh was excited then, thinking she would have another chance to reunite with her co-star. However, due to health issues, he had to decline.

Thanh Loan, who played the nun Huyen Trang in "Sai Gon Commandos," recalled filming with Thuong Tin when the crew lived and worked collectively. She said that whenever they had scenes together, Thuong Tin always arrived on time. Off-screen, he was kind, cheerful, open, and there was no distance between artists from the two regions. Although the roles of Sau Tam and nun Huyen Trang did not interact directly, they often met in the makeup room, chatting and inquiring about each other's lives.

Many years after Thuong Tin launched his memoir in Ha Noi, she attended but was surprised to see him looking gaunt after nearly three decades. The reunion on the "Happy Memories" program was a rare occasion for the film's cast to meet again. At that time, only four artists from the film were present: herself, Hai Nhat, Ha Xuyen, and Thuong Tin.

Thanh Loan said the moment they stood together on stage, looking back at old film footage and hearing the audience's applause, made all four of them happy, as if reliving their youth on set. But that joy was mixed with compassion as she noticed the marks of time clearly etched on each colleague, especially Thuong Tin, who once shone brightly on screen. For her, it was a beautiful reunion, but steeped in the poignant emotions of an artist who had experienced many changes in life.

Actor Thuong Tin in the film The River of White Flowers. Archival photo

Colleagues lamented that in his final years, Thuong Tin faced economic hardship, battled illness, and lived in solitude. His health began to decline in 2/2021 after being hospitalized for a stroke.

In 2023, the artist suffered a multi-injury accident, resulting in right knee osteoarthritis and a fractured right kneecap, rendering him unable to walk and requiring a wheelchair. From then until his passing, the artist lived in his hometown with the support of his siblings.

In 3/2024, artist Thuong Tin moved from TP HCM back to Ninh Thuan after a long period without singing gigs. His weak health meant he could no longer perform, despite his strong desire to do so due to declining finances and the need to earn money for his life. However, he was unable to act on his will and had to rely on donations and assistance from friends and philanthropists.

Thuong Tin in a wheelchair, hospitalized for orthopedic injuries in TP HCM in 12/2024. Photo: To Hieu

When he faced difficulties, colleagues like Artist Kim Cuong and Trinh Kim Chi appealed for support, raising approximately 400 million VND to help Thuong Tin stabilize his life. At one point, his health was reported to be improving, which brought joy to everyone. However, in the past year, his condition worsened, confining him to a wheelchair or bedridden.

Thuong Tin lived a solitary life in his later years in his private home with his mother in Phan Rang. He was with a woman 32 years his junior for many years but did not marry, sharing one daughter. In 2024, the artist confirmed their separation, and since then, he rarely saw his child. Thuong Tin once said he accepted all the blame for not being able to fully care for his family.

Musician To Hieu said Thuong Tin passed away without being able to leave any final instructions for his relatives. His 12-year-old daughter lives with her mother in the same commune, but they had not met or communicated for a long time. In his final days, Thuong Tin was troubled and sad, missing his daughter. "Tin once said his greatest wish was to reunite with and make amends to his child," To Hieu stated.

According to actress Diem My, Thuong Tin's life went through many ups and downs, but throughout that journey, the artist also shone like a star – the most precious gift for those who pursue the path of art. "I believe the most beautiful things in the artist's life will remain with the audience, with everyone. With affection, I hope he rests in peace," she said.

The artist's encoffining ceremony took place at 8h on 9/12, and the funeral procession at 15h30 on 10/12. Afterward, Thuong Tin's remains were interred by his family at Hoa Thuy cemetery, Khanh Hoa.

Tan Cao - Hoang Dung - Que Chi