Actor Tran Nhuong suffered a mild stroke in late January, receiving treatment at Hospital 198. He credits timely emergency care for preventing severe lasting effects. During his initial hospital stay, he frequently experienced headaches, dizziness, and difficulty expressing himself. Now, the actor has fully regained his speech and resumed normal daily activities. His only obstacle is a decline in memory. "This incident made me realize the value of health and appreciate myself more. Previously, I was a workaholic, constantly performing, and my lifestyle was irregular," he shared.

In May, Tran Nhuong is set to begin filming the feature film Tay Son That Ho Tuong: Ky Nam Cung Thu Ly Van Buu, primarily shot in Binh Dinh. This historical epic tells the story of seven talented generals during King Quang Trung's reign. Tran Nhuong will portray the Grand Tutor, the empress's brother, a powerful figure who wields significant influence and causes much turmoil while the king is gravely ill.

The actor admits to feeling pressure, having not acted in a theatrical film for a long time. His most recent cinema projects were Dem Hoi Long Tri (1989) and Tinh Yeu Ben Bo Vuc Tham (1992). He notes that the challenge of acting in historical films is the absence of specific models for reference; actors must rely on scripts and historical texts to imagine the character's demeanor. Additionally, he faces difficulty learning lines due to his age and declining memory. "Moreover, I recently had a stroke, and my health has not fully recovered, which somewhat affects my thinking and quickness. I am concerned about whether I can meet the demands of the work, especially if the filming schedule is intense," he said. He is currently dedicating significant time to studying the script before filming begins.

Currently, he has adopted a scientific diet and rest regimen, incorporating light exercise and listening to his body more to limit the risk of recurrence. He also continues to manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, acid reflux, a herniated disc, high blood lipids, and fatty liver. During his recovery, he has received care from family members and his children. Since his divorce from his second wife in 2019, he has been private about his personal life.

Actor Tran Nhuong in his seventies. Photo: Nguyen Ha Nam

At 74, alongside his passion for acting, Tran Nhuong finds joy in an idyllic life. He owns hill land spanning thousands of square meters in Yen Bai, where he cultivates bonsai and fruit trees. Whenever he has time, the actor leaves Hanoi for his garden, enjoying the fresh air and immersing himself in nature.

In recent years, the actor has appeared less frequently on the small screen due to a lack of suitable roles. Previously, he made a strong impression with a series of villainous characters in films such as Gac Kiem, Bao Ngam, Nguoi Phan Xu, Khi Dan Chim Tro Ve, Chu Tich Tinh, and Nhung Co Gai Trong Thanh Pho. However, being typecast in this image once caused him trouble. Many viewers did not distinguish between his roles and his real-life persona, often giving him unsympathetic looks or words. Reading negative, harsh online comments once made him feel hurt and emotional. Yet, looking back, the actor considers it an essential part of the acting profession. He believes that being remembered by the audience is proof of a successful role.

Born in 1952, actor Tran Nhuong was a performer with the former Hai Hung Song and Dance Theatre before transferring to the People's Public Security Arts Troupe. Upon retirement, he held the rank of colonel. He has acted in plays such as Bac Si Huynh, Chi Nhan, Nu Ky Gia, and Nguoi Voi Nguoi. Additionally, he directed many plays that won high awards at theater festivals, including Vong Xoay, Nhung Quan Bai Dinh Menh, Dam Cuoi Trong Dem Mua, Duoi Anh Den, and Phia Sau Vu An. He was awarded the title People's Artist in 2015.

Ha Thu