During the holiday season, the artist travels to perform, singing and acting in many northern provinces. For her, the greatest joy is being recognized by audiences, from the elderly to children, who call her name and ask for photos. These affections provide motivation, deepening her love for the profession and strengthening her resolve in her journey.

Many people comment that Thanh Tu looks fuller and more radiant than before. She stated this change comes after four years of consistent treatment, a sign of her body gradually recovering, returning to a balanced and healthier state. The artist's health is now stable; she does not need a restrictive diet. Daily, she exercises lightly, maintains a good spirit, and follows a schedule of regular health check-ups. "My two daughters are grown and have their own families, so I dedicate 100% of my energy to work and self-care," the actress said.

Actress Thanh Tu performs with children in Hai Phong on 29/4. Photo: Courtesy of subject

In 2022, while filming "Dung lam me cau", she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. She took one week off work for surgery. Before the operation, her only concern was that the neck surgery would affect her voice, hindering her work. The surgery was successful, leaving no complications. However, she later received biopsy results indicating the tumor had metastasized.

Upon receiving the results, the actress was distraught, worrying about her future. On many days, she would ponder aimlessly, then drive without a destination. Thanh Tu then encouraged herself to fight strongly for her parents and children. She followed her doctor's protocol, undergoing radiation therapy for half a year. Thanh Tu stated that the days preparing to drink radioactive iodine and staying in isolation were the biggest challenge. At that time, feelings of anxiety and loneliness made her feel uncertain. Besides thyroid cancer, Thanh Tu also had benign tumors removed from her thigh and chest.

Thanh Tu on stage. Photo: Courtesy of subject

During her treatment, her parents and two daughters were always by her side, encouraging her. Having divorced her husband and been a single mother for many years, she stated she no longer feels sad about the absence of a partner. "When my children were young, during times of illness, I often cried silently. But as time passed, everything gradually settled. At this age, I am no longer saddened by romantic matters because life is too busy and there are many other joys," Thanh Tu shared. The actress said that if she seeks a new companion, she would not choose an ideal person based on youthful dreams but simply someone compatible.

Despite many emotional and life upheavals, Thanh Tu always maintains a positive and optimistic spirit. According to her, all difficulties serve as motivation, making her more diligent, strong, and appreciative of life. "My greatest happiness is being loved by the audience, having healthy parents, and my children growing up to live honestly. I have never resented life or fate; instead, I always thank everything for giving me valuable lessons and experiences," the artist said.

Thanh Tu performing with artist Pham Bang in "Gap nhau cuoi tuan". Video: VFC

Thanh Tu was born in 1975 into a family of cai luong (reformed opera) artists. In her youth, she traveled with performing troupes, both acting and doing odd jobs to earn extra income. After graduating from Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema, she worked at the Cai Luong Theater, then the People's Police Drama Troupe, and finally joined the Youth Theater. She is most remembered by the nickname Tu "Chao long" from the comedy series Gap nhau cuoi tuan. From then on, the actress became "typecast" with the image of a sharp-tongued, sassy character on screen. She gained attention for supporting roles in films like Nguoi phan xu, Song chung voi me chong, Chay tron thanh xuan, and Dung lam me cau.

Ha Thu