Artist Hong Dao embraces single life

Actress Hong Dao says that although her two daughters encourage her to remarry, she prefers to enjoy her current life and heal herself through work.

At the end of July, Hong Dao returned to the big screen with the lead role in Mang me di bo (Take Mom to Dispose), a Vietnamese-Korean film directed by Han Mo Hong Jin. Recently, rumors circulated on social media about Hong Dao secretly remarrying in the US, but she denied them, saying they were just edited videos. "I was surprised to receive congratulations from many acquaintances, and happy that people still wish me happiness," the actress said.

Hong Dao reunited with Tuan Tran at the film's premiere in early July in Ho Chi Minh City, where they played mother and son. The artist said she puts all her heart into her work and feels fortunate to be constantly invited to act. She believes the best way to heal is to focus on her craft. No matter how sad she is, as long as she's acting in a film or on stage, she feels soothed.

Hong Dao shows off her beauty at 62 at the event. Video: Provided by the artist

From right: Hong Dao, Minh Phuong, and Minh Trang – the "golden generation" of stage artists – reunited in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of May. Meeting her old friends, she reminisced about her youth at the Experimental Theater Club (now the 5B Vo Van Tan Theater). Later, she pursued her career in the US, Minh Phuong settled in Canada, and Minh Trang settled in Singapore.

Hong Dao met Thanh Loc at an exhibition of Ho Chi Minh City's literary and artistic works in mid-June. Every time she returns to Vietnam, she takes the opportunity to chat with fellow artists she's known since the 1980s, who attended the School of Dramatic Arts 2 (now the University of Theater and Cinema of Ho Chi Minh City), such as Thanh Loc, Huu Chau, and Hong Van.

Hong Dao hosted a party at her home to celebrate Mother's Day (the second Sunday of May) in the US, with her parents and two daughters. For the actress, her family is a strong support system after many life changes. Occasionally, Hong Dao's father calls her and asks, "Do you have any money left? Dad will give you some."

Her two daughters – 29-year-old Vicky Vo (left) and 23-year-old Sophia Minh Chau – send her photos and updates about their lives and work every day. Both support their mother finding a companion in her later years, but she says she still prefers being alone and never feels lonely.

Whenever she returns to California, she often strolls around the neighborhoods, enjoying the pleasant weather. The actress says no matter where she goes, she always wants to return home. "It's where I recharge, the peaceful place I always come back to," she said.

Having overcome a serious illness in 2022, Hong Dao cherishes the word "peace." During her hospitalization, a doctor asked her, "Why, as a comedian who makes the audience laugh, don't you laugh yourself?" This prompted her to reflect and learn to be optimistic to focus on her treatment.

After completing each role, Hong Dao likes to travel and recharge. "I haven't thought about retiring yet because I still want to act until I'm 85," she said.

Hong Dao modeled ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) for designer Minh Chau in early July. Her full name is Nguyen Dinh Hong Dao, and she is known as one of the famous stage artists in southern Vietnam. In 1994, she moved to the US and settled in Northern California. In recent years, Hong Dao has participated in many film projects such as Phuong khau, Thua me con di, and Ngoi nha buom buom. After her divorce, the artist arranged her schedule to travel between the US and Vietnam to care for her two daughters and parents, who currently live in California.

In 2024, she played a supporting role in Mai, which earned 520 billion VND, becoming the highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time. In the same year, the film Chi dau, starring Hong Dao alongside Viet Huong, Le Khanh, and Ngoc Trinh, earned 113 billion VND.