With over 30 years in the arts, Quang Thang has made a distinct mark on audiences with his prominent nose and characteristic Hai Phong accent, as he describes himself. His charm in comedy sketches, most notably in the "Tao Quan" program, has resonated with generations of viewers.
For Quang Thang, Hai Phong not only holds memories of his youth but also witnessed his challenging years struggling to make a living. Born into a family with a rich artistic tradition, he showed acting and singing talent from an early age. In 1989, he graduated from Hai Phong College of Culture and Arts. After graduation, besides performing with the provincial Drama Troupe, he worked various jobs, including delivering clothes, collecting payments, waiting tables, and working as a bus assistant on the Hanoi - Hai Phong route.
In 1999, the "Gap nhau cuoi tuan" team visited Quang Thang's hometown to film a program, seeking an actor to star alongside Doctor Hoa Sung, a character portrayed by poet Hoang Nhuan Cam. Introduced by director Trieu Tuan, Quang Thang auditioned and impressed director Khai Hung. He filmed several episodes, gradually gaining audience affection alongside artists Pham Bang, Van Dung, Quoc Khanh, and Cong Ly.
His deep affection for his hometown led Quang Thang to immediately accept an invitation to participate in "Sao Chon" – a reality show exploring Vietnamese cuisine, part of Vietnam iContent 2026 – for its Hai Phong leg.
* Video ''Sao Chon'' episode 2
The actor enjoys programs featuring local cuisine and travel. He takes pleasure in introducing viewers to the unique dishes and people of his hometown. "Hai Phong boasts many delicious and distinctive dishes, which are the pride of my homeland", Quang Thang stated.
In the program broadcast on the evening of 4/10, Quang Thang wore an ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and offered incense at the monument of General Le Chan. Welcoming his colleagues to his hometown, he hummed lines from the song "My Hometown Port" (Ho Bac): "When spring arrives at the port. Seagulls spread their wings, filling the sky". Afterward, he, along with Do Duy Nam and MC Phi Linh, traveled to a spot to savor banh da cua (crab noodle soup) – a dish he has cherished since his school days.
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From left: Do Duy Nam, Quang Thang, and MC Phi Linh are the three artists featured in the second episode of ''Sao Chon'', themed ''Hai Phong - Spicy land of the port, rich aroma of the sea''. Photo: Vietnam iContent |
From left: Do Duy Nam, Quang Thang, and MC Phi Linh are the three artists featured in the second episode of ''Sao Chon'', themed ''Hai Phong - Spicy land of the port, rich aroma of the sea''. Photo: Vietnam iContent
According to Quang Thang, the authentic Hai Phong way to eat banh da cua is without a spoon; one must "lift the entire bowl and slurp heartily" to fully appreciate the broth's flavor and the generous spirit of the local people.
What the artist is most proud of about the Hai Phong spirit is their enthusiasm, honesty, simplicity, and their direct, outspoken nature. These characteristics significantly influenced his personality and demeanor. According to Quang Thang, not only he but many people there are always ready to help friends and commit to work, always welcoming guests warmly. He also sees himself as someone who doesn't beat around the bush or use flowery words when speaking to others.
When performing comedy or acting in films, the artist still incorporates the "essence" of his hometown as a way to connect with audiences. Many praise his graceful portrayal, noting that he acts naturally. "I cannot give up my Hai Phong accent", he said.
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Artist Quang Thang participating in the reality show ''Sao Chon''. Photo: Vietnam iContent
Quang Thang, 58 years old, achieved fame with "Tao Quan" since 2003, becoming synonymous with the "Tao Kinh Te" (Economic Deity) character. He was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2015. In addition to his stage work, Quang Thang has appeared in many television dramas and films.
In 2019, he transferred from the Hai Phong Drama Troupe to the Hanoi Drama Theater. The artist did not move his wife and three children with him, as he always arranges time to visit home. For him, Hai Phong is "easier to live in" than Hanoi regarding food and living costs, and it also offers fresh air, providing a sense of comfort. Quang Thang currently commutes between Hai Phong and Hanoi for work. After years of saving, he purchased a modest home in Gia Lam.
Whenever he returns home, the artist often goes to the market and tries cooking new dishes to vary meals for his family. Having traveled widely and tasted different flavors, he tries to learn new recipes to "show off to his wife and children". His wife and children enjoy his cooking. The artist views cooking not just as a chore but as a source of joy and family bonding.
Due to his frequent travels for work, Quang Thang tends to indulge his children when he sees them, often "getting scolded by his wife" for being too lenient. He does not interfere or pressure them, allowing his three children the freedom to develop. The actor believes that parents should do good deeds so their children can lead peaceful lives later. He remembers the ancient saying: "You reap what you sow", so conducting himself honorably in his profession is also a way to set an example for his children.
"I once shared that if I stumbled, many people would surely help me up or forgive me. I want my children to experience the same", Quang Thang stated.
The "Sao Chon" program, part of Vietnam iContent 2026, is jointly organized by the Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information, VnExpress newspaper, FPT Online Joint Stock Company (FPT Online), and the Vietnam Chefs Vocational Training and Employment Association (VICA). The strategic partner is the Techcombank OneU loyalty program. T Production is the production unit.
"Sao Chon", with the message "Thousands of miles of Vietnam – thousands of brilliant flavors", will air its next episodes from late September to the end of November, every Sunday at 21h on the program's website, VnExpress newspaper's YouTube channel, and at 20h40 on VTV8.
Phuong Linh
