On the evening of 7/7, Thanh Loc stated he will continue to collaborate with the theater until the end of the month, performing in plays such as Co giao Duyen, Ngoi nha khong co dan ong, and Chuyen do dinh menh. The actor mentioned new plans but could not yet announce them, explaining that for now, he wants to dedicate time to resting and enjoying life.

Artist Thanh Loc during a photoshoot to introduce Thien Dang theater in 2023. Photo: Provided by the artist

Thien Dang theater was established in 9/2023, bringing together veteran names such as Thanh Loc, Huu Chau, and Kim Xuan, alongside popular actors: My Duyen, Van Trang, Luong The Thanh, and Le Phuong. Beyond acting, Thanh Loc served as artistic director, staging plays, and supporting colleagues.

Over the past three years, Thien Dang has attracted a large audience with many plays, including Giang Huong, 13 duc thay, Co giao Duyen, and Lo hang. Notably, the play Giang Huong, directed by Thanh Loc, won a gold medal at the 1st Ho Chi Minh City Theater Festival.

At 65 years old, Thanh Loc remains active in both film and drama. The actor stated he is fortunate not to have underlying health conditions, but his stamina has somewhat declined due to multiple stage injuries. He once had an incident during a performance of Ngay xua ngay xua, suffering a sprained ligament in his left knee, which still aches faintly to this day. "Therefore, I am gradually ceding roles to younger actors, because they are the ones who will take the lead on stage after us," he said.

The artist finds joy in playing roles he empathizes with, without being particular about lead or supporting parts. In May, he participated in the film Mot thoi ta da yeu, acting alongside artists Le Khanh, Quynh Thy, and Quoc Truong. His character is Mr. Trong, a former lawyer who retired from a successful career to live in his hometown. Although living with his wife and children, he feels lonely and isolated in his own home because his family members do not understand him.

Thanh Loc was born into a family with an artistic tradition. His father is People's Artist Thanh Ton, his mother is classical Vietnamese opera artist Huynh Mai, and his elder brother Bach Long and elder sister Bach Le are all renowned artists. In 1997, he collaborated with Idecaf drama theater, founded by manager Huynh Anh Tuan, with premises rented at the Institute for Cultural Exchange with France. He was the lead actor and artistic director of the theater. He contributed to the success of a series of plays: Da co hoai lang, Cau dong, Ngoi nha khong co dan ong, Hop dong manh thu, Tam Cam, and the children's drama series Ngay xua ngay xua.

The artist also appeared in TV series and films such as Mui ngo gai, Chang trai nam ay, Tam Cam chuyen chua ke, Ngoi nha buom buom, and Cong tu Bac Lieu, and was a judge for Vietnam's Got Talent in 2012. In 5/2023, after 26 years of collaboration, Thanh Loc left Idecaf due to "no longer sharing common views."

Mai Nhat