Visiting Ngoc Trinh late on 1/9, Hoa Hiep wept, still in disbelief that his close friend, like family, had passed away. He was one of the colleagues aware of Ngoc Trinh's condition from the time of her hospitalization until her death, but he was not allowed to share the news with anyone, respecting her family's wishes. Before her coffin, he suppressed his grief to allow Ngoc Trinh a peaceful departure. "I understand life is temporary, and when our time comes, we all must journey to a better place. I believe she has fulfilled her earthly duties and found peace," he said.

* Hoa Hiep recounts how Ngoc Trinh helped him land a role in "Mui Ngo Gai"

Ngoc Trinh and Hoa Hiep were close friends for 20 years in the industry, praised by audiences for their chemistry on screen, on stage, and in real life. "Mui Ngo Gai" (2006), their first television project together, marked their collaboration and left a lasting impression on viewers. In the series, Ngoc Trinh played Vy, an orphaned girl with strong willpower, while Hoa Hiep played Khanh, her half-brother.

Wiping away tears, Hoa Hiep recalled his early days in the industry, lacking experience and connections. "Back then, if it weren't for Trinh's introduction to the 'Mui Ngo Gai' team, there might not be the Hoa Hiep of today. To me, Ngoc Trinh was not only a colleague, an older sister, but also a benefactor in my career," he said.

Hoa Hiep and Ngoc Trinh in their early acting days. Photo: Provided by Hoa Hiep.

He remembered that the film crew had initially finalized the male lead, but they still wanted more options. Ngoc Trinh immediately messaged Hoa Hiep to prepare his profile.

"It was pouring rain that day, and I rushed to develop a photo to give to her so she could pass it on to the director. When I arrived at her house, I didn't want to bother her, so I left it in her mailbox. Back home, I waited anxiously, not daring to call, reassuring myself, 'Let's leave it to fate.' The next day, she called and told me to prepare for the casting. When I joined the production, I didn't realize how big the project was, and I was overjoyed when I got the role," he said.

The series became a sensation, propelling Ngoc Trinh and Hoa Hiep to fame. He recounted that wherever he went, people recognized him, and if he was alone, they would immediately ask, "Khanh, where's Vy?".

Ngoc Trinh then worked with Hoa Hiep at the Idecaf Theater. He said she introduced him to the troupe, which led him to a career in theater. They performed together in many plays, the most impressive being "Mua Bong May", which won four Gold Medals at the 2021 National Theater Festival, including two for the lead actors.

Hoa Hiep fondly remembers an incident during the production when they had a disagreement, worrying their colleagues, who tried to mediate. Ngoc Trinh took the initiative to analyze the situation and encourage Hoa Hiep to regain his composure. He admitted his thinking wasn't mature at the time, leading to improper behavior, but thankfully, Ngoc Trinh didn't hold a grudge.

"Professionally, I considered her a mentor. I learned from her natural and realistic acting style," he said.

Hoa Hiep and Ngoc Trinh playing elderly characters in the play "Mua Bong May". Photo: Provided by Hoa Hiep.

Ngoc Trinh treated Hoa Hiep like a younger brother, sharing both joys and sorrows. While she was private about her personal life with many colleagues, Hoa Hiep was an exception. He understood her desire for privacy and never pried, usually letting her share on her own terms.

Ngoc Trinh loved durian. Hoa Hiep said he often bought it for her as a gift when traveling and finding good quality durian. He enjoyed hearing her chuckle each time. In recent years, as Ngoc Trinh suffered from stomach problems, he advised her to limit her intake of the fruit for her health.

Hoa Hiep and Ngoc Trinh receiving certificates at the closing ceremony of the 2021 National Theater Festival. Photo: MM.

To Hoa Hiep, she was always eager to learn and never settled. When not acting, Ngoc Trinh taught, and in her free time, she enrolled in professional and other courses. "For her, everything had to be done thoroughly," he said.

Hoa Hiep compared an actor's career to a clock, completing a full circle and declining after reaching the peak. Both he and Ngoc Trinh experienced periods of stagnation. However, he admired how she accepted it and chose her own path. "I learned from her the art of 'letting go' of things that no longer belonged to me, to make life more comfortable rather than bearing the pressure," he said.

They last met at the Hong Van Theater, while Ngoc Trinh was preparing to defend her master's thesis. Hoa Hiep still has a video on his phone of them dancing, which they planned to post on TikTok. His only regret is not fulfilling his promise to take her out for a meal due to his busy schedule. They also planned to restage "Mua Bong May" and collaborate on other projects, but everything is now unfinished. "Even though she's no longer with us, the most beautiful memories of her will forever be etched in my heart," Hoa Hiep added.

Ngoc Trinh, whose full name is Pham Thi Ngoc Trinh, was born in 1974 into a family with no artistic background. From a young age, she loved Cai Luong (Vietnamese reformed opera) and idolized artist Ngoc Huyen. While studying at the School of Theater Arts 2 (TP HCM), Meritorious Artist Bach Lan, then director of the City Youth Theater, invited her to join the troupe, playing lead roles in plays like "My Hoai Thu," "Nu Sinh," and "Hoa Thien Ly Tren Cao." She was an actress at the 135 Theater, 5B Theater, Idecaf Theater, and Tran Cao Van Theater.

Besides stage acting, Ngoc Trinh also starred in television series and worked as an MC for TP HCM Television. She won a Gold Medal at the 2012 National Professional Theater Festival (for her role as Be Ba in "Doi Nhu Y"), a Mai Vang Award in 2014 (for directing "49 Ngay Yeu"), and a Mai Vang Award in 2005 (for her role as Xang in "Trai Tim Nhay Mua"). In 2019, she was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.

Hoa Hiep, 43, graduated from the University of Theater and Cinema in TP HCM. In 2002, he debuted in the film "Vong Xoay So Phan" and later gained recognition in television series like "Mui Ngo Gai", "Nghe Bao", and "Co Nang Buong Binh". In 2010, he won a Mai Vang Award for his role as Vy in "Cong Mat Troi", a character who, despite being cheerful, was calculating and easily swayed by material temptations. He continued to impress audiences with his roles in "Ong Trum," "Tran Trung Ky An," and "Nghiep Sinh Tu". In recent years, he has expanded his career from acting to MCing. In addition to film, he is also active in theater, particularly loved for the children's play series "Ngay Xua Ngay Xua" at Idecaf.

Tan Cao