The actor stars in Getting Rich With Ghosts 2 (directed by Trung Lun), which premiered during the National Day holiday. The comedy-fantasy film revolves around a group of characters vying for a nine billion VND diamond ring, the engagement ring of a recently deceased actor.

In this interview, he talks about his life off-screen and his aspirations after more than 30 years in the acting profession.

- What physical challenges did you face filming the fight scenes in this new movie?

- I play Mr. Nhay, a somewhat opportunistic and materialistic photographer. Compared to other roles I've played, this one is more nuanced, leaning towards the villainous. Honestly, I didn't find it too strenuous, perhaps because I'm comfortable with the Mekong Delta setting. I even asked to do my own stunts instead of using a stunt double, but director Trung Lun didn't allow it, wanting me to conserve my energy for later scenes.

I'm aware of my physical limitations at this age. However, keeping up with the film crew, I felt healthier than when I'm at home, probably because I ate regular meals I enjoyed and rarely filmed at night.

Hoai Linh at 56. Photo: Provided by the subject

Hoai Linh at 56. Photo: Provided by the subject

- How is your health now, five years after being diagnosed with thyroid cancer?

- I'm gradually getting better and gaining weight. Still, I take a pill every day for insomnia, in addition to the lifelong thyroid medication. I've also been trying to diversify my diet with more vegetables and meat, instead of mainly dried fish and shrimp paste like before. Occasionally, my mother still reminds me, "Try to eat nutritiously, son."

Scrolling through TikTok, I often see rumors of my death or stroke. When that happens, I just worry about upsetting my family and the fans who care about me. Once, an aunt of mine called in a panic. I reassured her with a laugh, "If anything happens to me, mom and my sister will inform you first, not some stranger online."

Being in this profession, there are times I've had to compromise my health. Back when I performed at the Trong Dong stage, there was always an oxygen tank, a doctor, and a nurse backstage. After each act, while changing costumes and applying makeup, I'd get injections and have my blood pressure checked. I worked incredibly hard when I was younger. Now that I'm older, I no longer feel the need to work myself to death for money.

Hoai Linh speaks about his mother's care during an interview on 25/8. Video: Mai Nhat

- How are your finances now that you're acting less?

- Money doesn't affect me much anymore. I'm not a businessman; I've never been successful at it. A while ago, I bought a piece of land for over two billion VND. A few years ago, someone offered 1.7 billion VND, and I thought, "Might as well sell it" (laughs).

My family is stable now; everyone has a job. My mother primarily lives with me, but all my siblings contribute financially. I don't live extravagantly; two meals a day with dried fish, a bit of meat, and vegetables are enough. I don't need a lot of possessions, just enough to take care of my family. Moreover, my life's biggest aspiration—building a temple to honor our ancestors in the performing arts—was fulfilled in 2016. So, I no longer have any desires or burdens.

- How do you enjoy life when you're not filming?

- I usually wake up at 7 a.m. and take my bird cages out for some sun. I live in Phu Nhuan district (formerly) with my mother. Sometimes I go to the ancestral temple to mow the lawn and prune the trees. On weekends, if I don't have rehearsal, I go to my orchard in Dong Nai to tend the garden and harvest rambutan and durian.

On days I'm not performing, I dedicate my time to family. My mother, and my father when he was alive, never asked anything of their children financially, only wishing us good health. My mother is almost 90 but still knocks on my door every morning, urging me to go out sometimes instead of "lying around all day." If I pretend to be asleep, she comes closer and kisses my back like when I was little.

For many years, I performed plays throughout Tet, returning home only at midnight. My mother would sometimes get upset that I was "neglecting" her at home. She only playfully complained, never scolding, understanding the late nights of my profession.

Hoai Linh harvests durian from his orchard to treat Mac Van Khoa in June. Video: Provided by the subject

- What motivated you to return to the big screen these past two years?

- Besides my close friendship with director Trung Lun, a longtime colleague, the affection from the audience also motivated me. Every time I film, I get to meet fans from afar, and they welcome me warmly. Like when we filmed Getting Rich With Ghosts 2 in An Giang, during filming after school hours, students crowded the bridge and both riverbanks. As an artist, being loved and supported by the public is an indescribable joy (laughs).

Trailer for the film "Getting Rich With Ghosts 2". Video: Provided by the film crew

- Do you have any remaining passion for the stage?

- Recently, I've been supporting some colleagues with their new theater. Although I'm not an investor, I'm helping them with plays, encouraging young directors to keep their passion alive, especially given the increasing challenges facing live theater.

Theater always holds a special place in my heart. I often tell my assistant to only accept weekday shows, or none at all if there aren't any. On Saturdays and Sundays, I must be on stage to live out my passion, laughing and crying with the audience.

Hoai Linh, originally from Quang Nam, rose to fame overseas in the 1990s performing comedies with Van Son. In the early 2000s, he returned to Vietnam to live and work. Besides theater, he's been a judge on many game shows and starred in hit films like Kiss of Death, House with Five Fairies, and Hello Miss Ba.

In 2021, the actor was embroiled in a controversy over delays in distributing charitable donations for central Vietnam. By December of that year, Ho Chi Minh City police determined that Hoai Linh had not committed any crime. Last year, he returned to the big screen with Getting Rich With Ghosts (directed by Trung Lun). The film earned 128 billion VND, his highest-grossing film to date.

Mai Nhat