In early August, Ngo Thanh Van and her husband welcomed their first child, baby Gao, in Ho Chi Minh City. The 46-year-old actress experienced the joys and challenges of first-time motherhood, including sleepless nights. In the early days, she often cried, worried about not having enough milk for her baby. The action star said she overcame the pressure thanks to her husband's constant support.

"He makes me feel comfortable and secure in every way, giving me the confidence that I can do a good job as a mother," Ngo Thanh Van said.

With an 11-year age gap, the couple shares a passion for travel, food, and charity work. After 5 years together, Ngo Thanh Van considers Huy Tran her haven of peace after a long period of focusing on her career. They met in 2020 when he auditioned for a role in Thanh Soi, a film she produced and directed. Due to his limited Vietnamese and nervousness, the Vietnamese-overseas man didn't get the part. However, this first encounter paved the way for many future opportunities together.

Through conversations and collaborations, their feelings developed. Observing Ngo Thanh Van directing on set, Huy Tran admired her ability to inspire others. He witnessed her hiding her fatigue and stress, maintaining a strong spirit to encourage her colleagues when the project faced difficulties.

The action star, in turn, recognized Huy Tran's positive qualities – honesty, kindness, and compassion for the less fortunate. They shared similar interests and lifestyles, having both grown up and worked in foreign environments. "I realized I was more feminine around him and started thinking about a family," she said.

In May 2022, after an intimate beach wedding in Da Nang, they started their life together. Ngo Thanh Van described their married life as blissful, just as she had imagined.

According to the actress, she never prioritized her appearance and sometimes forgot to take care of herself. Before marriage, she "worked like a maniac." Thanks to Huy Tran, she realized she should dedicate more time to herself. "He takes care of my every meal and ensures I get enough sleep. People who know me often comment: 'Ngo Thanh Van smiles more and seems much more relaxed than before'," she shared.

Ngo Thanh Van and Huy Tran welcome their first child. Photo: Provided by the subject

Huy Tran also provided Ngo Thanh Van with strength during her journey to have a child. Dreaming of having a baby since they got married, she admitted her hope dwindled after several failed IVF attempts.

During the two years of trying to conceive, the actress faced societal pressure and anxiety about her age. At times, she felt helpless and lost control. Throughout this period, Huy Tran was always there to comfort her, accompany her to clinic appointments, and occasionally take her on trips to relax.

During Christmas 2024, joy arrived after a long wait. Hearing their baby's heartbeat for the first time in the clinic, they both burst into tears. On their 1,000th day wedding anniversary, while six months pregnant, Ngo Thanh Van penned a letter to Huy Tran from baby Gao: "Dad, you will be my first love, my hero, and my greatest inspiration."

During the final stages of pregnancy, the actress experienced health complications, including cholestasis and a rash. Doctors warned her about the risk of diabetes, advising her to limit high-glycemic carbohydrates and eat bland food. Her husband took charge of the kitchen, implementing supportive diets. He made her pregnancy meals less monotonous by preparing her favorite dishes from the Mekong Delta region and frequently changing the menu.

Ngo Thanh Van joked that postpartum life was "more exhausting than making a blockbuster film." She found that only about 30% of the knowledge she'd acquired beforehand was applicable. It took them several weeks to adjust to breastfeeding, lulling their baby to sleep, and changing diapers. By documenting their baby's habits and preferences, the couple gradually became more confident and less confused.

Looking ahead, the action star and her husband are planning and preparing the best possible financial foundation for their child. She wants to create a springboard for her child to pursue their dreams without hardship. "However, as people driven by our careers, we will teach our child the value of money, to appreciate what they have, and to work hard to achieve their goals," she said.

Ngo Thanh Van and her husband keep a journal of their baby's habits. Photo: Provided by the subject

Ngo Thanh Van, 46, is an actress, film producer, director, and entrepreneur. She earned the nickname "action star" after the success of the film The Rebel (2007), co-starring Johnny Tri Nguyen. In the 2010s, she transitioned to film production, with works such as: Tam Cam: The Untold Story, Co Ba Sai Gon, Song Lang.

In 2019, Furie, which she produced and starred in, earned over 200 billion VND and was selected as Vietnam's entry for "Best International Feature Film" at the Oscars in 2022.

Tam Ky