Lan Phuong is currently filming a new project after nearly two years with the series Family is Unexpectedly Happy. In her nearly 20-year acting career, she has made her mark with a diverse range of characters and fates. She first gained attention as Mai Lan, the talented but jealous heiress in Ugly Betty (2008). In recent years, she has appeared in numerous prime-time dramas, captivating audiences with her transformative performances.
A Lifetime of Resentment (2017)
In this series, Lan Phuong played Mai Dieu, a character who left a strong impression on viewers. An orphan who grew up in solitude, Dieu was ambitious and willing to use any means to achieve her goals. Throughout the series, she constantly schemed to acquire the assets of Phong's (Hong Dang) family, her husband. Believing Dung (Hong Diem) – Phong's former lover – to be the reason for her family's separation, Dieu kidnapped Dung's daughter for 20 years, leaving Dung in anguish.
Lan Phuong's performance was praised for her gestures, expressions, and gaze. In the second season, she immersed herself in portraying the character in middle age, grappling with psychological instability. At the time, the actress was four months pregnant but frequently had to perform scenes involving screaming and destruction.
Director Bui Tien Huy described Lan Phuong's acting as "possessed." In scenes requiring physical action, she forgot about her pregnancy and fully embodied the character. The role earned her the Impressive Actress award at the 2018 VTV Awards.
The Ordered Bride (2019)
Lan Phuong played Yen, an online romance author. Due to the nature of her work, which kept her constantly on her computer, she ordered everything she needed. In the early days of her marriage to Phong (Thanh Son), Yen's habits and differing viewpoints led to conflicts with her in-laws. The appearance of Phong’s "rain sister" Nguyet Anh (Quynh Kool) further disrupted their family life.
Despite being eight years older than Thanh Son, their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. The production team carefully managed their appearances to minimize the age difference. Thanh Son admitted that Lan Phuong was the most intimidating co-star he had worked with, having been impressed by her performance in A Lifetime of Resentment.
Returning to the set five months after giving birth, Lan Phuong faced numerous challenges. Besides the long commute, she had to pump breast milk whenever possible. Juggling filming and breastfeeding led to several instances of exhaustion.
Loving Days (2021)
Many viewers found Lan Phuong's character, Van Khanh, to be filled with tragedy. Married young due to an unplanned pregnancy, she faced disrespect from her mother-in-law, constant criticism from her sister-in-law, and a passive husband. The pressures of work and family life left Khanh perpetually weary.
Khanh's suffering reached its peak when Thuong (Thu Ha) drugged her, took her to a motel, arranged for her to be assaulted, and then alerted her family to humiliate her. Distraught and disbelieved, Khanh called her sister for help. Lan Phuong explained that embodying Khanh for an extended period allowed her to effectively portray the character's pain and despair.
Lan Phuong delivered a powerful performance, particularly in scenes where Khanh cried from the accumulated pressure and her husband's inaction. According to screenwriter Nguyen Thu Thuy, Khanh represents an ordinary woman struggling to navigate life's complexities.
Family is Unexpectedly Happy (2023)
In this family-themed series, Lan Phuong transformed into the "goofy daughter-in-law" Ngoc Ha, a childish and impulsive but honest character. She displayed a wide range of emotions, often creating both humorous and poignant situations.
Lan Phuong shared that Ngoc Ha was the character most like her to date, allowing her to embrace her feminine and playful side. When she took on the role, her younger brother had just gotten married, giving her insight into accepting a new person into the family, similar to her character's situation.
For a time, Lan Phuong's portrayal of Ha was criticized as exaggerated and over-the-top. She explained that she followed the script and the director's instructions. "Ha experiences intense and powerful emotions, like a child who hasn't fully matured. I amplified all of her emotions, which might explain why some viewers loved her while others disliked her. I also incorporated some unusual personality traits, which might have confused some viewers," she said.
Phuong Linh
Video: VFC
