On 11/5, the 63-year-old actor shared personal experiences coinciding with the release of the English version of his book, *Vuot qua sinh tu*. He revealed that the most distressing period of his life was when he was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, at a time when his career was flourishing with many film projects.

"I looked in the mirror and saw my eyes bulging", the actor wrote. "I wanted to continue performing, so I was very afraid no one would want to see me with this appearance."

In the past, Li Lien Kiet suffered broken limbs while filming but could return to work after his bones healed. However, hyperthyroidism disfigured his face, forcing him to take a long break.

For over 15 years, Li Lien Kiet has collaborated with doctors, taking medication on time and using his treatment period to cultivate his mind. "Complaining and struggling could not make my face return to its former state", Li Lien Kiet stated. "That was probably the most difficult period of my life, but it was also an opportunity for me to practice spiritual cultivation." Currently, the actor needs daily medication to manage his condition.

In the first half of this year, the actor filmed two short films, "Nguyen Luc Giang Ho" and "Kiem Quy". He expressed a long-standing desire to venture into the short video segment, content with playing minor roles to give the main stage to new faces. The actor harbors a dream of building a "kungfu short film universe" to promote traditional culture and bring the essence of traditional martial arts to young audiences.

Actor Li Lien Kiet. Photo: Zaobao

Although previously private about his personal life, since 2025, Li Lien Kiet has become more open, releasing an autobiography, becoming more active on social media, and interacting with fans. In a video on his personal page last year, the actor revealed he had discussed his posthumous arrangements with his wife, Loi Tri. His wish is for his family not to hold a funeral, to organize everything simply, and not to erect a tombstone. Relatives can choose either tree burial or sea burial for him. Tree burial involves no tombstone or name inscription; the ashes are placed in a biodegradable cotton or paper bag under the roots of a tree. Sea burial involves scattering the ashes into the sea.

Li Lien Kiet was born in 1963 in Beijing and began studying martial arts as a child. From 1975 to 1979, the actor won the national martial arts championship five consecutive times. In 1980, at the age of 17, Li Lien Kiet gained fame with the film "Thieu Lam Tu", subsequently starring in a series of blockbuster martial arts films such as "Hoang Phi Hong", "Tieu Ngao Giang Ho", "Anh Hung", "Hoac Nguyen Giap", and "Tinh Vo Anh Hung".

The actor has been married to Loi Tri, Miss Asia 1986, for 25 years, and they have two daughters. Since their marriage, Loi Tri has retired from the entertainment industry, dedicating herself to caring for her family.

Nhu Anh