Celebrating his 57th birthday on 22/2, actor Ly Hung spent the occasion with his mother and siblings, coinciding with the Tet holiday. This time with family helped alleviate his feelings of solitude. Despite a successful career spanning decades, Ly Hung admits to feeling a pang of loneliness, especially during family gatherings like Tet, when he observes his relatives' joyful reunions. He believes in fate, stating, "I still believe in destiny, that someone is waiting for me. When there's good news, I will inform the public."

From left: Ly Hung with his mother, younger sister - actress Ly Huong, and Ly Huong's daughter - Jessica Ly - strolling on Nguyen Hue street during Tet Binh Ngo. Photo: Provided by subject

Family remains a central pillar in Ly Hung's life. Before Tet, he visited veteran artists at the Thi Nghe nursing home in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) with his mother, then traveled to her maternal hometown in Tra Vinh (old name) for grave sweeping, followed by a family spring outing. His biggest current concern is his mother, Doan Thi Nguyen, who at nearly 80, recently recovered from a serious illness without lasting complications. He expresses gratitude that she remains healthy, traveling with her children, and free from common elderly ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

Since his father, People's Artist Ly Huynh, passed away in 2020, Ly Hung and his siblings have become their mother's primary emotional support. He often declines weekend performances to drive her to downtown HCMC, cruising along Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue streets, and admiring Bach Dang wharf – a place where his parents once dated. "From a young age, I preferred being close to my parents and rarely socialized with friends. That habit hasn't changed," he shares.

Ly Hung at 57. Photo: Provided by subject

For decades, Ly Hung has maintained a disciplined, healthy lifestyle. Coming from a martial arts background, he prioritizes his physical condition to stay positive. Alongside a scientific diet that avoids excessive oils and sweets, he dedicates five days each week to gym workouts, swimming, and martial arts training. Unlike his younger days, his focus has shifted from physique to internal well-being, maintaining a weight of approximately 70 kg.

After nearly 40 years in the industry, Ly Hung no longer pursues fame. He describes his current life as stable, "not rich but not poor." He lives by his late father's advice: achieving fame is difficult, but maintaining a good reputation is even harder. "For me, material possessions are not paramount. The most important thing is to feel comfortable and peaceful with my loved ones every day and to sleep soundly at night," the actor states.

Ly Hung, son of People's Artist Ly Huynh, began his acting career in the 1980s. He rose to prominence with his first leading role in the film "Dan chim va con bao" (directed by Cao Thuy). In 1988, he starred as Pham Cong alongside Diem Huong in "Pham Cong - Cuc Hoa," solidifying his status as a star. He appeared in numerous popular films, including "Ngoc trong da", "Nuoc mat hoc tro", "Ke hoach 99", "Hong hai tac", and "Canh sat dac khu". As the market for commercial films declined in the late 1990s, Ly Hung temporarily withdrew from the screen.

He returned to acting in 2005, taking on the role of Lieutenant Nguyen Truc in the film "Dollars trang". In late 2025, he will feature in the film "Phong tro ma bau," acting alongside younger talents such as Kim Tuyen and Huynh Phuong. Beyond acting, he has also released several music albums. His younger sister, actress Ly Huong, followed him into the profession in the 1990s, gaining recognition for her work in action films.

Mai Nhat