Attending the announcement of the film "Hoang Hau Cuoi Cung" (The Last Empress), Tang Thanh Ha stated that she initially felt pressure due to her long absence from the screen and because the character is a beloved figure across generations. After overcoming her apprehension, the actress recognized this as a valuable opportunity to resume her profession. "I do not want to keep living with past achievements and miss wonderful experiences," Tang Thanh Ha said.

Tang Thanh Ha at the film announcement inspired by the life of Empress Nam Phuong, on the afternoon of 2/7 in TP HCM. The film is scheduled to premiere in 3/2027. *Thanh Huyen*

Returning after 13 years, the actress realized the film industry has changed significantly since her time filming "My Nhan Ke" (The Lady Assassin). She approached the project with a learning mindset, striving to re-sync with the profession. She researched Empress Nam Phuong extensively and honed her acting skills. For example, Empress Nam Phuong was musically gifted, especially with the piano. Tang Thanh Ha dedicated time to improving her musical instrument skills because the film features many scenes where the character plays complex pieces. During filming in Hue, the crew often arranged for a piano to be placed at the actress's accommodation for her daily practice.

The most challenging aspect for the actress to portray was Empress Nam Phuong's inner world. She believed that behind the empress's calm demeanor were suppressed and conflicted emotions. During the pre-production phase, she and the two directors, Bao Nhan and Nam Cito, held many discussions to analyze the character's personality and develop her psychological arc.

Her experiences as a mother and wife helped the actress empathize with the character's life. "Reading the script, I sympathized with the pain she endured. Beyond her title and responsibilities, she had her own sorrows and longed for happiness," the actress stated.

Tang Thanh Ha discusses using her experiences as a wife and mother to embody Empress Nam Phuong. *Mai Nhat*

When the project was announced, many viewers felt that Tang Thanh Ha and her junior co-star, Ma Ran Do, who plays King Bao Dai, had a noticeable age gap affecting their appearance. The actress admitted that initially, upon meeting Ma Ran Do at the 2025 audition, she laughed, not expecting to be paired with someone 11 years her junior. Conversely, he asserted that "age is not important; experience and emotion are what truly matter." After makeup and screen tests, she realized they had good chemistry. The makeup department helped create a more fitting appearance for the two actors on set.

Tang Thanh Ha shared that her husband, businessman Louis Nguyen, and her family support her return to acting. She previously had an active career before dedicating her time to family and business. Now, with her children becoming more independent and her business stable, she longs to once again immerse herself in a character.

From left: Tram Anh as Le Ha, Ma Ran Do as King Bao Dai, Tang Thanh Ha as Empress Nam Phuong, artist Dieu Duc as Duc Tu Cung, and the child actors. *Thanh Huyen*

Empress Nam Phuong (1913-1963), whose birth name was Nguyen Huu Thi Lan, was born in old Saigon to Nguyen Huu Hao and Le Thi Binh, a wealthy land-owning family. At 18, she and King Bao Dai met for the first time in Da Lat. He chose her to be by his side as empress because of her exceptional beauty, gentle nature, aristocratic background, and education.

According to the book "Nam Phuong Hoang Hau: Vi Quoc Mau Tan Thoi Qua Tu Lieu Bao Chi" (Empress Nam Phuong: The Modern National Mother Through Press Documents) by Tu Yeng Luong Hoai Trong Tinh, throughout her reign, the empress significantly influenced the governance and helped the people of her time. With her knowledge and talent, she became a powerful inspiration for women to engage in society, pursue education, work, and develop themselves.

Tang Thanh Ha, 40, was born and raised in TP HCM. From a young age, her mother enrolled her in children's drama classes at the Idecaf theater in TP HCM. After the 2005 film "Doc Tinh" (Love Slope), directors noticed her charming beauty. With "Bong Dung Muon Khoc" (Suddenly I Want to Cry), her name shot to fame through the role of Truc, a street book vendor, co-starring with Luong Manh Hai. The actress has participated in a series of films such as "Dep Tung Centimet" (Beautiful Every Centimeter), "Canh Dong Bat Tan" (The Endless Field), and "My Nhan Ke" (The Lady Assassin). Among these, "My Nhan Ke," directed by Quang Dung, was the highest-grossing Vietnamese film at the time of its release.

In 2012, Tang Thanh Ha married businessman Louis Nguyen, son of "luxury goods king" Johnathan Hanh Nguyen. They have three children: Richard (born in 2015), Chloe (born in 2017), and Mason (born in 2021).

Before Tang Thanh Ha, artist Yen Chi made her mark as Empress Nam Phuong in the 2004 television series "Ngon Nen Hoang Cung" (The Royal Candle).

*Mai Nhat*