The 45-year friendship of artists Huu Chau and Hong Dao

Video: Film crew provided

The two artists reunite on screen in the film "Len Huong" (directed by Khuong Ngoc), set to premiere in September. Hong Dao stars as the owner of a coffin business in the psychological family drama. This project marks 45 years since Huu Chau and Hong Dao first met in 1981, when they studied together at the School of Stage Arts two (now Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema).

Video: Ca Con

Huu Chau and Hong Dao in the 1990s.

Alongside Hong Van and Thanh Loc, they were invited to perform at the 5B Vo Van Tan theater (then the Experimental Theater Club). From there, these artists became the "golden generation" of southern spoken drama.

Huu Chau recalled that in his youth, he was poor at managing money, so he entrusted Hong Dao with his earnings, making her his "treasurer". This allowed him to buy a motorcycle, which was a significant asset for most young actors at the time. Later, his colleague moved to the United States to settle and continue her career, while he remained committed to Idecaf, making his mark with a series of classic plays.

Huu Chau and Hong Dao posing for a souvenir photo when she visited her homeland in 2002. The artist stated that despite living far apart, they maintain a close relationship, always reminiscing about their profession during their meetings.

Huu Chau said Hong Dao is one of the few co-stars allowed to "scold" him. "Whenever we meet, whatever Dao says, I remain silent or joke back; I never dare to argue. To me, she is a precious gift life has bestowed", he shared.

Occasionally, Huu Chau invites Hong Dao to his acting classes, where they chat to inspire young actors.

The two artists took a souvenir photo backstage during the play "Ngu Quy Tuong Phung" at Thien Dang theater in 2025, where Huu Chau performed. He jokingly admitted feeling nervous when his colleague came to "inspect his work". Hong Dao shared that whenever she returns to Vietnam, she watches her close friend's plays to satisfy her longing for the stage.

The two friends went to a meditation center together in April 2025. Hong Dao expressed happiness that both have remained steadfast and dedicated to their profession for over 40 years. "Beyond our youth, we still have each other, peacefully and calmly", she stated.

Occasionally, they act together in films, such as "Cuc Vang Cua Ngoai" (directed by Khuong Ngoc), a film that grossed over 80 billion VND in 2025. The two artists played Mr. Tu and Mrs. Khanh, neighbors in an alley, sharing their feelings of not being understood or empathized with by their children.

Huu Chau elicited laughter from the audience in scenes where Mr. Tu was teased by Mrs. Khanh. The artist expressed his admiration for his close friend's acting style since they first started their careers. "She has a strange aura; she shines even brighter towards the end of the film", he said.

Hong Dao and Huu Chau act alongside Viet Huong in the teaser for the film "Cuc Vang Cua Ngoai".

From left: artists Huu Nghia, Hong Van, Hong Dao, Huu Chau – the "Tu H" group of close friends. For Huu Chau, his co-stars from his youth are a peaceful support system. Whenever he faces professional challenges or public controversy, he considers them a private, reliable source of comfort.

Huu Chau, 60 years old, is renowned for many famous works such as the series "Ngay Xua Ngay Xua", "Tam Cam", "Cau Dong", "Da Co Hoai Lang", and "Bi Mat Vuon Le Chi". He has also appeared in films like "Lo To" (2017), "Cua Lai Vo Bau" (2019), "Cong Tu Bac Lieu" (2024), "Lat Mat 8" (2025), along with numerous television series.

Hong Dao, 64 years old, is known as one of the "golden generation" theater artists of Ho Chi Minh City in the 1990s. In 1994, she immigrated to the United States, settling in Northern California. In recent years, Hong Dao has returned to Vietnam to participate in many film projects. During Tet 2024, she played a supporting role in "Mai", a film directed by Tran Thanh that grossed 520 billion VND.