The youth of comedian Bao Quoc alongside veteran artists

Comedian Bao Quoc recalls his performing days with artists Duy Phuong and Bao Chung, and his close bond with cai luong star Vu Linh in the 1990s.

Bao Quoc, 77, born in Tay Ninh, is the sixth of 10 children. His father was Lu Hoa Nghia, known by his stage name Nam Nghia, a renowned cai luong artist in the former South. His mother, Nguyen Thi Tho, also known as "bau" Tho, owned the Thanh Minh cai luong troupe, one of Saigon's five most famous theater groups of its era.

He won the Thanh Tam gold medal in 1967, a prestigious award in the cai luong genre. Beyond his singing career, he was a leading figure in Southern comedy, earning the title "De nhat danh hai" (Number one comedian) from San khau newspaper between 1991 and 2001. The State honored him with the title Meritorious Artist in 1991.

Bao Quoc (left) reminisces about performing comedy with artist Duy Phuong on stages in TP HCM in the 1980s. Initially a cai luong artist, Bao Quoc later transitioned to comedy, forming a popular duo with Duy Phuong that captivated audiences.

Beyond Duy Phuong, Bao Chung was another comedian who shared great chemistry with Bao Quoc. They collaborated on numerous plays and popular comedy videos, including Co dat co nha and Pham Cong Cuc Hoa tan thoi.

The comedian and Bao Chung have maintained a close friendship for 40 years. In 2022, for his 60th career anniversary show, Bao Quoc invited Bao Chung to perform the sketch Khong ban tinh em, revisiting their heyday on comedy stages.

Comedian Van Chung (1927 - 2018) was an elder artist Bao Quoc admired, despite their limited collaborations. When Van Chung passed away in California, US at 91 years old, Bao Quoc attended the funeral, paying his final respects.

Comedians Bao Quoc and Van Chung share an intimate moment backstage.

Bao Quoc and artist Diep Lang (1941 - 2023) backstage during the filming of the comedic cai luong video Tu Ech di Ha Noi in the 1990s. Bao Quoc recalls Diep Lang most for his classic portrayal of Hoi dong Thang in the play Doi co Luu.

Bao Quoc with comedian Tung Lam (1934 - 2023). Tung Lam was a celebrated comedian in the South during the 1960s and 1970s, once named among the "Seven Comedy Emperors of Saigon" by San khau kich truong weekly.

Bao Quoc with cai luong king Ho Quang Vu Linh (1958 - 2023). Bao Quoc considered Vu Linh a cherished junior, and they shared a close bond from frequently filming cai luong videos together in the 1990s. At the time, Bao Quoc was an established figure, while Vu Linh was a rising young star. Vu Linh affectionately called Bao Quoc "anh Sau" whenever they met.

Second from left: Artist Kim Ngoc (1944 - 2011) and Bao Quoc. Bao Quoc mentioned that one of her most memorable roles for him was Tu "xa lang" in the 1990s TV drama Trong nha ngoai pho. "I still cherish her image, even though she has passed," he stated.