Doyen actress Tham Thuy Hang dies at 83

The actress died on Tuesday evening at her house in Ho Chi Minh City, said Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City.

Duong Cam Thuy, Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City Film Association, said the actress’ health had worsened in recent months.

Her family is waiting for some of her children to return from abroad for the funeral, which is expected to be held in HCMC, on September 9. The burial is expected to take place on September 11.

Movie star Tham Thuy Hang in the 1960s. Photo courtesy of Dinh Tien Mau

Tham Thuy Hang became an instant hit at the age of 18 with her debut role Tam Nuong in the movie “Nguoi Dep Binh Duong” (Pingyang Beauty) released in 1957 by director Nguyen Thanh Chau. The name of the movie became a nickname associated with her throughout her career.

After the film, the next milestone in her career was as heroine Zhi Nu in the film “Nguu Lang – Chuc Nu” (Niu Lang Zhi Nu) Audiences were wowed by her acting and beauty, as also the film’s music.

In the early 1960s, she was one of the most famous beauties in Vietnam. She has told the press that she was paid VND1 million once (equivalent to the cost of one kilogram of gold at that time) for a role.

Later, she found a troupe named after herself, becoming its director and screenwriter. It was one of the most well-known troupes in Saigon at that time.

A series of roles in many plays cemented her reputation in the theater industry. For many years, Hang was the most favorite face in new year special editions of newspapers. The early 1970s marked a professional peak for Hang.

In 1972-1974, she was awarded the “Best Actress Award of Asia” at the Taipei Film Festival (Taiwan), and “Best Actress Award” at the Asian Film Festival held in Hong Kong (China).

In 1975, Hang retired and spent the rest of her life with her family.