Father and son, Meritorious Artist Ho Thap and Ho Phong: Father plays a General, son a 'master villain'.
Few people know that Lieutenant Colonel, Meritorious Artist Ho Phong, who specializes in playing gangster roles, is the son of Meritorious Artist Ho Thap, a veteran artist famous for his portrayal of General Le Trong Tan.
On Vietnamese screens, Lieutenant Colonel and Meritorious Artist Ho Phong has become a familiar face through a series of villainous roles, from cunning gangsters to crime bosses. However, few viewers know that his biological father is Meritorious Artist Ho Thap, a veteran artist who usually plays positive roles such as generals, presidents, and directors. The interesting contrast in the careers of father and son has created a unique story in the art world.
Meritorious Artist Ho Thap: A 'veteran' of the mining region's theater.
Meritorious Artist Ho Thap, full name Ho Ngoc Thap, was born in 1941 in Bac Ninh. His career was closely associated with the Quang Ninh Drama Troupe for 41 years, from 1962 until his retirement in 2003. He was not only a talented actor but also a soldier-artist, having participated in the Mobile Performing Arts Team performing in the Southern battlefield in 1968.
With his dignified and imposing demeanor, Meritorious Artist Ho Thap has left his mark through approximately 200 plays and over 50 films, specializing in leadership roles. His notable roles include General Le Trong Tan in the film "Liberating Saigon," Colonel Thanh, an intelligence officer in "The Man Who Cannot Die," and Chairman Hieu in "The Secrets of Lives." In 1997, he was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist. Not only successful in his career, he also has a happy family with his wife, a former colleague, and three children, two of whom, his sons, have followed in their father's footsteps and have also been awarded the title of Meritorious Artist.
Lieutenant Colonel, Meritorious Artist Ho Phong: 'The King of Villains' and his real-life experiences.
In contrast to his father's image, Meritorious Artist Ho Phong (born in 1971) built his reputation on villainous roles. He is currently a police officer with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, working at the People's Police Drama Theater. With his angular face, sharp eyes, and distinctive husky voice, he has successfully embodied many gangster and criminal characters in popular television dramas such as "Land and People," "The Secret of the Golden Triangle," "The Taste of Family Love," "Battle of Wits," and most recently, "The Lone Path."
Despite often being "disliked" by audiences for his roles, in real life, Ho Phong is described by his colleagues as a kind, straightforward person and an exemplary husband and father. He enjoys a fulfilling family life with his wife and four children. He once shared that he inherited the "gene of loyalty" from his father, Meritorious Artist Ho Thap.
A unique artistic continuity between two generations.
The artistic journey of father and son, Meritorious Artist Ho Thap and Ho Phong, reveals a fascinating continuity and transformation. The father, who rose to prominence on the wartime stage, is associated with the image of an exemplary leader. The son, who achieved fame during the television boom, does not hesitate to take on villainous roles to highlight messages of justice. Despite their contrasting on-screen images, both share a passion for art and have carved out their own niche in the hearts of the audience, maintaining the artistic legacy and strong family bonds across generations.
