Ly Hung shares about the time when his salary was recognized by Guinness as the highest in Vietnam
The actor left his mark in many Vietnamese films: “Pham Cong-Cuc Hoa”; “Tay Son Hao Kiet”; “Nguoi Khong Mang Ho”… Looking back at his peak, Ly Hung feels proud. He is the Vietnamese actor who played the most leading roles, was paid the highest salary and is also an artist who has maintained a “clean” image until today.
Do you often watch your own movies?
Actor Ly Hung:I still watch it from time to time.
How rich is your film portfolio?Actor Ly Hung: I have acted in over a hundred films. I am the Vietnamese actor with the most leading roles, as recognized by Guinness Vietnam. Through verification, I have played the leading role in over 60 films. Looking back at my career, I am also surprised.
Why doesn't Ly Hung like playing supporting roles? Does he value the main role too much?
Actor Ly Hung:Even now that I am older, I only play the main role. I don't play supporting or minor roles. Look at world-famous actors. Once they have won the hearts of the audience, they want to keep their name and respect the audience. Now, I don't act in films to make a living, so I don't play supporting or minor roles, just to have a presence or to have some money.
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| Ly Hung - Diem Huong, were once the "golden couple" of Vietnamese cinema. |
What was your most recent film project?
Actor Ly Hung:Later on, I participated in some TV series. For example, “Storm of Life” I played the main role, 50 episodes… As an actor, the most important thing is to perform successfully, whether it is the main role or the supporting role. I do not participate in every film, the role must have space and depth. I also turned down many invitations.
Looking back at your glorious past, which role are you satisfied with?
Actor Ly Hung:My assets are too much. Unlike other actors, I play a variety of roles. There are romantic films, martial arts films, historical films… but all leave an impression on the audience. If talking about historical films, I like “Pham Cong Cuc Hoa”; “Tay Son Hao Kiet”… Martial arts films, I like “Do La Trang”. Action martial arts films, I like “Nguoi Khong Mang Ho”…
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| Ly Hung in his prime. |
Many audiences were impressed by you in the movie “The Man with No Last Name”. How old were you then?
Actor Ly Hung: At that time I was only about 19 years old.
Compared to many other actors, you are very lucky in your career. Your path to film seems to be paved with roses. Do you think so?
Actor Ly Hung: Of course I am luckier than other actors. I come from a family of actors, and my father guided me into the profession. But I think that I have to study properly and professionally to go the long way. I am in the same class as Diem Huong, Le Tuan Anh, Ngoc Hiep, Thieu Anh Duong… I study at Ho Chi Minh City University of Cinema.
You reached the pinnacle of glory and stayed there for quite a while. What is the secret to keeping your image low profile and avoiding scandals?
Actor Ly Hung: I live in a family with a father who is a martial artist, a people's artist, and a mother who is disciplined and often does charity work. Family background is very important.
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| People's Artist Ly Huynh and his son, Ly Hung on the set of "Tay Son Hao Kiet". |
Pham Cong - Is Cuc Hoa your first leading role?
Actor Ly Hung:No. I've been acting since I was a kid, in children's films. I was already the main character back then. Before I became famous, I had played 4 or 5 main roles.Is your youthful appearance an advantage in your work?
Actor Ly Hung: For artists, appearance is very important. But talent is also needed. Only appearance, without talent, you will not be famous, will not last long in the hearts of the public. Art cannot be forced on anyone, the audience will watch, love, and put the artist in their hearts.
You have acted with the most beautiful actresses. Which beauty do you like best?
Actor Ly Hung:As I said, I play a variety of roles, each actress has her strengths. I play gentle love roles, so I am compatible with Diem Huong and Thu Ha. I play bold or action-oriented roles, so I am compatible with Viet Trinh and Y Phung…
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| Ly Hung and Y Phung, the golden age. |
Your glory days were long?
Actor Ly Hung:It's been a long time. From 1988 to the 1990s, until today my name still remains. The audience still loves me. I have lifetime works without scandal.
Looking back at the past, what do you regret?
Actor Ly Hung:No regrets. I'm happy. I've grown through learning and hard work.
Many people called commercial films back then instant noodle films. Do you think it's unfair?
Actor Ly Hung:I am not a fast food type. My films are commercial films. Thu Ha, Viet Trinh, Le Tuan Anh… are all like that. During the period of commercial films, the state had just stopped subsidizing, private investors made films. The audience loved them so much. My family was also praised by the state. Private investors made commercial films so that Vietnamese audiences could watch Vietnamese films again. Before that, audiences watched Indian and Hong Kong films! Commercial films were not cheap to invest in, very expensive, and took 2-3 months to film, so they were not instant films. Because commercial films were so popular, some filmmakers took advantage of that to make fast food films, acted like comedies, finished in a week, also shown in theaters, with the same ticket price. The audience was annoyed and called those films instant food films. They said instant food films, not instant food actors. If I had acted in instant food films, they would have eliminated me a long time ago.
How high was your salary at that time?
Actor Ly Hung: I was recognized by Vietnam Guinness as the highest paid actor in Vietnam at that time. Back in 1989-1990, my salary was 30 million VND/film. Isn't it terrible? A tael of gold is worth a few hundred thousand.So how do you manage your salary?Actor Ly Hung: My mother helps keep it. She works to support the family. I think that's lucky. Having too much money when you're young is dangerous.
How is your day going?
Actor Ly Hung: I still stay at home with my mother. During the epidemic, I don't participate in art, but I still exercise and take my mother for a walk every evening.
If there were no translation, what would your job be?
Actor Ly Hung: I work in the arts. I sit on game shows and participate in music programs. I love music. I often perform.
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| Ly Hung - Viet Trinh in a game show (Photo: Internet) |
Does your current income from artistic activities help you live well?Actor Ly Hung: Living a stable life by myself is still good. But I don't care much about this issue. I worked a lot when I was young and also had a family foundation and some capital. I live comfortably, not rich, not poor.
Handsome and famous like you but still single, are you too picky?
Actor Ly Hung: It's just that the time hasn't come yet (Laughs).
