Famous 'reformed beauty' has had to sell pho and live in seclusion since her husband passed away
In her old age, the artist known as the "beautiful woman of reformed opera" has now left the stage, choosing a private life after her husband passed away.
Artist To Kim Hong was born in 1950, the only daughter of musician Kim Anh. She soon became involved with the art of reformed opera and made her mark through many plays such asA Cold Night in the Palace, The Madman and the Princess, Phung Nghi Dinh, Manh Le Quan.
The female artist has contributed to many famous cai luong troupes.
With her outstanding contributions to the field of reformed opera, To Kim Hong was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 1993. However, the audience of reformed opera especially remembers her through the title "Beauty of reformed opera" of the Kim Khanh award in 1972.
In addition to her talent, fame and radiant beauty, To Kim Hong is also admired by the audience for her happy marriage with artist Nam Hung - the adopted son of the late People's Artist Phung Ha. The couple met when they both performed at the Saigon 1 Opera Troupe.
To Kim Hong and Nam Hung also acted together in many plays: Ngao So Oc Hen, Loi Vu, Phung Nghi Dinh.
Especially with the notebookClams, Mussels, Snails, Mussels,If "The Beauty of Cai Luong" plays the role of the jealous and shrewish Mrs. Huyen, her husband plays the role of the "lecherous" Mr. De. This is also a play that leaves a strong impression on the audience about the couple's acting.
After leaving the Saigon 1 troupe, she and her husband, artist Nam Hung, opened a coffee shop. However, after a few months of doing business, they returned to the stage by joining the 2.84 troupe. When the reformed opera declined, the couple opened a pho restaurant to make a living.
"The pho restaurant is doing well because audiences and artists often come to support us. Due to circumstances, we have moved to many places, constantly changing locations, but no matter where we sell, it is still popular."she confided
In 2020, artist Nam Hung - To Kim Hong's husband passed away. Since then, she has lived a secluded life and left the stage. Currently, the female artist has heart and blood pressure problems, often stays at home, and rarely communicates with those around her. Speaking loudly also makes her tired. Because she has been away from the stage for a long time, To Kim Hong is very shy about meeting many people.
The female artist also said that although she limits her appearances on stage, she still regularly updates her colleagues' lives.
To Kim Hong said that the group of artists who acted with her in the play Ngao So Oc Hen have now passed away one by one, only she (playing Mrs. Huyen) and the female artist who played the role of Cua occasionally meet and chat with each other.
At the age of 75, the female artist To Kim Hong still maintains a fresh, radiant face. In contrast to the image of the formidable Mrs. Huyen on stage, the female artist in real life is gentle, quiet and easily moved.
