'The loneliest People's Artist in the comedy scene' after retirement: choosing a quiet life.

People's Artist Minh Hằng (born in 1961) in Hanoi is a veteran actress of Vietnamese stage and film. Throughout her career, she is closely associated with the role of "Táo bà" (the Kitchen Goddess) in the TV series.Year-End Gatheringand their roles in the film:Life's Game, People of Hanoi, Returning Amidst Love, Battle of Wits...

Childless and widowed, after retiring, People's Artist Minh Hang chose to withdraw from the city and live in a large garden house on the outskirts of Hanoi. The artist who once made millions of viewers laugh heartily now quietly tends to her flowers, raises cats, and learns to "love solitude," finding joy in her solitary journey.

Three houses all to myself

After retiring, People's Artist Minh Hang has three places to return to: a house given to her by her mother on Bui Xuong Trach Street, a house on Nguyen Chi Thanh Street, and a farm of about 20,000 square meters in Hoai Duc (Hanoi). People's Artist Minh Hang spends most of her time at the farm because it has many trees, chickens, dogs, and more than 20 cats – her close companions that help her cope with the sadness of no longer having family members by her side.

"People often fear loneliness. But for me, after many hardships, I've learned to face it. Living alone isn't a misfortune if you know how to take care of yourself and cherish every peaceful moment around you," she once confided.

2021 was a tragic year for People's Artist Minh Hang. In less than two months, she lost two of her dearest loved ones: her husband, Dr. Nguyen Huy Tue, passed away due to a serious illness, followed shortly by her father, Colonel and Doctor Nguyen Nhu Nga.

The successive deaths nearly broke her. The house was silent, her children were gone, and she spent long periods in profound silence. On social media, she kept her profile picture black for months as a way to remember her loved ones.

"I once thought I wouldn't make it. But then I realized no one could save me but myself," People's Artist Minh Hang once shared with VietNamNet reporters.

Although she retired at the end of 2016, People's Artist Minh Hang still maintains a connection with the stage. She once jokingly said, "Retirement is just a formality," because if the Youth Theatre has a suitable role, she is still ready to return.

After being awarded the title of People's Artist in 2019, she still participates in television plays, sitcoms, and game shows, albeit less frequently than before. "I'm selective, only accepting roles that move me. I don't need many roles anymore, just roles that are profound and authentic," the artist affirmed.

Choose a peaceful way of life.

Without fanfare or ostentation, People's Artist Minh Hang chooses a quiet life, but one that doesn't fade away.

She proactively prepared her own burial plot, choosing a quiet cemetery in Hoa Binh. For her, death is no longer frightening when the living know how to let go and are ready to face it.

Having chosen not to have children from a young age, People's Artist Minh Hang doesn't hide the fact that she has faced much scrutiny. But she always believed it was the right choice for someone who pursued art to the very end.

"Many people ask me if I'm lonely? I answer yes. But I have no regrets. No one has everything in life. I have a career, memorable roles, and a loving audience, and that's enough," she confided.

Although she sometimes feels a pang of sadness when alone in her vast garden, People's Artist Minh Hang has never let loneliness turn into despair. She transforms it into motivation to live deeply, thoughtfully, and kindly with herself.

She said, "I no longer want to chase after anything. No crowds, no fame, no competition; now is the time to live for myself, to live slowly, to live deeply."
Photo: FBNV