People's Artist Thanh Hoa: 60-year career and a fulfilling life at 75
At the age of 75, People's Artist Thanh Hoa acted in a movie for the first time, revealing her peaceful life with her husband who is 6 years younger and her 1,000 m² house in the suburbs of Hanoi.
First time entering cinema at the age of 75
After 60 years of dedication to the music stage, People's Artist Thanh Hoa is trying her hand at cinema for the first time in the movie "Generation of Miracles", scheduled to be released on December 12, 2025. As a veteran singer of revolutionary music, her appearance on the big screen promises to bring many interesting surprises.
In the film, People's Artist Thanh Hoa plays Mrs. Nga Tu, a gentle, tolerant but principled grandmother, who is the spiritual support for her children and grandchildren. She plays the mother-in-law of actress Thanh Huong and the grandmother of the character Tien played by Tran Bom (son of artist Tran Luc).
Director Hoang Nam shared that, although initially confused, People's Artist Thanh Hoa quickly got into the role and even gave many comments to make the character more realistic. He commented: "Thanh Hoa got into the role very naturally. In terms of appearance, she almost completely abandoned the diva image to become an ordinary grandmother on screen."
60-year career dedicated to music
People's Artist Thanh Hoa, real name Nguyen Thi Thanh, has been involved with music since she was 9 years old. After graduating from the Vietnam Music School, she joined the Liberation Radio Station. With her clear and high-pitched voice, she left a deep impression through many classic songs such as "Tau anh qua nui" (Train passing the mountain) and "Tieng hat giua rung Pac Bo".
In 1974, she was present at the Truong Son battlefield, using her singing voice to serve the Ho Chi Minh Campaign. After that, she worked at the Voice of Vietnam Radio until her retirement in 2006. In 2001, she was awarded the title of People's Artist by the State, a worthy recognition for her tireless contributions.
A perfect marriage and a love story that overcomes prejudice
After her first marriage failed, People's Artist Thanh Hoa found lasting happiness with artist Ton That Loi, her second husband who is 6 years younger than her. Their love story began with simple things, and Mr. Loi still humorously recounted that he "won over" his wife with a 500 VND piece of pineapple.
Their relationship faced opposition from Mr. Ton That Loi's family due to the prejudices at that time about his younger age and her having a child. However, with sincere love and perseverance, they overcame all barriers to come together and build a happy home that lasted nearly 4 decades.
In 2017, at the age of nearly 70, People's Artist Thanh Hoa wore a wedding dress for the first time in a special wedding organized by a television program, as a sweet ending to her love story.
A peaceful life and passion for traditional art
Currently, People's Artist Thanh Hoa holds the role of President of the Association for the Protection of Rights of Vietnamese Music Performing Artists (APPA). At the age of 75, she is still working hard with the desire to preserve and spread traditional artistic values such as ca tru, hat xoan, and don ca tai tu to the younger generation.
Many years ago, she and her husband decided to leave the city to live in a 1,000 m² garden house in Thach That, Hanoi. Here, she enjoys a peaceful life with the pleasure of gardening, taking care of plants and gathering with her children and grandchildren. Her family currently has 10 grandchildren, bringing complete joy to the female artist in her twilight years.
