Meritorious Artist Hoang Son's feelings when he stopped acting and 'hid' for 2 years

"This job is in my blood, it's hard for me to quit"

- After nearly 40 years of being attached to the stage, what makes Meritorious Artist Hoang Son still maintain his passion for the stage lights even when movies are dominating?

Artists are often compared to "eating the rice of the ancestors" - once attached, it is difficult to leave. Despite the objective impacts of the current situation, the flame of passion in me still burns. Although it is no longer as intense as when I was young, it still smolders and shines brightly in my heart. No matter what the circumstances, the passion for art always burns within me.

- Can you share about the biggest challenge in the process of perfecting humorous roles and how you have maintained your charm until now?

Actually, there is no special feat. To get to where I am today, I had to go through a process of training, striving and a little luck.

Regarding maintaining my comedy form, I always keep in mind that I have to study each script carefully. I set a rule for myself: I have to completely transform into the character and most importantly, I have to act for real. I always try to find the best and most fun things in the role. Thanks to a wealth of experience in researching, learning and practicing constantly, plus a little luck, all have supported my roles.

When I go out and hear the audience say, "Oh, Hoang Son's acting is so realistic," I am very happy. That proves that the audience has accepted me through the character. But that joy also comes with pressure - I have to try harder to maintain this charm. That is the motivation for every artist, every actor to have more excitement to continue on the artistic path.

- Do you have any regrets about temporarily stopping acting to work at a transportation corporation? What motivated you to come back?

When I started a media and advertising company within a corporation, I initially thought I only needed to master the art side of things. But when I got into the details of media, I realized there was a lot to learn.

At first I let my friends do it but then I saw that the work was not going well. Finally, I decided to stop acting for a few years to focus on work, restructuring and orienting the company.

More than 2 years have passed, the job has become in my blood, it is difficult for me to quit. Before, when my friends invited me to hang out, I often said "busy filming". Now when I have free time to meet my friends, they are busy filming. That feeling is also very sad.

Actually, this acting profession will have to retire at some point, I have a side job which is better. Although it is called a side job, it is also somewhat related to art such as media and advertising, so I feel secure and okay.

Since the beginning of the year, I have been invited to 4 films, but I have been very selective. After 2 years of returning, I want to do roles that I really like and are really suitable for. I am not criticizing anyone, but there are roles that I do not like very much. Now, if you ask me to choose, some people will say "you are still choosing, no one will invite me anymore". But in the past few years, I have not been impatient. Now that I am back, I have to find a role that I really like.

"Everyone loves money but the important thing is whether you are satisfied or not"

- What is special about the role in "Let's Go Home" that made you decide to accept?

This role of Mr. Chien is completely different from the character of Hoang Son in the past. Up to now, I usually have a cheerful face, but this character has a quiet side, other hidden corners. That is what I like because it gives me the opportunity to challenge myself with a completely new acting style.

- How do you feel about the message in the film and how does this relate to your personal experience?

- When working with actors of many generations, do you have any difficulty in harmonizing emotions?

I did not encounter any obstacles, in the film there was People's Artist Hong Van playing my wife, People's Artist Kim Xuan, Meritorious Artist Huu Chau (playing Mr. Dau) and many other young people. I am familiar with most of the artists because in the profession we are like brothers and sisters.

I am also the "uncle" of the kids. They are very cute, before filming they said: "If there is anything we haven't done well, please guide us so we can do better". This attitude is very valuable. If young actors have that, we, the seniors, are happy and try to give them advice so they can do better.

- What in family life make you most proud?

I am always proud of my family - my wife and 3 children. My son, Nguyen Pham Hoang Hai (nicknamed Bin), is also a director and screenwriter. Now he is grown up and has a stable career, I am very happy. My daughter is studying and preparing to get a job, and my youngest son is still studying.

Everyone loves to be rich, everyone loves money, but the important thing is whether you feel satisfied or not. If you have more, it's better, there is no temporary satisfaction with what you have in terms of spirit and life.

Photo, video: DPCC

Huy Minh