Introduction
People's Artist Hong Van, whose full name is Ngo Dang Hong Van, was born in Tu Son district, Bac Ninh province. At the age of nine, her family moved to Ho Chi Minh City. After finishing grade 12, she entered the School of Theatre and Arts 2 (now the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Cinema) and began her professional acting career.
Career
Early period
From 1989 to 2000, Hong Van was a principal actress at the Small Stage Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, performing both dramatic and comedic roles. She quickly established herself on the comedy stage. Notable roles from this period include Thi Binh in Loi Vu, Vo thang Dau in Te hon vo thang Dau, Ba mat ga in Vu an trom trung ga, and Nadia in So phan tro treu.
Producer and director
From 2001, Hong Van worked as an actress and director while serving as Director of VTTM Stage and Film Joint Stock Company, and as the producer of Phu Nhuan Drama Stage in Ho Chi Minh City. She staged productions such as Giai oan Thi Mau, Nuoc mat nguoi dien, Ky nghe lay Tay, and Me va Nguoi tinh. At the 2010 National Professional Theatre Festival, Phu Nhuan Drama Stage won two gold medals for Me va nguoi tinh and No than.
Beyond directing, Hong Van is known for discovering and training young actors. Many artists who performed on her stage became popular names, including Bang Kieu, Duc Thinh, Thai Hoa, Lan Phuong, Thuy Nga, Oc Thanh Van, and Thanh Thuy.
Television and film acting
Hong Van has appeared in numerous television series and films. Her role as Mrs. Mai in the 80-episode series Gao nep gao te, broadcast on HTV2 and YouTube, created a strong response among audiences. She also appeared in Co Ba Sai Gon, Xom tro 3D, Hon Papa da con gai, Gao cho nuoc song, and Ba Xao. In addition, she has served as a judge and MC for many television programs.
Other activities
Hong Van was a member of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council for the 2011 to 2016 term. She also continues to teach students and create work opportunities for those pursuing a stage career.
Honors and recognition
In 2012, she was awarded the title of People's Artist by the State. She has received the Medal for the Cause of Vietnamese Theatre, a Commendation from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, and gold medals for productions she staged, including No than and Me va Nguoi tinh.