Introduction
People's Artist Hồng Vân, whose full name is Ngô Đặng Hồng Vân, is from Từ Sơn district, Bắc Ninh province. At the age of 9, her family moved to Ho Chi Minh City to live. After finishing grade 12, she took the entrance exam for the School of Theatre Arts 2 (now the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Cinema) and officially entered the path of professional acting.
Career
Early period
From 1989 to 2000, Hồng Vân was a main actress of the Small Stage Drama Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, taking on both dramatic and comedic roles. She quickly established her position on the comedy stage. Some memorable roles from this period include Thị Bình in Lôi Vũ, Vợ thằng Đậu in Tệ hơn vợ thằng Đậu, Bà mất gà in Vụ án trộm trứng gà, and Nadia in Số phận trớ trêu.
Stage owner and director
From 2001, Hồng Vân has been an actress and director while also serving as Director of VTTM Stage and Film Joint Stock Company, and as the stage owner of Phú Nhuận Drama Stage in Ho Chi Minh City. She has staged many productions such as Giải oan Thị Mầu, Nước mắt người điên, Kỹ nghệ lấy Tây, and Mẹ và Người tình. At the 2010 National Professional Theatre Festival, Phú Nhuận Drama Stage won two gold medals for productions with Mẹ và người tình and Nỏ thần.
Besides her role as a director, Hồng Vân is also known for her ability to discover and train young actors. Many artists who have stood on her stage have become popular names such as Bằng Kiều, Đức Thịnh, Thái Hòa, Lan Phương, Thúy Nga, Ốc Thanh Vân, and Thanh Thúy.
Television and film acting
Hồng Vân has appeared in many television series and films. The role of bà Mai in the 80-episode series Gạo nếp gạo tẻ broadcast on HTV2 and YouTube created a great response among audiences. She also appeared in the films Cô Ba Sài Gòn, Xóm trọ 3D, Hồn Papa da con gái, Gạo chợ nước sông, and Ba Xạo. In addition, she has served as a judge and MC for many television programs.
Other activities
Hồng Vân was a delegate to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council for the 2011 to 2016 term. She also continues to teach students and create working opportunities for those who follow the theatre profession.
Titles and recognition
In 2012, she was awarded the title of People's Artist by the State. She has received the Commemorative Medal for the Cause of Vietnamese Theatre, a Certificate of Merit from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, along with gold medals for works she staged such as Nỏ thần and Mẹ và Người tình.
