Introduction
People's Artist Tu Long, full name Vu Tu Long, born in 1973 in Bac Ninh, came from a family with an artistic tradition. His father is Meritorious Artist Tu Lam and his mother is Meritorious Artist Minh Phuc. From a young age, he was exposed to an artistic environment and was taught to sing cheo.
Why is a cheo artist widely known through television?
Cheo is a traditional theatrical form, usually associated with the stage and audiences in certain performance spaces. Tu Long's appearance on television, first through television films during his school years and then through comedy programs, helped his image reach a large audience nationwide, going beyond the scope of a traditional stage.
Career and activities
Even during his school years, Tu Long participated in television films to accumulate acting experience. He graduated from Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema, then joined the Cheo Troupe of the General Department of Logistics to pursue his passion for acting.
In 2000, he became involved in comedy with Xuan Bac in the program Gap nhau cuoi tuan, and quickly became known and loved by audiences nationwide. From here, he was remembered as a comedian. He is also one of the artists longest associated with the program Gap nhau cuoi nam - Tao Quan, standing out with the role of Tao xa hoi. On the cheo stage, he is also a highly regarded artist.
Regarding stage roles, People's Artist Tu Long made his mark with the role of General Nguyen Chi Thanh in the play Sang trong nhu ngoc mot con nguoi and the role of teacher Chu Van An. With the role of teacher Chu Van An, he won a gold medal. In 2024, he received the Excellent Director award and the Dao Tan award for his role as director of the cheo play Dai doi truong cua toi.
Why is holding a director role noteworthy for an artist known for acting?
Actor and director are two different jobs: the actor is responsible for his or her own role, while the director is responsible for the entire play. Tu Long receiving the Excellent Director award and the Dao Tan award for the cheo play Dai doi truong cua toi shows that he not only stood in the position of performer but also participated in staging, a step in his professional activity.
What do the titles and awards say?
The titles Meritorious Artist and People's Artist are forms of official recognition by the State for artists with contributions in performance activities, considered according to general regulations. In Tu Long's case, these titles stand alongside awards voted by the public and the profession, showing recognition from both sides.
Main milestones
- 2012: awarded the title Meritorious Artist.
- 2015: awarded the title People's Artist.
- September 2014: appointed Deputy Director of the Army Cheo Theatre.
- 30.12.2024: received the appointment decision for the role of Director of the Army Cheo Theatre, after Colonel, People's Artist Nguyen Quoc Truong retired.
- 2024: participated in the program Anh trai vuot ngan chong gai, attracting attention with his wholehearted spirit and the message of preserving national culture.
- 2024: received the 30th Mai Vang Award in the category of Most Favorite Comedian, along with the Inspirational Artist award presented by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
What does accepting the position of Director of the Army Cheo Theatre mean?
The Army Cheo Theatre is a performance unit associated with the military environment, where Tu Long has worked since he was an actor. His having held the role of Deputy Director and then later receiving the role of Director shows a long process of attachment to the unit, rather than a position coming from outside.
Which part is certain record and which part may be anecdotal?
The milestones associated with dates and appointment documents, along with the titles and awards mentioned above, belong to the part of the record that can be cross-checked through unit announcements and the press. Recollections about childhood or family atmosphere are often recounted in interviews, so they should be read as the subject's account rather than independently verifiable documentation.
Personal life
People's Artist Tu Long's wife is Mrs. Tran Minh Nguyet, a lecturer at the Hanoi University of Culture and Arts of the Army. He shared that his wife is a quiet person, always sacrificing silently so that he can devote his energy to art.