Artist Nguyen Chau: Still acting in films at nearly 80, reveals her strong 50-year marriage

Hanoi [Vietnam], March 3: Recently, artist Nguyen Chau returned to the small screen in THVL's Weekend Short Film series with the work " Simmering Rice Over a Low Heat ". In the film, he plays a gentle father who uses the image of "simmering rice over a low heat" to teach his children about marital ethics: when one person is angry, the other needs to know how to control themselves to maintain a harmonious family.
That simple message resonated with him because it reflected, to some extent, his own marriage. For the 40-year-old artist, happiness doesn't come from grand things, but is nurtured through understanding and compromise every day. "A family is like a pot of rice; if you don't know how to control the heat, it will burn. Husband and wife must know how to look at each other and know when to take a step back to keep the home peaceful," the artist shared.
50 years of enduring marriage for artist Nguyen Chau
When talking about Nguyen Chau's family life , few people imagine that his love story began when he was a poor young man who often frequented his wife's family's rice restaurant. From that simple beginning, they have walked hand in hand through 50 years of marriage, experiencing all the ups and downs of life. Every time he recalls those difficult early days, the artist still feels emotional. There was a period when he and his wife had to scrimp and save every can of rice, even borrowing a pigsty as temporary shelter to make ends meet. During the day, he was busy performing comedy, and in the evenings, he and his wife pushed a cart selling bread and stewed offal on the sidewalk, saving every penny to make ends meet.
During those difficult economic times, his wife quietly managed the household and raised the children so that he could devote himself entirely to his profession. "She has been my strong support system for decades. I am always grateful to her," he confided. For the 78-year-old artist, success is not just about applause, but also about the silent sacrifices made behind the scenes.
Before becoming a familiar face on Southern Vietnamese screens, artist Nguyen Chau was an accountant at the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Commerce (now the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade). The turning point came when he participated in local arts and culture activities and revealed his acting talent. Thanks to a recommendation from his unit, he was able to attend a scriptwriting class organized by the City Youth Union. From then on, art gradually became deeply ingrained in him. He started with comedic performances, then completely switched to film and has been diligently working in the arts ever since.
One of his most distinctive habits was keeping a professional journal. He carefully recorded every role to calculate his income and provide for his family. After decades in the profession, the number of plays and films exceeded 600, becoming an impressive legacy that many younger actors admire.
At nearly 80 years old, his health is no longer as robust as before. He only wishes to have enough health to continue his career and to find more suitable roles that will both satisfy his passion for art and provide a stable income to support his life. "If I find a good role that suits me and that I can still do, I will still do it. Art is in my blood," artist Nguyen Chau confided.
In his twilight years, what makes him proud is not only his long artistic career but also his role as an exemplary husband, father, and grandfather, always teaching his children and grandchildren to live honestly and kindly. For him, the greatest happiness is seeing his children and grandchildren gathered around the family dinner table each week, a simple yet loving moment of reunion.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper