Hong Dao: She once immediately returned to Vietnam because of a phone call from Hong Van

Hanoi [Vietnam], August 22: Behind the scenes of 'Len Hương', People's Artist Hồng Vân and artist Hồng Đao revealed details about their new roles, and also shared insights into their nearly 40-year friendship.
The film " Len Huong" features People's Artist Hong Van and artist Hong Dao. Being close friends in real life, their on-screen conflicts have sparked much curiosity.
The friendship between Hong Van and Hong Dao
Backstage, when sharing about their friendship, Hong Van revealed that their bond began nearly 40 years ago, when they first entered the School of Performing Arts 2 (now the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theatre and Film). Because Hong Dao was older, People's Artist Hong Van was almost like a "junior" in the school at that time, harboring admiration for her senior.
"It's hard to remember why we're so close now. I only know that every time we meet in person or talk on the phone, it's always a lot of fun. Actually, Hong Dao never tells me about any of her life decisions beforehand; I only find out after they've already happened. For me, the most important thing is that Hong Dao makes the decisions, and I support my friend," People's Artist Hong Van shared.
Meanwhile, actress Hong Dao admitted that the two have contrasting personalities. The actress believes this is what has created their bond over the years. "Hong Van is intelligent, has leadership skills, and can persuade people to follow her. As for Hong Dao, she's more considerate. In work, I'm not very decisive, especially when it comes to persuasive speaking; I'm not as good as Hong Van," the actress from the film "The Grandmother's Golden Treasure " said.
Back then, after graduating and performing at Stage 5B, the two had great comedic chemistry in plays like "Thunderstorm ," "The House Without Men," and "The Sunset Train"... And, somehow, impresarios, directors, and audiences alike assumed that if they performed together, Hong Van would play the villainous, feisty character, while Hong Dao would play the opposite.
However, Hong Van never wanted a role reversal. She explained: "I'm very afraid of playing positive, weak characters because it doesn't suit my personality at all. In real life, I'm always in a position to protect others, so I'm not used to and I don't like playing weak characters. Therefore, I've never wanted a role reversal. Hong Dao was born to play roles where others have to protect her, while I was born to play roles where I protect others."
Later, when Hong Dao moved to the US to settle down, although they no longer saw each other often, they still maintained a close relationship. When Hong Van's son went to study abroad, Hong Dao became a great source of emotional support for her friend's child. Or when she heard that Hong Dao was hospitalized in the US, Hong Van dropped everything to fly over to visit her. Hong Van didn't hesitate to declare, "My youth wouldn't be complete without Hong Dao."
Conversely, Hong Dao also said: "Just because of a call from Hong Van, I immediately flew back to Vietnam to participate in a program with her." Throughout their close relationship, the actress from " The Golden Baby" also admitted that although she is older, many people call her "sister," while calling Hong Van "aunt." However, both feel quite comfortable with this and consider it a happy memory from their time together.
In "Len Huong ," Hong Dao plays Mrs. Mui, the owner of a coffin workshop, living alone and isolated; this is her most challenging and different role compared to her previous ones. This role also changed the actress's perspective on life and death. Meanwhile, Hong Van plays a single mother. "Hong Dao and I have acted together in several films, but this is the most memorable project. Because this is the first time we've been rivals. In real life, we're close and care for each other, but in 'Len Huong,' we compete and try to bring each other down," she revealed.
Source: Thanh Nein Newspaper