Veteran Actress Kieu Chinh Reflects on 70-Year Career

Veteran Vietnamese actress Kieu Chinh, 89, said she has continuously strived to work throughout her 70-year career due to her love for acting. On September 9, she returned from the US to Ho Chi Minh City to attend the premiere of the film 'Mai no mot loi tam biet' (Forever Owing a Farewell). Returning to the domestic screen after more than 10 years since the film 'Doat hon' (Soul Snatcher) in 2014, she expressed nervousness about whether her new role would be well-received by the audience. In the film, the 89-year-old artist plays Huong, a grandmother who raises her grandson Daniel. The grandmother plays an important role in Daniel's life, but they are later separated due to an incident. The artist is grateful for the trust from film crews and directors in entrusting her with profound roles. "Every time I make a film, I don't think about my age because I feel I am always full of energy," Kieu Chinh said. Many colleagues and audiences admire Kieu Chinh for maintaining her poise and vibrant conversational style. Regarding health, the artist said she has been accustomed to exercising from a young age, participating in activities like mountain climbing and surfing. In recent years, she has pursued Tai Chi, focusing on breathing. Additionally, she believes in living a peaceful life, free from worries, to maintain mental clarity. The artist smiled gently when mentioning her family. Kieu Chinh describes her current life as fulfilling, with her three children all grown and having their own careers. Having divorced many years ago, she currently lives alone in the US. When she films in distant locations like Australia or Thailand, a grandchild often accompanies her to provide support and manage her schedule. Seeing her children worry about her constant travel, she often jokes, "When I'm home and have nothing to do, that's when you should worry." Each time she returns to Vietnam, she makes time to meet old colleagues and reminisce about her youth. Kieu Chinh cherishes the memories of filming with artist Kim Cuong in the 1970s. During a month of filming in Da Lat, they became close friends, often confiding in each other about life and work. On each reunion, they often mention the late artists Thanh Nga and Tham Thuy Hang – individuals she considered not just colleagues but also kindred spirits in art. Kieu Chinh accepted the role in 'Mai no mot loi tam biet' due to her close relationship with Vietnamese-American producer Daniel K. Winn, the inspiration for the main character. He, along with director J. Robert Schulz, made the film as a tribute to his late grandmother. Reading the script, the artist was touched by the story's message about the value of kinship. "Sometimes, people live next to their families but forget the connection, only to regret it when loved ones are no longer around, forever owing them a farewell," the artist said. The work begins with the childhood of Daniel (played by child actor Uy Nhan), abandoned by his mother and living with his grandmother (Kieu Chinh). After many years, due to circumstances, the grandmother has to send him to an orphanage. He lives lonely days until he meets his father (Samuel An) again – whom he thought was dead. Later, after moving to the US with his family, Daniel faces another shock due to a major incident. The film has been licensed for domestic release and will premiere on September 11, rated K (suitable for viewers under 13 with parental guidance). Kieu Chinh, whose real name is Nguyen Thi Chinh, was born in 1937 and became famous in Vietnam through many films before 1975. She participated in the TV show MASH and the film The Joy Luck Club, receiving numerous awards at film festivals for her acting achievements. Occasionally, she appears at film events organized by Vietnamese people in the US. In 2014, the artist participated in 'Doat hon,' a horror film by director Ham Tran, in a supporting role. In June, she attended the fourth Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) with the crew of 'Mai no mot loi tam biet.' Following the new project, Kieu Chinh will continue to participate in a domestic film, scheduled to begin production in February 2027. The artist hopes to act in a work filmed in Hanoi – her hometown. "After traveling around the world and making many films, I want to return to where I was born," Kieu Chinh said.