Tran Van Trach

Tran Van Trach (1924-1994) was a famous Vietnamese singer, actor and musician.  He became known as "quai kiet" which means king of comedy in Vietnam.

He had come from a long show business legacy in Vietnam.  His great grandfather was Tran Quang Tho, a famous musician from Hue.  His grandfather was musician Tran Quang Diem.  And his father was Tran Van Trieu, a famous Vietnamese folk opera actor.  Tran Van Trach was born in 1924 in My Tho, South Vietnam in a family of three children.  His older brother was singer Tran Van Khe and his younger sister is singer Tran Ngoc Suong.  His name given at birth was Tran Quang Trach.

At the age of 18, he graduated from College de My Tho.  From a young age, he had developed a strong interest in music.  Other than singing, Tran Van Trach was also trained to play the mandolin, as well as the violin.  In 1945, he relocated to Saigon and began singing nightly at a cabaret called Dancing Théophile.  From 1946 until 1947, he toured the Mekong Delta performing in support of the South Vietnamese army against the French.  Tran Van Trach would then find his niche as a character singer.

While touring in support of South Vietnamese troops, Tran Van Trach met songwriter Le Thuong.  The two would then collaborate on a series of hit songs with a comical theme along with a subliminal political message written by Le Thuong and sung by Tran Van Trach.  Their most popular hit songs were Hoa Binh 48, Lien Hiep Quoc, Dot Hay Khong Dot and Lang Bao Sai Gon.  Because of the political message of anti-French colonialism with these songs, both Tran Van Trach and Le Thuong were arrested and sent to jail for several days in 1951 by the French authorities.  That same year, Tran Van Trach also wrote his very first song, Anh Phu Xich Lo.  Among the other songs he had written and performed include Cai Téléphone, Cai Dong Ho Tay, Cay But May, Anh Chang That Nghiep, Khi Nguoi Ta Yeu Nhau, Toi Dong Xi Ne and his most popular signature hit, Xo So Khien Thiet Quoc Gia.  

During the 1950s, Tran Van Trach took on another career as a film actor.  His first two films were Long Nhan Dao (1955) and Giot Mau Roi (1956), both of which he starred alongside actress Kim Cuong.  Tran Van Trach had founded his own film production studio, Viet Thanh, in 1956 starring in and directing two more films, Thoai Khanh Chau Tuan (1956) with Kim Cuong and Van Hung and Truong Chi My Nuong (1956) with Trang Thien Kim and La Thoai Tan.

Songwriter Hoang Thi Tho and Tran Van Trach

In 1960, Tran Van Trach traveled to Paris, France and performed at the prestigious cabaret, La Table du Mandarin, for six months.  This was the same nightclub that had featured such Vietnamese artists like Bach Yen, Tiny Yong and Bich Chieu.  The following year, Tran Van Trach returned to Saigon and recorded Chieu Mua Bien Gioi written by Nguyen Van Dong for the Shotguns record label.  It became one of his biggest hits as a singer.  From 1965 until 1975, he became one of South Vietnam's most prolific show promoters.  He found success promoting live shows held at nightclubs and venues that catered mainly to US military personnel patrons.

On December of 1977, Tran Van Trach left his native Vietnam to resettle in Paris, France.  As an overseas Vietnamese artist, he recorded several studio albums including Hai Huoc Tran Van Trach (1982) for Thuy Nga Paris, Con Duong Hanh Phuc (1983) for Thanh Lan and Allo Paris (1986) for Giang Ngoc.  In 1983, he released a solo videotape also entitled as Hai Huoc Tran Van Trach.  He performed for overseas Vietnamese audiences in various European countries, the United States and Australia.  In 1989, he hosted volume 9 of Paris By Night, the popular music video series produced by Thuy Nga.


Tran Van Trach passed away on April 12, 1994 at the age of 70.  In a video clip featured on a tribute to him on Vietnam Performing Arts Television, Tran Van Trach had confessed he had been secretly in love with singer Thai Thanh.  During the 1940s, he was married to a French national and had one child.  

Ngoc Diep

Ngoc Diep (1984-    ) often billed as Dinh Ngoc Diep, is a famous Vietnamese actress, columnist and former fashion model.  She first gained national prominence after she had written a series of interview articles entitled "The Gioi Nguoi Mau" ("The World of Fashion Models") featured on six editions of Tuoi Tre Magazine at the age of 18.

Dinh Ngoc Diep was born on October 11, 1984 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  At the age of 16, she began her modeling career with the Hoa Hoc Duong Modeling Agency.  While a freshman at the University of Ho Chi Minh City, she co-wrote a series of six interview articles entitled "The Gioi Nguoi Mau" for Tuoi Tre Magazine.  Ngoc Diep entered and won several major beauty pageants earning such titles as Hoa Khoi Tay Do (Miss Tay Do) of 2004, Miss Thai Tuan of 2005 and Hoa Khoi Dai Hoc Quoc Gia Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh (Miss University of Ho Chi Minh City) of 2005.  In 2006, she was honored with the prestigious Vietnam's Most Favorited Model of the Year Award.  That same year, Ngoc Diep graduated from the University of Ho Chi Minh City with a bachelor's degree in journalism.


Prior to her college graduation, Ngoc Diep had already begun her career in television when she was selected as hostess for one season on Thoi Trang va Cuoc Song, a television show about fashion which aired on HTV7.  Long before her stint as the television fashion hostess, viewer audiences in Vietnam were able to see her beauty, poise and charm through many television commercials endorsing various products as a model.  It was of no surprise that the next step for Ngoc Diep was to take on another career as a professional actress.  After two critical and commercial failures with Anh Chi Co Minh Em (2006), a joint Vietnamese-Thai produced television movie, and Hoa Da Quy (2007), Ngoc Diep finally was cast in a well received television project, Mua Thuy Tinh (2008), a miniseries costarring Ly Hung and Thanh Truc.  Her next television role was in the series, Ao Cuoi Thien Duong (2008).  Ngoc Diep had also been the narrator of Sieu Mau My, the Vietnamese airing of the popular television show, America's Next Top Model.  

On Vietnam's silver screen, Ngoc Diep made her debut and breakthrough in the 2009 film, Chuyen Tinh Xa Xu (Passport to Love) costarring Binh Minh, Kathy Uyen and Kim Xuan.  The film went on to win the 2008 Canh Dieu Vang Award for people's choice of best film.  Her other popular films include Co Dau Dai Chien (Battle of the Brides) (2010) starring Huy Khanh, Van Trang, Ngan Khanh, Le Khanh and Phi Thanh Van, Bong Ma Hoc Duong (2011) starring Hoai Linh, the late Wanbi Tuan Anh and Truong Quynh Anh, Lenh Xoa So (2011), Giua Hai The Gioi (Between Two Worlds) (2011) starring Dustin Nguyen and Tam Tit, Cuoi Ngay Keo Lo (Love Puzzle) (2012) starring Johnny Tri Nguyen, Thai Hoa, Diem My and Nguyen Chanh Tin, Nang Men Chang Bong (2012) starring Ngo Kien Huy and Cat Phuong, Lua Phat (Once Upon a Time) (2013) starring Dustin Nguyen and Ngo Thanh Van and Loc Phat (2016).

In 2011, Ngoc Diem resumed her career as a writer when she joined the staff at Thoi Trang Tre Magazine.  Her first book, Cocktail, Giay va Khoi, a collection of 33 profiles and interviews of prominent figures in the fashion modeling world, was published on August of 2013.

On August 10, 2015, Ngoc Diep married Vietnamese-American film director, Victor Vu.

Link(s):

Another 50 Most Beautiful Vietnamese Women of All Time
30 Most Beautiful Viet Celebs of 2015

Thai Hoa

Thai Hoa (1974-    ) is a famous Vietnamese actor of film, television and stage.

Born as Ho Thai Hoa on August 10, 1974 in Saigon, South Vietnam, he started out his career as a stage actor.  Although Thai Hoa from early on had clearly proven his diversity as an actor taking on such a wide array of different roles, he quickly found his niche in comedy.  He quickly made a name for himself through his portrayals of wacky main characters in comedy sketches such as Anh Chong Nhat, Vo Chong Thang Dau, Rinh Trom, Tinh Ban, Do That andMua Xuan Cuoi Em, often playing opposite his then wife, actress Cat Phuong.  Thai Hoa would eventually land roles in both dramatic and comedic plays such as Phong Tro Ba Nguoi, Cuoi Dum, 3 Sui Gia 2 Dam Cuoi, Thong Diep Xanh and Tu Hy Lam Mon, which he had also directed.   His two biggest successes on the stage were Nguoi Vo Ma and Qua Tim Mau, both of which he had written as well as directed.  Thai Hoa was awarded with a Mai Vang Award, Vietnam's equivalent to a Tony, for best director in the play, Nguoi Vo Ma (2006).

In 1998, Thai Hoa landed his first film role in Nhung Dua Con Thanh Pho.  He has since been in many films by Vietnamese-American filmmaker Charlie Nguyen such as De Mai Tinh (Fool for Love) (2010) starring Dustin Nguyen, Kathy Uyen and Binh Minh, Long Ruoi (2011) starring Tinna Tinh, Phi Thanh Van and Khuong Ngoc, Cuoi Ngay Keo Lo (Love Puzzle) (2012) starring Johnny Tri Nguyen, Ngoc Diep, Nguyen Chanh Tin and Diem My, Teo Em (Little Teo) (2013) starring Johnny Tri Nguyen, Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc and Than Thuy Ha and De Hoi Tinh (Let Hoi Decide) (2014) starring Quang Su and Huy Khanh.  His other films include Vo Lam Truyen Ky (2007) starring Dan Truong, Hoai Linh and Chi Bao, Lan Moi Trong Mua (2012), Lua Phat (Once Upon a Time) (2013) starring Dustin Nguyen and Ngo Thanh Van, Tinh Cu Lan (2014) and Mat Lua (2015).  In 2014, he costarred with Nha Phuong and Kim Xuan in the film version of his comedy play, Qua Tim Mau, directed by Victor Vu.


Thai Hoa was once married to actress Cat Phuong, whom he has a son with, from 2004 until 2006.  He remarried in 2012 to wife, Hong Thu, and resides in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Barbara Bui

Barbara Bui (1956-    ) is a world renowned fashion designer originally from Paris.

Born to a Vietnamese father and French mother, Barbara Bui entered the fashion industry when she opened up her first boutique called Kabuki in Paris, France in 1983.  Her lifelong love of fashion then escalated when she began designing while running her own boutique.  Four years later, she presented her first full collection at a fashion show in Paris covered by the international press and attended by some of the world's major buyers.  Barbara Bui, the brand name, was then launched.  The following year the very first Barbara Bui Boutique was opened Etienne Marcel Rue in Paris.  The overnight success of the first Barbara Bui Boutique has led to the expansion of four more Paris locations.  At present, there are a total of 13 Barbara Bui Boutiques operating in five countries including two in the United States, three in Russia, two in Turkey and one in Ukraine.  In 1999, Barbara Bui held her first fashion show in New York City followed by the grand opening of her boutique in Soho.

Barbara Bui Pre Fall Collection in Paris, 2013.

Barbara Bui is a multi-million dollar empire and one of the world's top fashion and luxury goods brand names.  The company went public in 1988 on the stock market along with a second brand name line, Initials Barbara Bui.  In 2004, her first perfume line, Barbara Bui Le Parfum, was launched.

As of 2003, Barbara Bui has been a member of Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Francaise et des Createurs de Mode.  Her fashion designs and accessories have been featured on Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle and Harper's Bazaar.

Link(s):

BarbaraBui.com

Eric Le Hung

Eric Le Hung (1937-    ) is an acclaimed French film director and screenwriter.

Born on September 23, 1937 in Hai Phong, Northern Vietnam, Eric Le Hung resettled in Paris, France after graduating from high school to study law.  While in college, he found his true calling in theatrical arts after participating in a few school plays.  In 1957, Eric Le Hung was cast in a small role in the French film, Les Feux Aux Proudres.  His brief acting career in films would also include small roles in Chéri, Fais Moi Peur (1958) and Samedi Soir (1961).

In 1965, he dropped out of college to begin his careers in French television movies as a director and a screenwriter.  Among the most popular French television movies directed by Eric Le Hung include La Part du Pauvre (1965), Ésope (1965), Embrassons-nous, Folleville! (1965), Doctor Gundel (1967), Handicap (1967), Le Secret de Wilhelm Storitz (1967), Ambroise Paré (1968), La Possédée (1971), L'Atterrissage (1981), Les Ephélides (1985) and Arthur et Théa (1997).  In 1967, he was signed by producer Alain Poiré with a three film contract for Gaumont Film Studio.  The first out of the three projects while under contract with Gaumont was Delphine (1969), a film starring Eurasian French-Vietnamese actress Dany Carrel and Maurice Ronet.  Other French films directed by Eric Le Hung include Le Droit d'Aimer (1972), La Rage au Poing (1975), Moi, Fleur Bleue (1977) and À deux minutes près (1989). 


Eric Le Hung has retired from the French film and television industries.  He resides in Paris, France.  

Thai Hien

Thai Hien (1958-    ) is a famous overseas Vietnamese singer.  She is the eldest daughter of the late legendary composer Pham Duy and singer Thai Hang.

Born in Saigon, South Vietnam in 1958, Pham Thi Thai Hien began singing professionally at the age of 13.  As a teenager, she became a pop singing sensation in South Vietnam and recorded for various record labels such as Song Ngoc, Shotguns, Nhac Tre and Hoa Mi.  Among her most popular recorded songs during her teenage years in South Vietnam included songs written by her father such as Ong Trang Xuong Choi, Tuoi Mong Mo, Tuoi Hong and Tuoi Than Tien.  She also recorded several duets with other artists such as her brothers, Duy Quang and Duy Cuong, and Tung Giang.  In 1974, she replaced her then sister-in-law, Julie Quang, becoming the new lead female vocalist of her brothers' band known as The Dreamers.  The following year Thai Hien and her parents left Vietnam to resettle in the United States.

After a hiatus of several years, Thai Hien resumed her music career in the late 1970s in the United States.  She has performed for overseas Vietnamese audiences throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.  As the Vietnamese music industry in the United States became more established in the 1980s, so did Thai Hien's singing career.  Now with a more mature voice, she recorded her first solo album in 1982, Hoa Thuong Nho Ai, a collection of songs written and composed by her father.  Thai Hien has recorded for various overseas Vietnamese music production labels such as Da Lan, Diem Xua Productions, Thuy Anh, Khanh Ha Productions, Lang Van, Asia Entertainment and Dream Musical Productions.  In 1987, she along with her younger sister, singer Thai Thao, recorded Nguoi Trong Mo, a duet studio album of popular New Wave/Italo Disco songs in both English and Vietnamese, produced by her brother Duy Quang and released by Thuy Anh.  Two years later, Thai Hien teamed up with singer Tuan Ngoc on a duet studio album for Diem Xua Productions, Loi Goi Chan May, which has been considered to be one of her best works.  Among the songs featured on the album included Tuong Rang Da Quen written by Trinh Cong Son, Tinh Khuc Thang Sau written by Ngo Thuy Mien and three very well-produced duet tracks written by Le Uyen Phuong, Vung Lay Cua Chung Ta, Tinh Khuc Cho Em, as well as the title track.  The album marked the return of Tuan Ngoc as a recording artist to the Vietnamese music industry after an absence of nearly five years spent living in Hawaii.

Thai Hien has appeared on several volumes of Thuy Nga's Paris By Night video series.  Among her most memorable appearances on the video series have included her solo performances of Em Con Nho Mua Xuan written by Ngo Thuy Mien, Ngin Trung Xa Cach and Loi Ru, Bu Bom, Nang Niu, both of which were written by her father, Pham Duy.  She has also performed several medleys on the Paris By Night stage as part of an ensemble with other artists such as Tuan Ngoc, Thai Thao, Duy Quang and Don Ho.  In the early 1990s, Thai Hien had also appeared on several music videos for Truong Thanh.

Thai Hien Live in Concert at Saigon Opera House (2006)

In 2005, Thai Hien returned to Vietnam upon the repatriation of both her father and older brother.  The following year, she held her first live concert in Vietnam in over 40 years entitled as Dem Hien:  Thai Hien Live in Concert at the Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City.  Thai Hien has recorded a total of five solo studio albums including Thu Ca Dieu Ru Don (1990), Huyen Thoai (1997), Mau Thoi Gian (2006) and her latest, Tu Do Khon Nguoi (2013).

Bao Quoc

Bao Quoc (1949-    ) is a famous Vietnamese comedic actor of stage, film and Southern Vietnamese folk opera known as cai luong.  

Born as Lu Quoc Bao on September 11, 1949 in Tay Ninh, South Vietnam, he is the sixth eldest in a family of ten children.  His father was Nam Nghia, a prominent cai luong actor.  His older half-sister was the late legendary cai luong and film actress Thanh Nga who had been murdered in 1978.  Coming from a family with a firm background in the cai luong stage, Bao Quoc began his career as a performer at an early age.  He was cast in supporting roles in major cai luong stage productions starring his sister, Thanh Nga, and actor Thanh Sang such as Chuong Hau in Tieng Trong Me Linh and Tat Dao in Ben Cau Det Lua.  His other notable roles on the cai luong stage also include Bui Kiem in Kieu Nguyet Nga, Hai Xien in Ban Tho To Mot Co Dao and Y Xi Ke in Bong Toi va Anh Sang.  In 1967, Bao Quoc along with My Chau, Ngoc Bich and Phuong Binh were honored each with a Thanh Tam Award, South Vietnam's equivalent to a Tony Award, for most promising newcomer.  In 1974, Bao Quoc had a small part in his very first feature film, Năm Vua Hề Về Làng, which featured and all-star cast including Thanh Nga, Tham Thuy Hang, Thanh Duoc, Thanh Mai, La Thoai Tan, singer Hong Van, Phuong Hong Ngoc and Bang Chau.  

Bao Quoc in Khi Dan Ong Co Bau (2005)

After the Fall of Saigon, Bao Quoc concentrated mostly on his career in comedy.  For eleven consecutive years from 1991 to 2001, he was voted favorite comedian of the year in a poll conducted by San Khau Magazine.  Bao Quoc has won a total of 4 Mai Vang Awards as a comedic actor.  He has also acted in several blockbuster comedy movies, each featuring an all-star cast, such as Khi Dan Ong Co Bau (When a Man Gets Pregnant) (2005) with Nguyen Phi Hung, Hong Nga, Truong Ngoc Anh, Ngoc Giau, Hong Van and Phuong Thanh, Vo Lam Truyen Ky (2007) with Dan Truong, Chi Bao, Hoai Linh, Thanh Thao, Vu Thu Phuong and Cat Phuong and Cong Chua Teen va Ngu Ho Tuong (2010) with Bao Thy, Yen Trang, Chi Tai, Hieu Hien, Khong Tu Quynh and Dong Nhi.  In 2014, Bao Quoc appeared on Thuy Nga's Paris By Night Volume 110 alongside comedic actresses Viet Huong and Thuy Nga in a comedy sketch entitled as Ong Tau Chau Troi written by Nguyen Ngoc Ngan.

Bao Quoc has been married to his wife, Thu Thuy, since 1967.  Together the couple are parents of four grown children.  On December 19, 2015, Bao Quoc became a great grandfather for the first time when his grandson, comedic actor Gia Bao, and his wife, actress Thanh Hien, welcomed the birth of their daughter named Thanh Vy.  Bao Quoc and his wife own and operate their own restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City simply called Bao Quoc Saigon Restaurant.