Luong The Thanh was so worried he couldn't sleep, while Thuy Diem felt sorry for her husband looking haggard from weight loss.

Luong The Thanh returns to the big screen after 13 years with "The Devil Prince". He underwent rigorous training: abstaining from carbohydrates for 3 months, suffering a back injury, and filming continuously at night. His wife, Thuy Diem, is his biggest motivation.

- After 13 years of stepping back to let Thúy Diễm take the spotlight, what prompted Lương Thế Thành to choose this time to return to film? How did the role of Lỗ Đạt, the village chief in "The Devil Prince," come about for him?

The primary reason for my 13-year absence from film is that I was caught up in the whirlwind of television dramas, one after another, non-stop. I only had enough time for stage plays, and I couldn't participate in any other projects.

Initially, I received several offers for film roles, but I declined due to time constraints. Gradually, people no longer remembered Luong The Thanh by name, only knowing me through television and stage performances.

Recently, my wife, Thuy Diem, has also participated in several films and received positive feedback, which encouraged me to return. Diem often reminds me to seek opportunities to return to film because it's a developing trend. I understand that, but opportunities also require fate; I have to wait for producers and directors to invite me.

I was called to audition for several films, but I wasn't a good fit. Then, when "The Devil Prince" came along, I was invited to meet with the director and producer to discuss the role. I auditioned twice, and then the producer sent me an official offer.

Actor Luong The Thanh.

- The biggest pressure this comeback is the fear of being forgotten by the audience, or the responsibility of proving that a 13-year absence hasn't diminished your form?

The biggest pressure was returning to a field I hadn't touched in over 10 years; everything was new and demanded a high level of professionalism. Having to prove I wouldn't disappoint the audience kept me constantly stressed.

As soon as I received the script, the pressure was there. I read it over and over again 8-9 times, constantly thinking about the character to the point of losing sleep. The scenes and the character's personality kept popping up in my head, giving me no rest.

On set, the pressure continues to be about how to quickly integrate with the crew, connect with the young actors, and create a friendly yet professional atmosphere.

- Fasting for over 3 months, completely cutting out carbohydrates to lose 5kg and achieve a six-pack body - how did this rigorous process challenge him physically and mentally?

After receiving the script and discussing it with the director, I learned that there was a wrestling scene at the end of the film where I would only be wearing a loincloth, requiring me to expose my body to accurately portray the character. Lu Dat is the village chief, a skilled hunter, and a professional wrestler, so he needed a strong, agile physique.

Achieving a physique like that requires a long and rigorous training process. It's easy for bodybuilders, but I'm an actor, and I've only ever gone to the gym to maintain my figure; I've never focused on muscle building to that extent.

When I accepted the role, I only had about two months before filming began. The personal trainer said it was possible, but they had to supervise me very closely because they weren't sure I could handle it.

Previously, I trained for 1-2 hours per session, but for this role, I need to train for 3 hours, combined with a strict diet and completely cutting out carbohydrates according to my personal trainer's plan to shorten the time it takes to achieve my ideal body.

Just before filming began, I suffered a spinal injury while training with stunt performers, making it impossible for me to continue with gym workouts or martial arts. When we arrived in Da Lat to prepare for filming, my back was in so much pain that I needed assistance and had to walk very slowly.

During filming, I tried to suppress the pain, combining massage with oil and other methods to help my back recover and continue shooting the scenes.

Once on set, I couldn't go to the gym, so I completely cut out carbohydrates to stay lean. My diet consisted only of vegetables, cucumbers, corn, meat, fish, and eggs. After a week, I was so fed up that every meal became torture.

For a horror film, about 80% of the scenes take place at night, from dusk until dawn. The high intensity combined with a strict diet made me worry about my health and fear I might collapse midway through filming.

Luong The Thanh in the film "The Devil Prince".

- How do you maintain your health and energy to withstand such a high workload?

After the injury, health is the top priority. In my free time, I rest and supplement my diet with appropriate nutrients such as vitamins, bird's nest, and other supplements that don't cause weight gain.

The film crew constantly monitored my back condition, checked on me daily, and provided massages. Thanks to their care, filming went smoothly, although I was still worried that the injury would affect my role.

Besides bodybuilding and martial arts, what other habits or hobbies help you maintain your physique and mental well-being? At 43, with a visual appeal often praised as "god-like," what's your secret?

As an artist, I'm constantly exposed to sun, wind, dust, and makeup, which causes my skin to wear out quickly. Therefore, in addition to exercising, playing sports , and maintaining a healthy diet, I always try to keep a relaxed and cheerful spirit to stay young longer. I regularly care for and nourish my skin to help it recover quickly.

- After more than a decade focusing on television and family, how has your life changed since returning to film? How do you balance work and family time?

After a decade dedicated to television, stage, and family, returning to film is both a joy and a pressure. The fact that audiences recognize my acting in films means subsequent projects have to be even better, which makes me quite anxious.

Regarding our family life, we always share things with each other. When I'm busy, Diem reduces her workload to take care of the house. When Diem is busy, I proactively spend time with the children. In our free time, we both dedicate time to the children and go out together to keep our spirits high.

Luong The Thanh and his wife, actress Thuy Diem.

- When both of you are working in film, what is Thuy Diem's ​​role in your artistic journey? What have you learned from observing your wife shine over the past 13 years?

When she returned to acting, the intense muscle-building and training sessions left her face gaunt and less vibrant. Thúy Diễm felt sorry for her, but understood that changing her appearance was necessary to suit the character.

Throughout the filming process, Diem was always worried about me. When I suffered a back injury, and had to film many scenes and long night shoots, she frequently called to check on my health, giving me a lot of energy for this new journey.

This December, both my wife and I are fortunate to have our own films released in theaters: Diem with "Marrying a Wife for My Father ," and I with "The Devil Prince."

Before I had the opportunity in film, Diem was already shining, and I've always been proud of my wife. Seeing her loved makes me happy to share that joy. Now that both of us have films that are well-received by audiences, it's even more meaningful to us.

When Diem started acting, I clearly saw her passion, enthusiasm, and dedication to the profession. At home, Diem often shared a lot about her character, the script, and her appearance, which inspired me greatly.

I once thought that one day I would also be able to work in film with that spirit. And now, I have the opportunity to return, to work in the profession with all my enthusiasm and passion. I am happy that my wife and I share the same spirit for the profession, whether in film, television, or theater.

Luong The Thanh in the movie "The Devil Prince":

Photos, videos : Producer

The little-known hardship of actor Luong The Thanh: After a 10-year hiatus, Luong The Thanh returned to cinema in the historical horror film "The Demon Prince" and suffered an injury during action scene training.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/luong-the-thanh-lo-den-mat-ngu-thuy-diem-xot-xa-chong-hoc-hac-vi-giam-can-2470882.html