After a period of hiatus from acting to take care of her family, Colonel, People's Artist Thu Que - a familiar face of the Army Drama Theater stage, appeared more often on film sets, most recently in Heart Rescue Station and Buong .

Those who say I was lucky to be promoted to Colonel and People's Artist are not right.

- Filmmaking technology has changed a lot now. After a period of hiatus from appearing on set, do you find it difficult to get back into the swing of things?

I don’t see any problem. When we study theatre, we are fully trained. A theatre artist can be an MC, act in films because they have a basic foundation. Many people are very good at acting in films but cannot act in plays.

When acting in a movie, the dialogue still needs emphasis but lighter than on stage. Young people in the South often compliment me on "speaking with high and low tones, clear emphasis". Many people have monotone dialogue, which sounds natural but is only suitable for light roles. With heavy roles, the dialogue must have more weight, demonstrating performance technique.

- Is it because your child is grown that you feel more comfortable returning to cinema?

Yes, now I am focused on my career, less busy than before. In the past, I had to act in many movies, take care of the house, and travel far, so it was very difficult. To do a good job, you need to have good health and will, not be afraid of difficulties, not be afraid of hardship.

We Northern artists are used to being independent, without assistants. Being an artist in the army, we have to be even more simple and sociable. People often say "the army and the people are like fish and water", that is what helps me to be active and take care of everything myself.

- Recently you shared a video of yourself overcoming the unit's physical training, which has delighted many people. Perhaps the military environment has trained your willpower and physical strength?

Artists in the army are very different from ordinary artists. We used to perform in the most remote and difficult places, the footsteps of soldiers and artists are everywhere. Now the conditions are better but in the past it was extremely difficult.

I was the youngest child, from a poor family, and was recruited into the military art troupe at the age of 15-16. The discipline was very strict, and I did not have a proper childhood. In 1985, the troupe performed in 6 northern provinces, performing on posts, sometimes using mounds of earth as a stage. Bathing in the cold streams at night, eating with soldiers. Those who say I was lucky to be promoted to Colonel and People's Artist are not right. In fact, it was the result of a long process of effort. The military environment trained me not to be afraid of hardship, to know how to conquer myself. Just maintaining daily exercise is a victory in itself.

The husband and wife are equally talented so they always respect each other.

- Artists are also soldiers, your husband - Colonel, Meritorious Artist Pham Cuong is also a military artist, so you and your husband are "two times soldiers", life must be very busy?

Yes, we are very busy, but both my husband and I are military artists, so we understand and sympathize with each other. We are both soldiers and share the same passion. We have two children. Every time I go on a business trip far away and hear that my children are sick or have fallen, I feel very sad but I still have to be strong. When we have a goal for the Fatherland and the army, all difficulties can be overcome.

- The children of artist soldiers must be at a disadvantage compared to their friends?

Even though I am busy, I always make time for my children. If they want to learn music, swimming, chess or roller skating, I will arrange to accompany them. I have never hired a maid, when my grandparents were still healthy, my husband and I took turns taking care of the children. When you have a clear will and goal, you will overcome anything.

- You were once in the Top 10 "Beauties of Hanoi in 1989", what is that memory like for you?

That year I was only 20 years old, already married and had a child ( laughs) . The contest was very simple, not as complicated as it is now. I just thought of joining for fun, but unexpectedly I made it into the top 10. Back then everything was simple and sincere.

- Surely many people pursued you back then?

It's true that many people pay attention to me (laughs). I don't have many relationships, Cuong is the second one and the one I married.

- Is Mr. Cuong a romantic person?

He is calm, thoughtful, always silently cares for and pampers me even though he doesn't show it much. On my birthday, he often quietly orders a cake, buys flowers and takes the whole family out to eat. My family is simple and doesn't like to show off.

My husband and I are evenly matched and we respect each other. We are affectionate but strict and our children must be disciplined. However, the atmosphere in the house is still comfortable.

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Artist couple Thu Que - Pham Cuong are both artists with the rank of Colonel.

- I heard you and your husband are "rich" in the acting industry?

No, my family only has a house to live in, a car to drive, we are a little well-off but not like everyone says (laughs).

- Not yet 60 years old, many artists focus on their appearance, so why did you choose to let your hair turn naturally gray?

I'm in the Sparkling Silver Hair group (laughs). Many people are afraid of looking ugly so they dye their hair, but I don't. I want healthy hair and a healthy scalp. Being a soldier is not afraid of hardship or ugliness, even if my hair turns gray, I have to accept it.

Yesterday I went to get a pixie haircut, the staff said "neither young nor old", I just laughed. Everyone has their own perspective, it's fun if people compliment me, it's okay if they criticize me. The important thing is that I feel at peace with my choice.

- You seem very simple in every choice?

Because I think, value and luxury are not in appearance. I have a car but I like to ride the tram to go to the market, to visit my mother. When I see an injured dog on the street, I can only stop by on a motorbike to help, not in a car. I have gotten used to a simple lifestyle since I was a soldier, no nail polish on my hands and feet, hair tied up, just being neat is enough.

- Recently you appeared on social media, even danced very cool, posted on TikTok?

I learned to dance when I was young. Back then, there was no technology so I practiced on my own. Now, whenever I see a popular dance, I try it right away. It's fun and keeps my spirit young. As an artist, you have to always move and be fresh so that the audience still loves you!

People's Artist Thu Que lifts weights:

Colonel, People's Artist Thu Que caused excitement when lifting 6kg weights 40 times . Colonel, People's Artist Thu Que said that as an artist - soldier of the Army Drama Theater, in addition to staging plays and performing, she also has to do many other things, such as sports training, lifting weights...

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nsnd-mang-ham-dai-ta-tung-lot-top-10-nguoi-dep-ha-noi-co-cuoc-song-gian-di-2455454.html