Y Phụng: 'I long to return to acting'

Y Phụng, a famous actress of the 1990s, said that her daughter is now six years old and more independent, so she hopes to return to singing and acting soon.

After a six-year hiatus from the entertainment industry to focus on her family, Y Phụng said she is preparing herself mentally and physically, looking for opportunities to return to performing. On this occasion, she spoke about her life at the age of 45.

- How is your life in America right now?

- Every day I take care of my daughter, dropping her off at school and going to the gym. My husband wants to hire someone to drive her and enroll her in extra classes at school, but I refuse because I'm used to taking care of my daughter - Paris - from a young age. I miss her even after being away from her for just a few hours.

Recently, I met artist Bao Quoc – a close colleague of my father, artist Minh Phung – and we talked about many things in life. For the past six years, I've just stayed home worrying about my family, missing the stage terribly and feeling sad. He said that I've been singing since I was in my teens, almost 30 years now, so taking a break to take care of my children is fine. My seniors in the profession say I'm still young and that the audience still remembers my name. Hearing his encouragement, I felt less burdened.

Y Phụng with her daughter, Paris (six years old). Photo: Provided by the subject. — Y Phụng with her daughter, six-year-old Paris. Photo: *Provided by the subject* .

- When your daughter is older and more independent, what are your thoughts on returning to singing and performing?

- I've received many invitations from music promoters and filmmakers in Vietnam and abroad, but I've always declined. I used to love watching Britney Spears shows, but I stopped going because I felt embarrassed seeing her looking overweight and out of shape. Thinking about myself, I'm afraid the audience will lose their love for me if they see me appearing with a different appearance than before.

After giving birth, I gained 20 kg, felt self-conscious about appearing in public, and limited my participation in parties with colleagues. I believe that audiences pay to enjoy and appreciate beauty and talent, and no one wants to see a performer who doesn't take care of their appearance on stage.

I plan to focus on losing weight in early April, trying to shed another 10 kg in the hope of getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm very meticulous about my work, so I won't consider performing again until I've regained my figure.

- After taking a long break from performing, how do you manage to make ends meet?

- I have savings from performing and singing for many years, which I use for my own expenses, while my partner takes care of all household costs. He's not in showbiz, so he lets me have freedom in everything I do, never mentioning or touching on my profession. Conversely, I respect his work and his personal space.

I'm not good at housework or cooking; I'm just wholeheartedly focused on raising my daughter, Paris. Where I live, there are many Vietnamese people, so it's like a mini-Saigon. All the dishes from my homeland are available, so my daughter and I have plenty to choose from. My family eats out at restaurants; we don't cook. Luckily, I live with an easy-going husband who doesn't expect me to be a good homemaker.

Actress Y Phụng in a sexy 1990s fashion style. Photo: Provided by the subject. — Actress Y Phụng in a sexy 1990s fashion style. Photo: *Provided by the subject.*

My current wish is to return to the stage both domestically and internationally as soon as possible. I'm returning to performing simply because it's my passion, to continue my family's profession, and I'm not under any pressure from my past fame.

I will pursue this profession for the rest of my life, following the example of my father, artist Minh Phụng. Even at the age of 70, he was still invited to perform and loved by the audience. I hope to achieve the same. I have projects underway to launch my own YouTube channel. When everything is ready, I will introduce it to the audience.