In recent days, the image of Empress Nam Phuong has received renewed attention when the movie project "Last Empress" announced Tang Thanh Ha to take on the main role. Amidst discussions about appearance, temperament and the ability to transform into the last empress of the Nguyen Dynasty, Tran Yen Chi was also recalled by many viewers.
In 2004, she played the role of Empress Nam Phuong in the TV series "The Royal Candle". More than two decades have passed, this is still one of the roles associated with the female artist's name.
Tran Yen Chi impressed with her delicate face, calm demeanor, standard voice and restrained acting style. The character Empress Nam Phuong through her expression not only has a noble appearance but also carries the loneliness, patience and struggles of a woman living amidst historical upheavals.
At the time of receiving the role, Yen Chi was pursuing an academic path. She spent a lot of time researching the character, from her gait, eyes, way of speaking to the demeanor of a royal woman. Careful preparation helps the role have long-lasting vitality and is often mentioned by audiences whenever discussing the image of Empress Nam Phuong on the Vietnamese screen.
Despite having a role that created a buzz, Tran Yen Chi did not choose to continue developing in the direction of an entertainment star. After "The Royal Candle", she only appeared limitedly in the field of film and then gradually focused on teaching and research.
This is also a special point in the female artist's journey. Instead of taking advantage of the heat of the role to appear densely in public, Yen Chi followed a persistent academic path, successively completing postgraduate training programs, having a PhD in Art Studies and being awarded the title of Associate Professor.
After moving to work in Ho Chi Minh City, she has been attached to Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema for many years, participating in teaching, research and training management. From an actress who once stood in front of the camera, Yen Chi switched to the role of a vocational trainer, accompanying many generations of theater and film students.
Her current life is therefore less associated with entertainment activities. The female artist rarely appears at showbiz events, almost never shares about her private life and does not use her past fame to maintain her fame.
Most of Yen Chi's activities revolve around professional work, teaching, research, guiding students and participating in programs related to performing arts. She has also participated in stage design, scientific research and undertaken many tasks in the field of training.
In 2023, Tran Yen Chi was awarded the Mai Vang Gratitude Award, recognizing her persistent contributions to performing arts and education work. This is considered a milestone showing that her career did not stop at a famous role but was extended by many years of working behind the scenes.
At nearly 60 years old, Tran Yen Chi still maintains a gentle and discreet demeanor. Every time she appears in professional activities, she receives attention thanks to her gentle appearance and intellectual image.
Unlike many artists of the same era, the life of the female Associate Professor has few side stories. She chose to maintain her distance from the noise of the entertainment industry, focusing on her profession and training work.
More than 20 years after "The Royal Candle", Tran Yen Chi is no longer active in front of the camera. However, every time the image of Empress Nam Phuong is mentioned, her name still returns as a noteworthy mark.
