40 years have passed since the "Journey to the West 1986" version aired. And the person once dubbed "The most beautiful Tang Sanzang on screen" with a handsome face and elegant demeanor from years ago - Tu Thieu Hoa - is now 67 years old.
Among the 3 actors who played Tang Sanzang in the first "Journey to the West" version, Tu Thieu Hoa is the youngest. The other two are Uong Viet and Tri Trong Thuy, both over 70 years old.
Currently, at the age of 67, Tu Thieu Hoa still persistently performs commercially, still standing in front of audiences with white hair to sing the classic song "Xin hoi duong o noi dau".
Recently, he rarely accepted an interview with China Central Television (CCTV), for the first time in 40 years revealing the behind-the-scenes of a classic movie scene in the episode "Duong Tang seeking scriptures in Nu Nhi Quoc" of "Journey to the West 1986".
The scene of "rewarding national treasures in the night" of Tang Sanzang with Queen of the Western Liang Women's Kingdom (played by Chu Lam) that makes generations of audiences feel remorseful was actually filmed at the famous tourist destination Su Zilin, Suzhou (China).
Tu Thieu Hoa laughed and recounted: "That scene we filmed 8 times, almost even being criticized by the director. Luckily it's a TV series, if it were a movie, the director would surely feel sorry for the money".
The reason for having to film it many times is because director Duong Khiet is extremely strict. Every look, every line, every standing position are meticulously polished. That perfectionism has created one of the most classic scenes of "Journey to the West".
Recalling that time, Tu Thieu Hoa still praised her co-star Chu Lam, who played the role of Queen of the Western Liang Women's Kingdom: "She is an extremely excellent actress".
It was that strictness that created the unfinished love story that made many generations of audiences regretful. The Queen's "Ngu di ca ca" call, along with the confused look, sweat dripping on her forehead and Tang Sanzang's eyes not daring to look up, became an unforgettable image in the hearts of many generations of audiences.
Although Tang Sanzang in the movie is wholeheartedly devoted to Buddhism, in real life Tu Thieu Hoa has never left the stage.
At the end of last month, he posted a video recording a commercial performance on social media. In the large hall, most of the audience were elderly people with white hair.
Tu Thieu Hoa wears a neat vest, glasses, still maintains her familiar bald hairstyle, her body is somewhat fuller but her elegant aura is still intact.
As soon as he started singing, the whole auditorium became bustling. Many people were busy filming and taking photos, many people enthusiastically applauded. Some were so moved that their eyes were red, and some sang along loudly. The song he performed was still "Xin hoi duong o dau dau".
A netizen commented: "Seeing him immediately reminds me of the summer when I sat on a small chair watching Journey to the West when I was a child.
At 67 years old, Tu Thieu Hoa is still diligently going from show to show. Some people feel sorry, others admire his persistence. Tu Thieu Hoa himself has never spoken out to explain or justify anything.
