Nearly 40 years since the legendary film Journey to the West (1986) aired, the journey of the four teachers and students of Tang has become an unforgettable memory for many generations of Asian audiences. In the main cast, most of the artists are still alive.
The three actors of Duong Tang and the different journey
The role of Tang Tang in Journey to the West (1986) was played by three actors in turn, each associated with a stage of the film. Actor Uong Viet was the first to play the role, showing the image of a gentle, calm monk in the first episodes. Later, he had a quite stable career. Uong Viet is an associate professor who teaches at the China Academy of Performing Arts and has also written scripts for many TV series.
After Uong Viet left the film crew, the role was assigned to Tu Thieu Hoa - who was considered by the audience as "The most handsome Tang Duong on screen". His youthful face and scholarly demeanor help him become an icon in the hearts of viewers even though he only appeared in a few episodes. Tu Thieu Hoa was once Vice President of the Son Dong Provincial Dramatic Association, still attached to stage and art.
Recently, Tu Thieu Hoa caused controversy when wearing a wedding and celebratory Duong Tang costume, making the image of a classic character considered "done with old fame".
The person who took on the role of Tang Tang the longest and was associated with most of the films was Tri Trong Thuy. At the age of 73, he is still healthy, living in Beijing and participating in cultural and charity activities.
After marrying famous businessman Tran Le Hoa (her mother has passed away), Tri Trong Thuy rarely appeared in films but was still remembered by the public for her image of a kind, upright monk on the way to Tay Truc. He currently inherits a huge fortune due to his late wife.
Ton Ngo Khong and the immortal image of Luc Tieu Linh Dong
Among the four teachers and students, Luc Tieu Linh Dong - who transformed into Ton Ngo Khong is the face that has been with the public for the longest time. Born in 1959, he still regularly attends art events, interacts with fans and is considered the "soul" of "Journey to the West". After decades, Luc Tieu Linh Dong is still loyal to the image of a golden monkey.
However, he was criticized for "eating the past", making a film about the image of Ton Ngo Khong to follow the film "Tay Du Ky" but was not successful. Apart from this classic role, the roles he played later were all lackluster and left no impression.
The World and the Peaceful Life of Ma Duc Hoa
Taking on the role of Tru Bat Gioi, artist Ma Duc Hoa brought an image that was both humorous and fun. After the success of the film, he chose a private life and withdrew from the entertainment industry in the late 1990s.
At the age of over 80, Ma Duc Hoa lives peacefully with her family, occasionally attends film crew meetings and is always respected by her colleagues for her modesty.
Sa Tang - an irreplaceable gap
Meanwhile, artist Hoai Le - who plays Sa Tang passed away in 2009 due to lung disease. His passing left deep regrets for the audience and colleagues. The role of Hoai Le was once considered one of the characters that fully expressed the Loyalty and patience of "Journey to the West".
After nearly four decades, The Westward Tourist 1986 is still an irreplaceable milestone in the history of Chinese television. The survivors of the main cast - Luc Tieu Linh Dong, Tu Thieu Hoa, Tri Trong Thuy and Ma Duc Hoa are still remembered by the audience.
