Not recognizing close co-stars
According to a private source of reporters, artist Hong Nga at the age of 80, her health has clearly declined.
Currently, artist Hong Nga no longer recognizes anyone and has lost her memory. She lives with her son and has no pension.
Previously, during a visit to her private residence in Ho Chi Minh City recently, artist Bao Quoc said that his long-time co-star no longer recognized him.
Bao Quoc tried to evoke old memories, but Hong Nga only shook her head. The two artists had decades of attachment to the Cai Luong and spoken drama stages, coordinating well in many works, notably the comedy "Sui gia dai chien".
The female artist also no longer remembers her age clearly and can only say a few words or short sentences, sometimes unrelated to the conversation content.
Hong Nga's physical health is also weakened due to old age and bone and joint diseases. She cannot walk on her own, mainly resting or sitting in a wheelchair when awake. Eating, bathing, changing clothes and personal hygiene all require help from others.
The family prepared soft, easy-to-digest dishes for her. Food must be chopped or ground to make it easy for the female artist to chew and swallow.
What makes colleagues most sad is that Hong Nga almost no longer has memories of those who were attached to her on stage. Before Bao Quoc, artists Phuong Lien, Phuong Dung, Phi Phung, Thoai My also visited, but she could not recognize them.
However, in some rare moments, when listening to vọng cổ or familiar melodies again, Hong Nga can still hum a few sentences.
The old age of an artist without a pension
Hong Nga was born in 1946, has more than 60 years of artistic activity. She is famous for her diverse transformation ability, from "poisonous đào", "dao lang" to "dao mu", "dao thuong" and comedic roles.
The female artist made her mark through classic plays. She was once trusted by People's Artist Kim Cuong to be invited to play the role of Ms. Dieu's mother in "Durian Leaf", a classic role associated with the late People's Artist Bay Nam.
Despite her outstanding career, Hong Nga mainly operates in troupes in each period, does not have a stable pension source like artists in public units and does not have enough time to participate in social insurance.
In 2023, the Ho Chi Minh City Theater Association proposed that the city government provide monthly support for Hong Nga and some elderly artists who have made many contributions. At that time, she suffered from memory decline and life faced many difficulties.
According to NSND Trinh Kim Chi's revelation, artist Hong Nga has now received a support amount of 2.65 million VND/month.
