People's Artist Huong Dung (born 1956) belongs to the generation of veteran actors in the field of theater and television.
In the field of theater, she won a Gold Medal at the National Theater Festival in 1985 and was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist in 2012. In March 2024, she was awarded the title of People's Artist.
In the field of cinema, Huong Dung participated in the movie "Săn bắt cướp" (Hunting Robbers) with many famous actors at that time such as: Thuong Tin, NSND Le Khanh, NSND Trong Trinh... In the movie, she plays Hai Loan - the lover of the robberous general Bach Hai Duong (Thuong Tin).
The unexpected success of "Săn bắt cướp" created a name for actors at that time. NSND Huong Dung quickly caught the eye of many television directors because of her noble beauty.
She is often assigned the role of a powerful, sharp woman in many films such as: "Running Cases", "Provincial Chairman", "Rainbow of Love", "Secret", "Flowers Bloom Against Season", "The Judge"... and then the series "Criminal Police" with parts: "The Girl from Bangkok", "Black Territories", "The Death of the Swan", "Labyrinth"...
Sharing with Lao Dong reporters, People's Artist Huong Dung said that when she was working at the People's Police Drama Theater, she received salaries according to the theater's regulations. In those years, the salaries of theater artists were very low.
At that time, her child was still young, and her husband was a retired soldier, so she had to work outside.
The time at that time was tight, so I had to apply for early retirement to go earn money and take care of my children. Early retirement, in addition to being a show organizer for programs, I also went to dub.
At that time, dubbing each episode of the movie only cost 2 million VND, divided equally among the same number of actors, so I also had to do many other jobs," she recounted.
Accordingly, the female artist retired at the age of 39. After retiring for 31 years, NSND Huong Dung currently receives a pension of 9 million VND/month. She holds the rank of Colonel.
Huong Dung said that her house used to be near Hoang Cau Lake but it has been sold. She likes to plant trees, but when in Hoang Cau, climbing to the top floor is very tiring.
Since June 2022, her family has moved from the inner city to Nguyen Van Cu street (old Long Bien district), the house is 47m2 wide, with an elevator, so everything is more convenient.
In the new place, I return to my hometown of Quang Ninh or go to Hai Phong, Ninh Binh... very convenient, crossing a bridge to get to the ancient town, so I feel very comfortable. Coming here, I feel better health because the space is airy, and the neighbors are also friendly and civilized," Huong Dung confided.
Ms. Dung of the movie "Running Cases" added that in recent years she often went abroad to visit her younger siblings and son, so people spread the word "Ms. Dung is not in Vietnam", so they did not invite her to act in movies.
Moreover, TV series are often filmed for long days, and have to go far away, filming is also fast, but I like to ponder, so I didn't accept.
Recently, there have been a few invitations, but I can't keep up with the pace of filmmaking. I personally don't criticize roles, if there is "screen time", even if it's a little difficult or a short role, I will still participate," she said.
Not acting in movies, but People's Artist Huong Dung is quite busy, she often participates in mass art programs of the cluster, Bo De ward - where she lives and stages events in Hanoi and Ha Long (Quang Ninh).
Huong Dung shared: "I accept to do programs every Saturday night. I also perform and sing revolutionary music, folk songs... according to monthly themes for the anniversary programs that are invited.
Two daughters have married, and the youngest son is far away, so artist Huong Dung and her husband aim for a simple life.
A few days ago, I went to the market to buy food once, cooking was also simple because at this age, eating according to a scientific diet is the best. I am a simple, pure person, who values peace and joy, not pretentious," Huong Dung said.
