Hong Nga is seriously ill and "doesn't recognize anyone," Phi Phung sadly reveals one thing.

For nearly three years, artist Hong Nga has faced a deteriorating health and changing appearance, causing many of her admirers to worry and feel sorry for her.

The Ngu Long Du Ky group of artists paid a moving visit to the home of artist Hong Nga – one of the great names of Southern Vietnamese Cai Luong and theater – who is currently battling a prolonged illness that has caused memory loss and increasingly poor health.

According to her relatives, artist Hong Nga has been suffering from illness for nearly three years. During this time, she has experienced noticeable changes in her appearance and physical condition. Her memory has gradually deteriorated; she forgets most things around her, and her health has declined with age. Previously, many colleagues, including the Ngu Long Du Ky group, visited her many times, sharing joy and encouraging her to overcome her illness.

Upon her return, the artists were deeply saddened to see Hong Nga confined to a wheelchair, unable to walk on her own. She no longer recognized people and could barely speak clearly; her vacant gaze moved many to tears. Artist Phuong Dung shared: "Oh my God, now Hong Nga can't hear anything anymore, she probably needs an interpreter. It's so heartbreaking." Her voice was weak, soft, and her pronunciation unclear, yet she still exuded the characteristic grace of a seasoned artist.

Nevertheless, she still looked radiant. Artist Phi Phụng commented: "The old lady's skin is still very beautiful, smooth and radiant, as if she had a facelift. But I don't understand what she's saying." Her caregiver also said that Hong Nga still remembers a few songs and occasionally hums them. Whenever she gets a haircut, she asks her usual barber to shave her hair neatly for comfort. The caregiver recounted: "I'm the one who carries her to the bathroom to bathe and help her with the toilet. Sometimes I have to carry her from the bed to the bathroom. She speaks in a whisper, but sometimes she shouts loudly. She also knows how to glare."

On this occasion, Phuong Dung and Phi Phung prepared an envelope containing 5 million VND, which they personally handed to artist Hong Nga as a gesture of encouragement and to share their heartfelt sentiments with the "great figure" of the stage.

Actress Hong Nga is an icon of Southern Vietnamese Cai Luong (traditional opera), with over half a century of dedication to the art. She left a profound mark through her tear-jerking roles as tragic heroines, or her villainous and seductive characters that evoked both hatred and admiration from the audience. Her masterful transformation of character psychology earned her the title of "prodigy" of the theater world.

Hong Nga's voice is distinguished by its earthy yet powerful tone, allowing her to fully express the pain and suffering of women in society. Classic works such as "Tuyet Tinh Ca," "Lan and Diep," and everyday comedic sketches have cemented her name in the hearts of the public. Whether portraying a poor mother or a strict mother-in-law, she always performs with all her heart and life experience.

Hong Nga's simple lifestyle and dedication to her profession earned her the utmost respect from her colleagues and younger generations. More than just a talented artist, she was a symbol of enduring vitality, an important piece in the golden age of Vietnamese theatrical art. Her presence and contributions are a source of pride for Southern Vietnamese culture, leaving a valuable artistic legacy for future generations.

Artist Phuong Lien returned from the US to visit Hong Nga, and was heartbroken to see her colleague in such a state. Hoàng Phúc13:41:00 12/01/2026In her early days in Vietnam, artist Phuong Lien received care and attention from close colleagues. However, the first place she chose to visit was artist Hong Nga - an artist of the same generation who had left a deep impression...