Life at age 80 of an artist who refused the title of People’s Artist and had to have half of his liver removed due to illness

Comedian – Cai Luong once famous

Meritorious Artist Bao Quoc was born in 1949 in Thai Hiep Thanh commune, Tay Ninh. He was born into an artistic family with a father, artist Nam Nghia, a famous cai luong artist in the South at that time, and a mother, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Tho, often called “bau Tho”. Head of Thanh Minh Cai Luong troupe, one of the 5 most famous theater troupes in Saigon from 1950 to 1972. Bao Quoc also has a half-sister, Meritorious Artist Thanh Nga – a once famous Cai Luong artist.

Thanks to being born in the cradle of Southern Cai Luong, artist Bao Quoc had the opportunity to come into contact with the stage and learn and be taught by the most talented artists. He quickly stood out on stage with his outstanding singing voice and charming, witty comedic talent, becoming a phenomenon of the stage for a time. The male artist became famous when he collaborated with many famous “actresses” such as Ngoc Giau, Le Thuy, Bach Tuyet…

Some of his typical roles include: the role of Chuong Hau in the play Me Linh drum soundthe lead role of the comedy The ghost of the Hua familythe role of Bui Kiem in the play Kieu Nguyet Nga, the role of Hai Xien in the play The altar of a peach girl’s ancestoras Y xike in Darkness and light… In 1991, he was awarded the title of Meritorious Artist by the State.

Comedian Bao Quoc also caused a stir when he shared the reason for not applying for approval to be awarded the title of People’s Artist. He frankly confided: “I did not go through the procedures because I realized the unreasonableness in the regulations on procedures for awarding documents. I agree that when considering awarding the title of Meritorious Artist, artists must clearly declare their achievements, but When considering awarding People’s Artists, we should not be required to make a personal declaration of our achievements. State management agencies and local professional associations have a clear understanding of our activities and achievements after being conferred. donated to Meritorious Artist”. He added: “Why do artists have to declare their achievements and ask to be considered for the title of People’s Artist? Self-esteem does not allow me to do that.”

Optimistic and happy life at the age of U80

Many years ago, artist Bao Quoc and his wife moved to the US to settle. After more than 50 years of marriage, the relationship between him and his wife Thu Thuy is still close and close. He affirmed: “I am lucky to have my wife by my side, so the home is always complete.”

At the age of 80, Meritorious Artist Bao Quoc faces many old age diseases such as diabetes and blood fat. He also underwent three major surgeries to remove liver tumors, the most severe of which required half of his liver. However, the artist always lives a positive and happy life. A few days ago, during a meeting with artist Phi Phung, he shared: “I have many illnesses, but at this age I have to live optimistically. I went in for surgery, they anesthetized me for three hours, after the surgery I woke up and went home, everything was fine.”

Artist Bao Quoc also has a healthy lifestyle, does not drink or gamble because he wants to set an example for his children. “Now every morning I get up to exercise for 15, 20 minutes and then walk around the neighborhood for about an hour. My wife is afraid of the sun so she doesn’t come with me, but she still works all day, planting trees, planting gardens, cleaning the house.” door, cooking”, Meritorious Artist Bao Quoc confided.

The veteran comedian said that sometimes he still accepts invitations to perform on weekends to ease his nostalgia for his job: “I am selective, not every show accepts me. To perform, I have to travel far, at 3 or 4 a.m. suitcase to go to the airport, finish the performance and then fly back, it’s very hard!”. However, because his love for Cai Luong and theater is still burning, the male artist said “whenever he sees Cai Luong, he acts, every play he plays”.

Currently, the once famous comedian and his wife enjoy the countryside together, occasionally traveling far away. In their twilight years, they just hope to have good health so they can be together longer and enjoy leisurely and carefree days.