A glimpse into the youthful days of Johnny Tri Nguyen (left) and Thai Hoa reveals the contrasting appearances of the two stars, who are of the same age.
As they reached middle age, their appearances seemed to have swapped.
Johnny Tri Nguyen: Scion of a Prestigious Lineage, Still Single at 51
Mention the name Johnny Tri Nguyen, and audiences immediately recall his powerful roles, with many fans dubbing him the “king” of Vietnamese action films.
He is the descendant of a family renowned for their martial arts and cinematic achievements. His grandfather, Nguyen Chanh Minh, held the title of “White Stork of Ca Mau” and was famous for his martial arts prowess. He is also the younger brother of filmmaker Charlie Nguyen, and along with comedian Van Son, they are the nephews of the legendary actor Nguyen Chanh Tin.
Johnny Tri Nguyen is the younger brother of filmmaker Charlie Nguyen (left).
He is also the nephew of the actor Nguyen Chanh Tin (right).
Currently, Johnny Tri Nguyen is working on the project Dong Mau Anh Hung 2: Nhan Trang Ca Mau, which tells the story of his grandfather. The actor likened his grandfather to a “martial arts god” due to his extraordinary abilities and keen spirit. His grandfather was renowned for defeating a tiger with his exceptional martial arts skills, a secret passed down only within their family. Tri Nguyen takes pride in his grandfather’s martial arts mastery and his grandmother’s artistic talents.
Johnny Tri Nguyen initiates a film project about his grandfather, a renowned martial artist.
Thanks to his family’s martial arts background, Tri Nguyen was introduced to traditional martial arts at an early age and went on to compete in various disciplines. He had the honor of representing the US national team in wushu at world championships. In 1998, he won two gold medals at the North and South American Championships in Canada.
Johnny Tri Nguyen acknowledges the advantages he gained from his family’s legacy but does not consider it a burden; instead, he views it as a source of pride and inspiration.
The actor’s handsome looks during his younger days.
With his foundation in martial arts, he ventured into the world of cinema, initially as a stunt performer in several Hollywood blockbusters such as We Were Soldiers, Spider-man (stunt double for Green Goblin), Ella Enchanted, Starship Troopers 2: Hero Of The Federation, Spider-man 2…
Transitioning from a stunt performer, Tri Nguyen was invited to join the Thai action film Tom-Yum-Goong in 2005, portraying the antagonist opposite Tony Jaa. Later that year, he returned to Vietnam and made his debut in the local film industry with Hon Truong Ba, Da Hang Thit.
His career skyrocketed with leading roles in Dong Mau Anh Hung and Bay Rong. He also showcased his comedic talents in films like Nu Hon Than Chet, Teo Em, Cuoi Ngay Keo Lo…
Johnny Tri Nguyen and Ngo Thanh Van were once considered the quintessential action duo.
Just as his career was flourishing, Johnny Tri Nguyen unexpectedly withdrew from the entertainment industry to focus on his martial arts school. Since April 2012, he has been teaching his family’s martial arts style in Nha Be, Ho Chi Minh City, while also serving as the head director for several martial arts tournaments. Many fans expressed their disappointment at his absence from the big screen.
Recently, he announced his return to acting, exciting his supporters, who eagerly anticipate the comeback of the “king of Vietnamese martial arts films.” In addition to Dong Mau Anh Hung 2, Tri Nguyen has attracted attention with his involvement in the historical action film Ho Linh Trang Si: Bi An Mo Vua Dinh.
Johnny Tri Nguyen garners attention with his upcoming historical action film.
Johnny Tri Nguyen’s love life has had its ups and downs. On the Go Cua Tham Nha show, he shared about his first love during his junior year of high school and a subsequent relationship with a girl he met in college. This girl would become his wife in 2000 – singer Viet Thi (Vu Lynn Cathy). They have two daughters together, Minh Trang Hailey and Thanh An Tailor. However, the couple divorced in 2008 after seven years of marriage.
Johnny Tri Nguyen with his first wife, singer Viet Thi.
Reflecting on his failed marriage, the actor shared: “I felt that at that age, I entered marriage without sufficient experience and understanding of what married life entails. When our relationship started to crack, I reevaluated my life and questioned why the path I was on no longer felt right. Due to my lack of experience and naivety, I couldn’t find a way to fix things when they went wrong.”
Currently, his two daughters are 20 and 22 years old and live independently. He often communicates with them via video calls. Whenever they visit Vietnam, he takes them on journeys to explore the country. His younger daughter aspires to be an actress, while the older one prefers writing stories and novels.
Johnny Tri Nguyen’s daughter is praised for her beauty.
Following his divorce, the Bay Rong star dated actress Nhung Kate for over a decade without marrying. Recently, the couple announced their separation and disclosed that they no longer maintain contact.
Nhung Kate, born in 1989, is 15 years Tri Nguyen’s junior. She has appeared in numerous popular television and film productions, including Bi Mat Tam Giac Vang, Doat Hon, Ba Noi Khong Thich An Pizza… Their most recent collaboration was in the series The Continental: From the World of John Wick, a prequel to the renowned action franchise John Wick, starring Keanu Reeves, released in September 2023.
Tri Nguyen and Nhung Kate part ways after a decade-long relationship.
Johnny Tri Nguyen is known for his carefree and serene demeanor. He once shared his philosophy that life is what we make of it and that he prefers to avoid unnecessary drama. Aside from martial arts, he maintains an active lifestyle by engaging in high-intensity sports such as basketball, horseback riding, swimming, and shooting.
The actor remains dedicated to his family’s martial arts tradition.
Thai Hoa: The “Million-Dollar” Actor, Devoted to His Craft, and Happily Remarried
Unlike Johnny Tri Nguyen, Thai Hoa lacks a striking physical advantage, but he more than makes up for it with his innate charm, earning him the title of a shining star on the silver screen. He is dubbed the “Million-Dollar” actor due to the remarkable box office success of his films, including De Mai Tinh, Long Ruoi, Cuoi Ngay Keo Lo, Teo Em, Qua Tim Mau… This string of hits has earned him the moniker “King of the Vietnamese Box Office.”
Thai Hoa and Johnny Tri Nguyen in the film Teo Em.
However, Thai Hoa is hesitant to embrace this title. He stated: “I am not the king of the box office. Calling me that is incorrect because my films have also flopped, not just succeeded.
Ever since I entered the theater school, the biggest pressure I’ve faced has been outside the filming set. When I fully immerse myself in each moment in front of the camera, that’s what truly matters.”
Thai Hoa is reluctant to be labeled the “King of the Box Office.”
Thai Hoa has proven his versatility as an actor, excelling not only in comedic roles but also in dramatic parts. His performances in Cay Tao No Hoa, Me Rom, Con Nhot Mot Chong, Dia Dao… have touched the hearts of audiences, moving many to tears. He effortlessly embodies rugged, self-sacrificing characters with complex inner lives.
The Two Leading Ladies in Johnny Tri Nguyen’s Life: One a Constant Companion, the Other a Mother at 50
Johnny Tri Nguyen’s career and personal life have been closely linked to two formidable female figures in the industry: Nhung Kate and Ngo Thanh Van. They are not only renowned for their on-screen presence but also for their significant impact on Nguyen’s journey.
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