Y Phung: 'I hope to return to acting'

Y Phung - a famous actress in the 1990s - said her daughter is six years old and strong, so she hopes to soon return to singing and acting.

After six years away from the entertainment industry to take care of her family, Y Phung said she is preparing her mind and body, looking for opportunities to return to performing. On this occasion, she talked about life at the age of 45.

- How is your life in America now?

- Every day I take care of and pick up my child from school and to the gym. My husband wants to hire someone to pick up and drop off our child and send her to extra classes at school, but I refuse because I am used to taking care of my daughter, Paris, from a young age. I miss her just a few hours away from her.

Recently, I met artist Bao Quoc - a close colleague of my father - artist Minh Phung, and confided in him many things in life. For the past six years, I have only stayed at home to take care of my family, missing the stage so much and feeling sad. He said that I have been singing since I was in my teens, almost 30 years now, so it would be okay to take a break to take care of my children. My seniors and uncles in the profession commented that I am still young, and the audience still remembers my name. Hearing his encouragement, I felt less heavy-hearted.

Y Phung with her daughter - Paris (six years old). Photo: Provided by the character — Y Phung with her daughter - Paris (six years old). Photo: *Provided by the character*

- When your daughter is older, what do you think about returning to singing and performing?

- I received many invitations from music show producers and filmmakers in Vietnam and overseas, but I refused them all. Before, I really liked watching Britney Spears shows, but I stopped going because I felt embarrassed seeing her fat and out of shape. Thinking back on myself, I was afraid that the audience would stop loving me when they saw me appearing with a different appearance than before.

After giving birth, I gained 20 kg, was afraid to appear in front of crowds, and limited parties with colleagues. I think the audience spends money to enjoy and admire beauty and charm, no one wants to see a performer who doesn't know how to take care of herself on stage.

I plan to focus on losing weight in early April, trying to lose another 10 kg in the hope of returning to my pre-pregnancy weight. I am very meticulous about my career, so when I get back in shape, I will consider performing again.

- If you stop performing for a long time, how will you make a living?

- I have accumulated money, saved from performing and singing many years ago, spend on myself, and my husband takes care of all the family expenses. He is not a showbiz person, lets me be comfortable in everything, never mentions or touches on my wife's career, on the contrary, I respect his work and personal space.

I am not good at housework or cooking, I just put all my heart and focus on raising Paris. The place where I live has many Vietnamese people so it is like a miniature Saigon. All the dishes of my homeland are available so my mother and I can freely choose. My family eats out at restaurants, we don't cook. Luckily, I live with an easy-going husband who doesn't require his wife to be good at housework.

Actress Y Phung with sexy fashion style, 1990s. Photo: Character provided — Actress Y Phung with sexy fashion style, 1990s. Photo: *Character provided*

My current wish is to return to the stage both domestically and overseas soon. Now I return to performing simply because it is my passion, continuing the family profession, without any pressure from the old glory.

I will pursue this career for the rest of my life, following the example of my father, artist Minh Phung. At the age of 70, he was still invited to sing and was loved by the audience. I hope I will be the same. I have projects to prepare for my own YouTube channel. When everything is ready, I will introduce them to the audience.