Truong Ngoc Anh is a role model on the roll who has converted all her obstacles into big-time opportunities and has reached a pinnacle that many could only dream of.
From ramp to the silver screen, from being a model to an actress to now a businesswoman, Truong Ngoc Anh, the Vietnamese star, has done it all. She’s a role model on the roll who has converted all her obstacles into big-time opportunities and has reached a pinnacle that many could only dream of. In our conversation with the super talented star, we find out the secret behind her super successful career, what drives her, her mantra, her daily regime and more interesting bits about this drop-dead gorgeous beauty!
How did it all begin? What got you into modeling at the age of 16 and what was your first experience like?
Well, I’d say that it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. When I was 16, I won the first prize in the Elegant Schoolgirl Contest in Ly Thuong Kiet High School, which was a milestone that changed my life. Then, I moved to HCM city to start my modeling career. Stepping into the limelight with joy, unfamiliarity, and curiosity, I gradually learned to the catwalk, pose in front of cameras and audiences attention. That seemed to be too much for a teenage girl. But I stayed and fought to prove myself.
You mentioned in one of your interviews that “to become a pioneer one must dare to face your fear.” What do you mean by that?
As a human being, I do have many fears. For example, I’m afraid of being underestimated, used, or even outdated. All I have done is fought against that negativity. That’s how I’ve built my position in the industry. That’s what I meant!
All I have done is fought against that negativity. That’s how I’ve built my position in the industry. That’s what I meant!
How being a top actress today is different from being a model in the early stage of your career?
As an actress, I not only have to improve my daily knowledge and enrich my experience but also work hard to find great scripts and good opportunities to invest. In the present scenario, I feel, actors must continuously learn and practice to contribute to the cinema. And that’s the reason I have to renew myself through my roles and stories in order to inspire the audience. When I was a model, I could only be known by fans through magazines or calendars, so I couldn’t tell the story I always wanted but with movies, I could do it far more easily. However, no matter which role do I play, I try my best to assert myself and express my passion for art.
From being a model to an actress, from a producer to a businesswoman, you have left no stone unturned. What’s your life’s mantra that keeps you going so strong?
I always tell myself that I wake up to all the good in my life today. I do believe that and it does help me get a lot of positivity and energy to live every day.
You are a well-known face who has endorsed loads of brands. What is it that you look into the brand before endorsing it? Do you see it as a big responsibility?
It truly is a great responsibility for me. Before working with any brand, I usually learn carefully about the brand’s products, strategy, and philosophy. That’s the least I can do to genuinely understand the brand.
Before working with any brand, I usually learn carefully about the brand’s products, strategy, and philosophy.
What do you enjoy the most – working on films, ads, or being a judge on a reality show?
It is the feeling of being in front of the camera and expressing a special side I have regarding art. Whether it’s performing for a movie, an advertisement, or actually being an impartial judge on a reality show, I not only want to entertain my audience but also help them understand the art behind my works.
You’ve won so many major titles, with one of them being the title of Best Asian Actress in Seoul International Drama awards 2019? What was that moment like? Has life changed afterwards?
I was very fortunate to be able to represent Vietnam to attend Seoul International Drama Awards. Even though that was not the first time I attended any international award as a nominee. Remembering that still gives me goosebumps! My feelings really burst out when I was named the Best Asian Actress. At that moment, I realized that my efforts did pay off. After that, when I returned to Vietnam, the media favored me more and more. That really made me happy.
At that moment, I realized that my efforts did pay off. After that, when I returned to Vietnam, the media favored me more and more.
Which ones do you find your best performances to date?
It was when I played ‘Dan’ in The White Silk Dress (Ao Lua Ha Dong). I transformed myself into a woman who suffered a lot of hardship and great loss. Until now, “that woman” somehow haunts me. And it was that role that really left a great impression on me.
Can you tell us about your upcoming projects or films that you have recently signed?
With my team in TNA Entertainment, I am working on a historic feature film project named “She-king”, telling the life story of the first two ruler women in Vietnamese ancient history. Besides, I am also working on another action project named “Rise 2” after the success of “Rise” in 2014. We are going to organize a casting event in order to look for new and suitable faces for these projects. That’s all I can tell now. So, let’s wait and watch.
We are going to organize a casting event in order to look for new and suitable faces for these projects.
What’s your typical day like when it comes to your fitness and beauty regime?
I start my day with a glass of warm water and a light yet nutritious breakfast. After that, I usually jog to warm up my day. After going to the company and getting things done, I often go to the gym to do yoga or martial arts. I believe that yoga is the key to help me improve my health and to prepare well for my upcoming film projects. I also really appreciate the “eat clean” trend. I often consult a personal nutritionist to be able to control my weight as well as maintain a reasonable diet.
How did you prepare yourself for the role of detective in your acclaimed film Truysat?
During my preparation for that movie, besides practicing martial arts, I learned a lot about the basic knowledge of the police while performing the mission. In fact, to get the necessary information, I did turn to friends and brothers in the police for advice and experience. I was hoping those useful things would help me make my role more realistic. Making a movie about the police force, the detective, I always knew I had to be careful. I used to remind my team to do the project properly, to avoid unnecessary mistakes in the filmmaking process.
For our young readers, could you share some modeling tips or traits that one needs to have to become a successful actor or a businesswoman?
To be a model, you must have the confidence and courage to walk on the ramp and catch the eye of the brand. You shouldn’t be in a hurry, but you must try to give your best. These challenges are nothing but opportunities for you to show your personality as a model. And, to become a successful entrepreneur, you need to be decisive, dynamic and always stay updated with the latest trends in the business industry.
You’ve won various national and international awards for your performances in your amazing career to date. Could you please share what is it that drives you each day to keep working more?
I think it’s my passion and desire to elevate Vietnamese cinema to a new level. That is my goal. In addition, I really want to improve myself at work to be a good example for my daughter to follow.
In addition, I really want to improve myself at work to be a good example for my daughter to follow.
Most importantly, how do you manage diverse roles – of being a producer, actress and businesswoman?
What a great question! Thanks to my passion and responsibility at work, I try to multitask as much as I can to fulfill all my roles. I don’t want any of my roles left unfinished, be at work or at home.
With power comes responsibility. With so much success and fame earned so early, do you feel a sense of responsibility towards society or the world today?
In the current crisis, I think I need to be socially responsible first. As a celebrity, having an influence on the public, I ensure to convey positive messages to everyone. I think that trust and high awareness are essential factors to help us get through these difficult times.
RAPID FIRE
Your ultimate idol: Angelina Jolie
Your favorite music style: Hip-hop
Your celebrity crush: Mel Gibson
Recipe for happiness: Being healthy
The dish you couldn’t resist: Vietnamese Pho
What’s your biggest addiction? Coffee
What scares you the most? Rats
Your motto is: Embrace self-talk
What’s your ultimate goal? Film school
What success means to you? Achieving and growing, simultaneously
I think that trust and high awareness are essential factors to help us get through these difficult times.
