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On screen, artist Giang Còi brought laughter and tears to the audience with his simple, comedic and tragic roles. Off-screen, in his later years, the artist chose a life away from the city, enjoying a peaceful rural life, but his passion for art still burned brightly.
The artist rose from humble beginnings.
In his youth, Le Hong Giang (the real name of artist Giang Coi), a native of Hanoi, dreamed of becoming an actor. However, his short stature prevented him from applying. Fortunately, luck smiled upon him, and perhaps also on Vietnamese audiences for decades to come, when Le Hong Giang was given the opportunity to take the entrance exam and became a freshman at the Hanoi University of Theatre and Film, in the same class as many big names such as director Bui Thac Chuyen and actress Chieu Xuan.
After graduating, artist Le Hong Giang worked as a freelance actor while continuing his studies in directing. He has acted in many television dramas that were popular with viewers.A Projector (2000),When the birds return (2003),White Road (2014)In 2020, the artist played the role of a ghost hunter in the film.The Secret of the WindThis role marks the final appearance of artist Le Hong Giang on the big screen.
In contrast to his comedic stage persona, actor Le Hong Giang's dramatic roles often portray characters with unfortunate fates. However, the image of Le Hong Giang in roles that ultimately bring viewers to tears is somewhat unfamiliar to the general audience. The man who truly left his mark on the memories of many generations was when he stepped onto the comedy stage and became the comedian Giang Coi.
Speaking of the rise of comedian Giang Còi, credit must be given to his colleague and most compatible co-star, Meritorious Artist Nguyễn Tiến Quang – also known by his stage name Quang Tèo. Sharing about his close friend, Meritorious Artist Nguyễn Tiến Quang said: “When Giang finished his studies at the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Film, he didn't join any organization but continued to study directing. Then fate brought Giang and me together as close friends. I introduced him to comedy acting, and even now, audiences still remember the inseparable duo of Giang Còi and Quang Tèo.”
On the comedy stage, Giang Còi and Quang Tèo performed very well and successfully as two farmers who were uneducated and prone to jealousy, always ready to retaliate against each other. It was a gentle satire of the bad habits of Northern Vietnamese farmers, but at the same time, it depicted a part of their arduous lives and their aspirations for a better life.
During his lifetime, besides his acting career, Giang Còi also ventured into behind-the-scenes film production. The artist was once the director of the private company Hanoi Film Studio and harbored many long-running film projects. Driven by his concerns about problems in school life, artist Giang Còi created a 500-episode series titled...School DevilsHe wrote the script and directed the film himself.
a simple life
Despite receiving much attention from fans, in his personal life, artist Giang Còi is always very private about his personal happiness. Audiences know he has gone through two failed marriages and has four children. However, the story surrounding those two failed marriages has never been revealed by the artist.
In 2015, when asked about his second wife, who was 25 years younger than him, artist Giang Còi only stated that their marriage had ended. He took responsibility for the situation and shared no further details. Since then, audiences have not seen Giang Còi mention his wife or past marriage. He has dedicated his entire life to his artistic work and his thriving garden.
On January 15th, not long after the news of artist Giang Còi's cancer diagnosis was announced, the late artist shared an optimistic message on his fan page: "Birth, aging, illness, and death are the natural order of life. With the intensity of my work, getting sick at this age means God has been very kind to me; what is there to complain about? If I can't 'act' or 'act', then I'll write. Criticism, scriptwriting, editing – as long as I can do my job, then my existence can be called 'living'."
On screen, actor Giang Còi was associated with roles of rural people who spent their lives working in the fields and gardens. Off-screen, in his later years, the image that remained in the hearts of the audience was also linked to the vast garden he himself cultivated and cared for.
During his lifetime, artist Giang Còi shared with the press that he began transforming his barren land into a farm in 2001. In 2011, he officially moved there to live. For the past decade, except for when he was performing, filming, or needed to go to the city center for work, the artist's entire life revolved around this green space.
For the late artist, the farm was a source of immeasurable pride. It was the land he poured his heart and soul into cultivating and developing; a place to welcome and meet cherished friends; a home to return to when his legs were weary; and a place to unleash the creativity of an artist…
In the final months of his life, comedian Giang Còi frequently shared simple stories from his life with his audience. One day, he might film a video instructing viewers on how to grow lemons; another day, he might sit and tell stories about his loyal dogs… These simple and unpretentious stories gave viewers the impression of Giang Còi as a warm, simple, and approachable artist, like a genuine neighbor.
The late artist's son shared: "In his will, my father wished to be buried with his guitar, his cigar, his favorite songs, and the applause of his admirers as a farewell. A complete life of dedication."
Farewell, dear artist Giang Còi!
