Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
Audiences are familiar with Tuấn “Mõ” through his humorous and charming roles in “Cuộc đời vẫn đẹp sao” or “Táo quân.” So, how did he feel about playing the role of Cậu Hường in the supernatural horror film “Đèn âm hồn”?
– Of course, there was some difficulty. Any role that differs from what I’ve done before is a challenge. This role required me to change everything from appearance, demeanor, to the way I expressed inner emotions.
When the character demands calmness and seriousness, I had to learn and improve a lot from senior artists like Uncle Quang Tèo (NSƯT Tiến Quang – PV) and Aunt Chiều Xuân (NSƯT Chiều Xuân – PV).
Initially, when I received the script, I was truly worried. After reading it, I felt this role wasn’t like me at all, even somewhat “stiff” and hard to portray. However, I always strive to get into the character as best as possible. Whether my performance was smooth or not, I leave that for the audience to judge.
Tuấn “Mõ” plays Cậu Hường in the supernatural thriller “Đèn âm hồn” (Photo: Producer).
With a psychologically complex role, did you have to push yourself too hard?
– I think there’s still so much for me to learn. In scenes requiring strong emotions, like crying or building up to a climax, sometimes I still borrow feelings from personal experiences rather than fully resonating with the character.
This is a weakness I recognize and need to improve. I always try to refine myself so that my emotions feel genuine and natural with each role.
Do you feel regret that your role as Cậu Hường in “Đèn âm hồn,” though attention-grabbing, had relatively short screen time?
– Honestly, this isn’t the first time my character has ended early. There were many previous projects where my role “left” very soon, even in the TV series Biệt dược đen, where people still joke that I “left” right in the first episode.
As an actor, I believe I need to respect the storytelling style of the director. If my early exit benefits the overall story, then I should accept it (laughs).
Tuấn “Mõ” and Hoàng Kim Ngọc (as Cô Đồng Liễu) receive positive feedback in their cinematic debut (Photo: Producer).
Having caused a sensation playing a gay character in “Táo quân 2024,” many fans are curious why Tuấn “Mõ” is absent from this year’s “Táo quân”?
– For me, having the chance to perform on this stage in 2024, working with renowned directors and veteran artists, was a stroke of luck—a special milestone in my career.
As a young artist, I understand that there must be scripts that truly suit me to showcase my talent. However, Táo quân 2025 didn’t have any scenes or scripts fitting for me, so the directors didn’t choose me.
Táo quân is not just an entertainment program but has become part of viewers’ memories every Lunar New Year.
From the perspective of someone passionate about the craft, I deeply admire artists like NSND Quốc Khánh, NSND Công Lý, NSƯT Chí Trung, NSND Xuân Bắc, NSND Tự Long, artist Vân Dung, and NSƯT Quang Thắng…
They are the soul of the show. Even though I’m not participating this year, I still consider it a great honor to have worked and learned from these respected seniors in the industry.
Does Tuấn “Mõ” plan to develop his career in comedy and become a famous comedian like the senior artists he mentioned?
– At this point, I don’t want to limit myself to a specific type of role. I see every character as an opportunity to experience and explore, striving to deliver my best performance, whether it’s a villain, comedic, or lovable role.
In the future, I want to take on more psychologically complex roles while maintaining humor but evolving into something more mature and diverse. As an actor, I don’t want to confine myself to comedic roles only—I hope to explore various shades of acting.
Tuấn “Mõ” with “Ngọc Hoàng” Quốc Khánh backstage at “Táo quân 2024” (Photo: Personal collection).
Gained 10kg in Just 3 Months After Marriage
Looking back at your roles on screen, do you find any similarities or differences compared to your real-life personality?
– The most similar trait is probably my hyperactivity (laughs).
Tuấn “Mõ” seems quite private with the media, rarely sharing about his personal life or behind-the-scenes moments.
– In today’s digital age, everyone has a chance to become famous, and audiences follow numerous artists and creators.
For me, the most important thing is contributing to art through my work. Personal life can sometimes be an interesting story to share, but what I want the audience to remember most are the films and projects I’ve participated in.
That’s what I truly value and aim to affirm in my career.
Last year, you got married. How has marriage changed your image and life?
– I feel I now have greater responsibility since there’s someone who always supports and accompanies me in every project and journey. My wife’s encouragement has helped me make many positive changes.
Take my appearance, for example. Before, I was quite thin, which limited the types of roles I could play. Now, thanks to my wife taking good care of me—making me exercise and eat healthily—I gained 10kg in just three months (laughs).
Acting requires frequent travel. How do you and your wife handle that?
– We discussed this thoroughly before getting married. My wife doesn’t work in the arts but has a flexible freelance job.
For instance, when I filmed Đèn âm hồn, she visited the set, met the crew, and encouraged me a lot. I also reassured her that I’ve never taken on roles with too many romantic scenes with female co-stars (laughs).
Tuấn “Mõ” and his beautiful wife on their engagement day (Photo: Facebook).
After marriage, do you want to change your image to appear more mature in your roles?
– Actually, it’s not just marriage that made me think about changing. I’ve had my own career roadmap for a while. I believe that when I’ve truly mastered comedic roles and gained audience recognition, then I’ll consider shifting directions. Until then, I’ll continue honing my skills and striving.
When the time is right, I want to take on more challenging, profound roles with less humor but more maturity in acting. I believe acting is a long journey, and each stage or age suits a certain type of role.
After Cuộc đời vẫn đẹp sao in 2023, the role in Đèn âm hồn is another step forward to help audiences recognize me more. I’m still in the process of building my career, so there’s no rush.
So far, aside from the role of Bát in “Cuộc đời vẫn đẹp sao,” Tuấn “Mõ” hasn’t had many memorable roles. Does that disappoint you?
– I think everyone has their own artistic journey, and perspectives on success vary. For me, this is a serious pursuit—not just about fame, but about living my passion.
No one can predict the future. Maybe in a few years, I’ll shift to a different path or experience a career plateau. But whatever happens, I’m proud that along the way, I’ve had the chance to work, learn from great artists, and grow daily.
Regarding fame, I believe in the saying, “Everyone gets their due.” What matters most is to keep working and contributing.
Who knows, after this conversation, more audiences might come to appreciate and know me better? I don’t want to rush or succumb to the pressure of landing leading roles immediately.
If I focus solely on that, it’s easy to “rest on my laurels.” I believe recognition will come at the right time as long as I keep trying.
Thank you, Tuấn “Mõ,” for sharing!
Tuấn “Mõ,” whose real name is Phạm Tuấn Anh (born 1996), hails from Lạng Sơn and started as a blogger. Born into a non-artistic family, he discovered his passion for acting early on.
Though he failed the entrance exam for the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema, Tuấn “Mõ” didn’t give up.
He gained recognition through the film Lớp học tha thu. After several minor projects, Tuấn “Mõ” began appearing in major productions like Gia đình mình vui bất thình lình, 11 tháng 5 ngày, Ga-ra hạnh phúc, Cuộc đời vẫn đẹp sao, Biệt dược đen. Recently, he left a mark with his chemistry alongside Duy Hưng in Độc đạo.
With his appearance, Tuấn “Mõ” often plays roles such as freeloaders, spoiled rich kids, or gangsters. However, instead of evoking dislike, his humor wins over audiences.
