Y Phung

Y Phung (1979-    ) is a famous overseas Vietnamese actress and pop singer.  She is the daughter of veteran Cai Luong performers, Minh Phung and Kieu Tien.

Born as Nguyễn Mỹ Thể on February 18, 1979 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, she made her stage debut in the Cai Luong play, Khói Rừng Quê Mẹ, at the age of 6.  In 1994, she began singing for various music venues and cabarets in Ho Chi Minh City and became famous for her covers of New Wave/Italo Disco songs recorded originally by Modern Talking, in particular You're My Heart, You're My Soul.  Prior to leaving Vietnam, Y Phung had become an established cinema actress.  Her most film role was as Mỹ Phượng in the film, Hải Đường Trắng (1994) starring Lê Tuấn Anh, Cát Phượng and the late Lê Công Tuấn Anh.  Among her other popular films included her big screen debut, Riêng Chỉ Có Anh (1994), Những Cánh Hoa Dại (1995) and Đời Vũ Nữ (1998).  Her sex appeal that had been easily captured on film earned her the dubbed title from Vietnam's cinema viewer audiences as "Nu Hoang Sexy" (Queen of Sexy).  For many years while still living in Vietnam, Y Phung was among the celebrities targeted by tabloids largely due to her alleged abrasive persona and rumored love affair with film actor Ly Hung.  

In 2007, Y Phung married an American citizen of Vietnamese descent and moved to the United States.  The following year, she signed with Asia Entertainment and has become one of the most popular performers of the label.  She has recorded duets with various other performers including her father, Minh Phung, Thao My, Thanh Thuy, Thai Doanh Doanh, Lam Thuy Van and Dan Nguyen.  Among her most popular recorded songs have included Một Ngày Mùa Đông written by Bảo Chấn, Anh Về Với Em written by Nhat Truong and Yêu Một Mình written by Trinh Lam Ngan.

In 2014, Y Phung filed for divorce with her husband of 7 years.  She has publicly stated that the main problem behind the marriage was that her husband had wanted her to have children while she has no desire to become a mother.  On October 29, 2016, Y Phung married her longtime boyfriend, a Vietnamese-American named Duy Tuong.  

Y Phung as Mỹ Phượng in the film, Hải Đường Trắng (1994)

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