Diep Lang

Diệp Lang (1941-    ) is a famous Southern Vietnamese folk opera actor.

Born as Dương Công Thuấn on March 4, 1941 in Sa Đéc, South Vietnam, he began his career at the age of 8 touring with his father, Ba Diệp, who was a musician with the Tam Phụng Folk Opera Theater Troupe.  At the age of 12, Diệp Lang costarred in the play, Lấp Sống Gianh, for the Kim Thoa Theater Troupe.  His first starring role was in the play, Chiếc Nhẫn Kim Cương, for the Hoài Dung - Hoài Mỹ Theater Troupe.  In 1962, Diệp Lang became a leading actor for the prestigious Kim Chưởng Theater Troupe and starred in the play, Người Anh Khác Mẹ.  That role would win him the 1963 Thanh Tâm Award, South Vietnam's equivalent to a Tony, for Performer of the Year along with Bạch Tuyết, Mộng Tuyền, Trương Ánh Loan, Tấn Tài and Thanh Tú.  Among his most popular plays include Tìm Lại Cuộc Đời starring Thanh Tuấn and Mỹ Châu, Đời Cô Lựu starring Bạch Tuyết, Thanh Sang, Minh Vương, Lệ Thủy, Ngọc Giàu, Hồng Nga and Bảo Quốc, Tiếng Hò Sông Hậu starring Tuấn Thanh and Giang Châu, Tâm Sự Ngọc Hân, Tiếng Sóng Rạch Gầm, Cây Lẻ Bạn and Đàn Ca Tri Kỷ.

After the Fall of Saigon, Diệp Lang joined the Sài Gòn II Theater Troupe.  He has since performed for overseas Vietnamese audiences in Cambodia, France, Germany and Australia.  In 1993, Diệp Lang was honored with the recognition of Meritorious Artist, Nghệ Sĩ Ưu Tú, by the Vietnamese government.  For two consecutive years, Diệp Lang won the Mai Vàng Award (Golden Orchid) for Best Actor in a Folk Opera Play in 2000 and 2001 for his roles in Đôi Bờ and Trà Hoa Nữ, respectively.  In 2003, Diệp Lang was honored with the recognition of the People's Artist, Nghệ Sĩ Nhân Dân, by the Vietnamese government.

Phượng Liên and Diệp Lang

Diệp Lang was once married to fellow Southern Vietnamese folk opera actress, Phượng Liên.  Together they are parents of two children, a son and a daughter.