Brian Jeffrey
Diep Lang, originally Duong Cong Thuan, was born on March 4, 1941, in Binh Tien village, Chau Thanh district, Sa Dec province (now Tan Binh, Chau Thanh, Dong Thap province). He became a prominent figure in Vietnamese cai luong, theater, film, and as a director.
His journey in the world of performing arts began at the age of 8 when he started training with the Tam Phung Cai Luong Troupe under the guidance of his father, teacher Ba Diep. Eventually, he transitioned from playing stringed instruments to taking on singing and acting roles.
Diep Lang made his stage debut at 12 in the play Lap Song Gianh with the Kim Thoa Cai Luong Troupe. He gradually moved on to portray lead roles such as Viet Hung – Minh Chi and Phung Hao – Ba Van.
It was not until he joined the Hoai Dung – Hoai My Troupe that he was cast as the leading role in Chiec Nhan Kim Cuong and was given the stage name “Diep Lang” by playwright Nguyen Huynh, symbolizing his father’s legacy, Ba Diep.
In 1962, Diep Lang joined the Kim Chuong Troupe where his performance as the father in Nguoi Anh Khac Me earned him the Thanh Tam Award for Promising Actor in 1963.
Renowned for his versatile acting skills and soulful voice, Diep Lang was adored for his portrayals of paternal figures and dignitaries.
Post 1975, Diep Lang’s career flourished with memorable portrayals like Sergeant Tam in Tim Lai Cuoc Doi, Councilor Thang in Doi Co Luu, Le Quy in Tam Su Ngoc Han, and other significant roles. He gained notable recognition for his portrayal of Councilor Du, a character deeply cherished by the audience.
Throughout his over 50-year career in theater and film, Diep Lang received several prestigious awards such as Thanh Tam Gold Medal, Meritorious Artist title, Mai Vang Award, and the esteemed People’s Artist title in 2003 before retiring from performing.
Diep Lang’s personal life saw two marriages, with his second marriage to Thu Phong lasting nearly five decades. His son, Diep Tien, followed in his footsteps as a director and actor, carrying forward his father’s artistic legacy.
Family, especially his wife, played a vital role in Diep Lang’s life, supporting him both on and off the stage. His longing for the stage and his homeland persisted even during his later years spent in the United States.
Diep Lang passed away on March 11, 2023, in San Diego, California, at the age of 82, leaving his fans grieving his loss. His wife, Thu Phong, also departed a year later. Colleagues and admirers remember Diep Lang as a legendary figure in the Vietnamese stage, with his performances and essence transcending time.
His legacy lives on, as People’s Artist Bach Tuyet expressed, “Each song, each role he played will live on and endure through the years. He has become a legend of the Vietnamese stage,” marking Diep Lang’s lasting impact on the world of Cai Luong theater.
