HCM CITY — Nguyễn Anh Tú from HCM City brought home a cash prize of VNĐ100 million (US$4,540) after winning the Vĩnh Long Television’s reality show Cười Xuyên Việt (TransViet Laugh) for amateur comic actors.

Tú received 100 points from the judges, including People’s Artist Ngọc Giàu and Vietnamese–American comedy actress Kiều Oanh, for his performance in a short play about a mother’s love at the finale last Saturday.

The 23-year-old student of the city’s University of Theatre and Cinematography said after winning the contest that he wanted to “gift my victory to my parents who devoted their life to raise three sons.”

Tú was born in a poor family in HCM City. He had to quit school in the 10th grade and worked different jobs to help his family.

One year later, he returned to school to finish study in high school, and then passed the exam to the university. He has taken part in plays at coffee lounges and small theatres in the city.

Tú said: “The competition gave me a chance to learn from experienced artists like Huỳnh Lập, Nam Thư and Diệp Tiên, as well as from competitors across Việt Nam.”

Lê Nguyễn Tuấn Dũng of the city became the competition’s runner-up.

Dũng, 24, was born in a traditional family. His father worked for famous cải lương (reformed opera) troupes like Huỳnh Long and Minh Tơ.

He began to perform in a cải lương video when he was four year old. He has played minor roles in several works by veteran artists.

Launched last year, Cười Xuyên Việt has two versions, one for unknown actors and another for famous artists. It has had the highest ratings of Vĩnh Long Television’s programme. – VNS