HÀ NỘI — People’s Artist Phạm Anh Tú passed away of complications from diabetes and kidney failure at a hospital in Hà Nội at noon on December 20, his colleague actress Minh Hằng said. He was 56 years old.

The actor entered hospital urgently last October in bad condition. After a few weeks of treatment, he felt better and asked to leave the hospital to continue his work at the Việt Nam National Drama Theatre. Two days later, he was hospitalised again in critical condition. The actor was too weak to speak, but he still recognised his acquaintances.

The actor was part of the first generation of artists of the Việt Nam Youth Theatre who contributed to popularising theatre in Việt Nam. As an actor, Anh Tú was popular for his roles in well-known international masterpieces such as King Lear and Macbeth and Vietnamese shows Rừng Trúc and Vũ Như Tô. His leading role in drama Cuộc Đời Tôi (My Life) was a hit in the north in the 1990s.

He graduated as a stage director in 2004 at the Hà Nội Academy of Theatre and Cinema. His debut poetic drama was Kiều Loan.

He moved to the Việt Nam National Drama Theatre in 2013 and was the deputy director in charge of art. During his short time at the theatre, Anh Tú staged several dramas which were highly appreciated. Anh Tú also directed Hamlet and Romeo & Juliet.

His awards include the best director at the First Experimental Theatre Festival in 2008 and at the National Theatre Festival in 2015. He was appointed the theatre’s director last April. — VNS