Second Generation Eurasians

Ho Ngoc Ha 

Among today's most popular entertainers in Vietnam, there are two that are also Eurasians, Dam Vinh Hung and Ho Ngoc Ha.  When we think of these two entertainers, we usually don't categorize them as Eurasians.  But they are.  Dam Vinh Hung's grandfather was French.  And so was Ho Ngoc Ha's paternal grandfather, as well.  That makes both of these performers 1/4 French.  Does that make them Eurasian?  Of course, it does.

Dam Vinh Hung

I can clearly see the French genes when looking at Ho Ngoc Ha.  In certain photographs capturing certain angles of the model / actress / singer, she clearly looks mixed.  At times, she can even appear to look totally European.  In Dam Vinh Hung's case, at first I couldn't trace any French genes in him.  But having met him in person, I'd have to say, I've had a change of heart.  You can see his French roots in his presence, although not as apparent as with Ho Ngoc Ha, but it's still there.

One current performer among overseas Vietnamese singers that is also a second generation Eurasian is Tuan Hung.  He is currently married to dancer / choreographer / singer Thuy Van.  Tuan Hung's mother is legendary cai luong stage actress, Kieu Le Mai, who is Eurasian of French and Vietnamese descent, which means Tuan Hung is also 1/4 French.  You can easily see the French genes in Tuan Hung.

Tuan Hung and wife, Thuy Van

What I admire about these second generation Eurasian performers is that all three of them have publicly acknowledged their Eurasian heritage.  That tells me how proud they are of being Eurasian.  In a conservative culture such as our Vietnamese culture where there used to be a stigma with being Eurasian or of mixed heritage, that takes guts for these three second generation Eurasian performers to admit publicly of their Eurasian roots.  And for that, I tip my hat to all three of them.