Gau Thuc Trinh is one of the notable figures that left a mark during the golden era of Hong Kong cinema (China) from the 1980s to the 1990s. She is often referred to by the titles “the goddess of sensuality,” “the most sought-after actress.” Gau Thuc Trinh has also become a symbol of the rising popularity that has been remembered by audiences over the years.
Born in 1968 in Hong Kong (China), Gau Thuc Trinh stood out from a young age, receiving praise from her neighborhood as a potential star, with her future undoubtedly bright. Because of this, since childhood, Gau Thuc Trinh has nurtured her dreams of becoming a star. Although her family was not wealthy, her parents always invested in her education, including various extracurricular activities to help her develop into a versatile actress, aiming for greater success in the future.
At the age of 18, Gau Thuc Trinh decided to participate in the Miss Hong Kong contest. With her beautiful appearance and long, charming legs, she was the most outstanding contestant of that year. However, her friend who also competed with her underwent cosmetic surgery, which made Gau Thuc Trinh unable to win the title and only place in the top 12.
However, Gau Thuc Trinh’s confidence and charisma caught the eye of TVB executives. After the contest, she signed a contract to become an actress and soon became a well-known name. She participated in many drama series but had yet to achieve significant fame.
During her declining career, Gau Thuc Trinh encountered the influential director, Wong Jing. According to Sohu, Wong Jing had expressed interest in Gau Thuc Trinh since he first saw her in the Miss Hong Kong contest. However, TVB had quickly signed a contract with her beforehand.
Gau Thuc Trinh with other stars: Thoi Gia Bao, Ngo Vinh Hung, Ly Uyen Hoa, Thieu Trong Hanh, Quach Phu Thanh, Ly Trung Ninh, Ly Dieu Kinh, and Ho Viet Son are considered the “Seven Beauties” in the Hong Kong showbiz.
From 1988, Wong Jing began to cast Gau Thuc Trinh in approximately 36 films with numerous classic film works. The production company Wong Jing built a sensual yet fresh image for Gau Thuc Trinh. The actress also did not shy away from sensual roles, often showcasing her beauty. With a natural and fresh performance, Gau Thuc Trinh was adored by audiences. Media outlets praised her for her beauty but did not hesitate to criticize her, both for being exquisite and perplexing. From then on, Gau Thuc Trinh became a favorite among many men, alongside numerous famous names in the industry.
Gau Thuc Trinh’s name became more and more known after she participated in several famous films such as Shen Bai Chao Lai, Thu Doan Cua Trai, Loc Dinh Ky, Chuyen Gia Xao Quyết, Tan Anh Hung Ban Sac… Among them, some segments have become classic cult films in the Hong Kong cinema. Her fame also reached across Asia, to the extent that male singer Heechul (member of the music group Super Junior) did not hesitate to express that Gau Thuc Trinh was “the goddess” of his heart. In the 1990s, Gau Thuc Trinh along with Mai Diem Phuong, Luu Gia Linh, Tang Hoa Thien, Ngo Quan Nhu, La Mu Vi, Lam Khiet Anh, Truong Man Ngoc, Anna Ueyama were reported to be the “Seven Beauties” dominating the Hong Kong showbiz.
Alongside her thriving career, Gau Thuc Trinh rose to fame as Wong Jing’s muse. She remained close to Wong Jing for many years, but he often denied their relationship, which made her feel frustrated. Additionally, the appearance of the actress Chiu Kwan further complicated their relationship. Wong Jing had a crush on Chiu Kwan, even making Gau Thuc Trinh act as a supporting role for her. Out of jealousy and possessiveness, in 1997, Gau Thuc Trinh broke up with Wong Jing.
By 1999, the goddess of sensuality married a fashion mogul, Tham Gia Vu. When the two just got married, someone secretly sent a letter to Tham Gia Vu stating: “Your wife, Gau Thuc Trinh, once was Wong Jing’s muse.” Tham Gia Vu was furious at that time, he firmly replied: “This is something everyone knows, there’s something that’s a secret. I prefer to think so, you take care of your own business.”
In fact, at that time, Tham Gia Vu was just starting out as a businessman, opening a modeling agency. By 2005, the entrepreneur opened a fashion company and established a brand on the stock market. The Tham family’s fashion brand has grown to over 100 stores nationwide in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The wealth of the couple has continuously increased, and Tham Gia Vu treated Gau Thuc Trinh like a princess. Tham Gia Vu even entrusted his wealth management to about 460 million USD (over 10,000 billion VND).
The couple gave birth to three daughters: Tham Nhat, Tham Nguyet, and Tham Than, all of whom inherited their mother’s stunning beauty. Among them, Tham Nguyet is well-known and has worked as a model.
“I am grateful and know that my mother has already left showbiz to take care of the children. My mother always taught me and my sisters not to be arrogant or rely on our mother’s fame,” Tham Nguyet once shared about her famous mother.
According to Sohu, many people who step into the entertainment industry do not only receive admiration but also face many temptations that they must resist. There are many celebrities who live in the past and cannot forget their previous relationships. There are also quite a few people who find it difficult to escape the hot scene. Gau Thuc Trinh is a rare star shining in the vibrant spring of youth, knowing when to withdraw when the time comes, living peacefully in her old age.
Additionally, Sohu also reported that despite not being able to part with Gau Thuc Trinh, director Wong Jing still keeps her image close. In the show “Sang Tao 101,” singer Lai Mu Van was called “Gau Thuc Trinh’s little sister,” but Wong Jing often scolded her: “How can someone as ugly as that dare to call herself Gau Thuc Trinh’s little sister?” To this day, Wong Jing still wants to create a “goddess” like Gau Thuc Trinh, but has not succeeded.