Sohu reported on the sensational drama series Tam Mao, produced by Ho Ca and directed by Duong Yen, which has been a significant highlight of the entertainment industry this year, featuring the participation of the rising star Manh Tri Sieu. He plays the role of a struggling worker in Duong Yen. The backdrop of the series Tam Mao showcases Manh Tri Sieu’s impressive involvement, yet the reality is that if the actor does not actively promote himself, few people would recognize the name Manh Tri Sieu.
After maturing, Manh Tri Sieu has maintained a youthful appearance; however, his public persona has not garnered much attention. The actor dazzled audiences in his youth, but due to his current commitments, he rarely makes appearances. Manh Tri Sieu’s career took off when he landed the role of Tam Mao in Tam Mao Phiêu Lưu Ký, a film that brought both success and widespread recognition.
In 1995, when director Tu Ngan Hoa intended to adapt the emotionally impactful story of the character Tam Mao, he traveled across various primary schools in Shanghai to find the right actor. Out of over 6,000 candidates that Tu Ngan Hoa encountered and interviewed, Manh Tri Sieu was chosen for his bright and intelligent demeanor, even though the character of Tam Mao had not yet been fully developed.
The film aired in October 1996, creating a sensation across Asia. With Manh Tri Sieu’s authentic performance as the impoverished yet optimistic Tam Mao, created by Chinese cartoonist Truong Lac Binh, it depicted a genuine and vibrant life.
When depicted, the character of Tam Mao faced numerous challenges in life but always maintained an optimistic outlook, which endeared him to audiences. Manh Tri Sieu is often referred to as the “national treasure” of the industry, with Tam Mao gaining fame overnight, transforming into a beloved star during that era.
However, according to Manh Tri Sieu, because he had to wear a wig to portray the character, and the daily use of hair glue to maintain the hairstyle caused severe damage to his scalp, making it impossible for him to grow natural hair. Since the age of 14, Manh Tri Sieu has frequently had to undergo hair treatments.
Later, when Manh Tri Sieu’s family moved, he had to face the impact of hair loss and underwent numerous expensive hair restoration treatments. Due to the side effects of these treatments, his skin became increasingly sensitive and his appearance deteriorated.
As a result, after the film Tam Mao Phiêu Lưu Ký, Manh Tri Sieu participated in several other films such as Tam Mao Lưu Lãng Ký Tục Tập, Sư Thần Đạo Bảo, Đại Phong Xa, Tứ Bồn Cảo, Bắc Tử Thành Long, Hắc Linh Chi…, but they did not achieve the same success. By the age of 24, Manh Tri Sieu decided to move to Japan to study acting, but he still struggled to advance in the entertainment industry.
Currently, Manh Tri Sieu accepts a more ordinary life. The actor runs a small restaurant selling steamed buns, proudly showcasing his achievements on his personal page. Despite the challenges, during events related to the character Tam Mao, Manh Tri Sieu still enjoys returning to his roots as Tam Mao once again.
According to Sohu, at the age of 38, Manh Tri Sieu remains quite youthful, yet his prominent features, youthful face, and true talent continue to shine through, albeit with a less frequent public presence. In reality, stars like him are rarely seen after they mature. Most stars undergo significant changes in appearance as time passes, and the shadow of their iconic roles often overshadows their talent.
Additionally, according to Sohu, Manh Tri Sieu tends to experience emotional lows and has to maintain a low profile due to the pressure of public scrutiny. The decline in his appearance and the challenges he faces have led him to become more withdrawn, which has impacted his willingness to perform.
