Hanoi, Vietnam | | 2016-10-31

Phạm Bằng (1931 – 2016), full name Phạm Văn Bằng, is a Vietnamese comedian. He is famous for his many comedic roles in VTV3's "Weekend Meetup" series (Gặp nhau cuối tuần, 2006-2010) and the Tet comedy series "Buried Words" (Chôn nhời). Starting his career in theater without a background, Phạm Bằng chose not to attend the University of Theater and Performing Arts of Hanoi (despite being accepted) due to financial difficulties. He instead joined the Hanoi Troupe, which specialize in various forms of performance including music, dance, circus, and drama. In 1964, director Nguyễn Đình Nghi invited Phạm Bằng to participate in plays. He first became famous for playing villains. After that, director Trần Hoạt started to produce a few comedies, and Phạm Bằng began participating in them also. From the end of 1974 till the beginning of 1975, he was transferred to the Central Theater Troupe and from then gained gradual recognition as a comedian. He then began instructing younger generations of actors, and eventually achieved nationwide popularity with his parts in "Gặp nhau cuối tuần", constantly performing between 2006 and 2010. His bald head was also an iconic signifier. Fans also remember Phạm Bằng for his Chinese floating rice cakes' shop at 30 Hàng Giày, Hanoi. The shop was temporarily closed in around 2012-2013 when the actor became ill. On November 28, 2017, after 5 years of closing, the shop was reopened by his youngest son.