Top 15 Famous Personalities from Vietnam

Here is a list of the top 10 famous individuals from Vietnam, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

• 1. Viet Thanh Nguyen – Literature: Viet Thanh Nguyen is a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for his novel “The Sympathizer,” which explores the Vietnam War from both sides of the conflict. Born in Ban Me Thuot, Vietnam, he grew up in California and is currently a professor at the University of Southern California.
• 2. Dat Phan – Stand-up Comedy: Dat Phan was the winner of the first season of “Last Comic Standing” in 2003. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, he moved to San Diego, California, at the age of one. Phan’s comedy often focuses on his experiences as a Vietnamese-American.
• 3. Dustin Nguyen – Acting: Known for his role as Harry Truman Ioki on the hit TV series “21 Jump Street,” Dustin Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American actor. He was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and later moved to California where he pursued his acting career. Nguyen has appeared in various films and TV shows, including “Little Fish” and “V.I.P.”
• 4. Hieu Minh Nguyen – Poetry: Hieu Minh Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American poet who has gained recognition for his powerful and introspective poems. Born in Vietnam, he immigrated to California with his family at the age of one. Nguyen’s poetry often explores themes of identity, queerness, and immigrant experiences.
• 5. Ngo Thanh Van – Acting and Singing: Ngo Thanh Van, also known as Veronica Ngo, is a Vietnamese actress, singer, and model. She gained international fame for her role as Paige Tico in “Star Wars: The Last Jedi.” Ngo was born in Tra Vinh, Vietnam, and later moved to California to study acting and pursue her career.
• 6. Nam Phan – Mixed Martial Arts: Nam Phan is a Vietnamese-American mixed martial artist who has competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Born in Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu, Vietnam, Phan moved to California as a child. He has achieved significant success in his fighting career and is regarded as one of the top Vietnamese fighters in MMA.
• 7. Margaret Nguyen – Journalism: Margaret Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American journalist and news anchor. Born in Vietnam, she moved to California at the age of three. Nguyen has worked for several news outlets and has covered various significant events, including the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. She has received numerous awards for her contributions to journalism.
• 8. Lynda Trang Dai – Music: Lynda Trang Dai, whose real name is Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, is a Vietnamese-American singer, dancer, and actress. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, she moved to California as a child. Known for her energetic performances and dynamic stage presence, Lynda Trang Dai is considered one of the pioneers of modern Vietnamese pop music.
• 9. Tina Nguyen – Politics and Journalism: Tina Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American journalist and political analyst. Born in Saigon, Vietnam, she grew up in California. Nguyen has written for various news outlets and is known for her political commentary and analysis, particularly in the realm of U.S. politics. She has worked for outlets such as Vanity Fair and Politico.
• 10. Bao Nguyen – Film Directing: Bao Nguyen is a Vietnamese-American filmmaker and director. He is best known for his documentary “Live from New York!” which explores the importance and impact of the iconic TV show “Saturday Night Live.” Nguyen was born in Arkansas but has strong connections to California, where he studied film and began his directing career.

This list showcases the diverse talents and accomplishments of individuals with Vietnamese heritage who have made significant contributions to different fields. From literature and comedy to acting, sports, journalism, and music, these talented individuals have not only achieved success in their respective areas but have also become influential figures representing the Vietnamese community in California and beyond.

Most Famous Celebrities from Vietnam

Vietnam has produced a number of talented individuals who have achieved fame and success both in their home country and around the world. Among these outstanding personalities, some have strong connections to the state of California. Here are the top 5 famous celebrities from Vietnam, including those who were born in California or have significant ties to the state:

• Tila Tequila – Reality TV Star and Model
• Tila Tequila, born as Thien Thanh Thi Nguyen, gained fame through her appearance in reality TV shows such as “A Shot at Love with Tila Tequila” and “Celebrity Big Brother.” She was born in Singapore and raised in Houston, Texas, but has strong connections to California, where she began her modeling and entertainment career. Tila Tequila’s popularity on social media also contributed to her rise to fame.
• Lana Condor – Hollywood Actress
• Lana Therese Condor, born as Tran Dong Lan, was born in Can Tho, Vietnam, and adopted by an American family in California when she was a few months old. She rose to prominence for her leading role as Lara Jean Covey in the popular Netflix film series “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Lana Condor has become an influential figure in the entertainment industry, particularly among young audiences.
• Dustin Nguyen – Actor and Director
• Dustin Nguyen, also known as Nguyễn Xuân Trí, is an actor and director celebrated for his roles in various films and TV shows, including the popular 1980s TV series “21 Jump Street.” He was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and moved to California with his family at the age of 12. Dustin Nguyen has been involved in numerous successful projects in both Hollywood and Vietnam, showcasing his versatility and talent.
• Maggie Q – Actress and Model
• Maggie Denise Quigley, known professionally as Maggie Q, was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to a Vietnamese mother and an Irish-American father. While she predominantly grew up in Hawaii and Asia, Maggie Q began her modeling and acting career in California. She gained international recognition for her roles in the action thriller series “Nikita” and the movie franchise “Mission: Impossible.”
• Elaine Chao – Politician
• Elaine Lan Chao was born in Taipei, Taiwan, to Chinese parents. Although not born in California, Elaine Chao has strong connections to the state through her political career. She served as the United States Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and is currently the United States Secretary of Transportation under President Donald Trump. Elaine Chao’s achievements in public service have made her a prominent figure both nationally and internationally.

These celebrities from Vietnam, either born in California or deeply connected to the state, have made significant contributions to various fields, including entertainment, modeling, and politics. They continue to inspire and represent the Vietnamese community in California and beyond, showcasing the diversity and talent that this vibrant community possesses.

Top Richest Individuals from Vietnam

Here is a list of the top 5 richest people from Vietnam, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

• Pham Nhat Vuong – Real Estate and Retail: With an estimated net worth of around $8 billion, Pham Nhat Vuong is the richest person in Vietnam. He is the founder and chairman of Vingroup, a conglomerate that specializes in real estate, retail, and education. Vuong was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, but he has strong connections to California. He received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from California State University, Sacramento, and later pursued his MBA at the University of California, Los Angeles.
• Johnathan Hanh Nguyen – Media and Communications: With an estimated net worth of around $1 billion, Johnathan Hanh Nguyen is the founder and chairman of the Imex Pan Pacific Group, a leading media and communications company in Vietnam. Born in Da Nang, Vietnam, Nguyen immigrated to the United States as a child and was raised in California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from the University of California, Los Angeles, before returning to Vietnam to start his business empire.
• Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao – Aviation: As one of the few female billionaires in Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao is the founder and CEO of Vietjet Air, one of the country’s largest and fastest-growing low-cost airlines. With an estimated net worth of around $2.5 billion, Thao’s success in the aviation industry has propelled her to become one of the richest individuals in Vietnam. While Thao was born and raised in Vietnam, she has connections to California through her investments and business partnerships in the state.
• Dang Thanh Tam – Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare: Dang Thanh Tam is a prominent Vietnamese billionaire with an estimated net worth of around $1.7 billion. He is the founder and chairman of Traphaco Joint Stock Company, one of the leading pharmaceutical and healthcare companies in Vietnam. Although Tam was born and raised in Vietnam, he studied at California State University, Long Beach, where he obtained a master’s degree in business administration. His education in California played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey.
• Ly Qui Trung – Consumer Goods and Retail: With an estimated net worth of around $1 billion, Ly Qui Trung is the founder and CEO of Trung Nguyen Group, a leading Vietnamese coffee company known for its popular brand, Trung Nguyen Coffee. Trung’s success in the consumer goods and retail industry has made him one of the richest individuals in Vietnam. Although he was born and raised in Vietnam, Trung has established strong connections to California through his coffee business, which has expanded internationally, including in the United States.

These individuals have not only achieved remarkable success in their respective fields but have also made significant contributions to the growth and development of Vietnam’s economy. Their stories reflect the entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and innovation that have propelled them to the top of Vietnam’s wealthiest individuals list.

The Most Famous Rappers from Vietnam

Here is a list of the top 5 famous rappers from Vietnam, including those who were born in California or have strong connections to the state:

• Quang Đăng Trần – Quang Đăng Trần is a Vietnamese rapper who was born and raised in California. He gained popularity through his rap battles and freestyle performances. His unique flow and witty lyrics have helped him amass a large following in both Vietnam and the United States. Quang Đăng Trần is known for his ability to effortlessly switch between English and Vietnamese in his songs, showcasing his bilingual rap talents.
• Suboi – Suboi, whose real name is Hàng Lâm Tràng Anh, is a Vietnamese rapper and songwriter. Born in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, she later moved to California to pursue her passion for music. Suboi gained international recognition with her rap skills and was even featured in the popular Netflix show, “The Get Down.” Her music blends elements of traditional Vietnamese melodies with modern hip hop beats, making her a pioneer in the Vietnamese rap scene.
• Sogui – Sogui, also known as Hoàng Anh, is a Vietnamese-American rapper. Born in California to Vietnamese immigrant parents, his rap career took off when he started posting his freestyles on YouTube. Sogui’s lyrics often reflect his experiences growing up as a Vietnamese-American, touching on topics such as identity and cultural assimilation. His music combines elements of trap and contemporary rap, earning him recognition as one of the rising stars in the Vietnamese rap industry.
• Đen Vâu – Đen Vâu, whose real name is Nguyễn Đức Cường, is a Vietnamese rapper and songwriter. While he was born and raised in Hanoi, Vietnam, Đen Vâu has collaborated with many international artists, including American rappers, and has gained recognition on a global scale. His introspective and poetic lyrics, along with his smooth flow, have made him a favorite among rap enthusiasts in Vietnam. Đen Vâu’s music often tackles sensitive social issues, allowing him to connect with his audience on a deeper level.
• Kimmese – Kimmese, born Nguyễn Đỗ Kim Triệu, is a Vietnamese rapper hailing from California. Known for her fierce style and powerful stage presence, she has been a prominent figure in the Vietnamese rap scene for nearly a decade. Kimmese incorporates different elements into her music, such as rap, R&B, and EDM, showcasing her versatility as an artist. She has collaborated with numerous Vietnamese and international musicians, further solidifying her position as one of the top rappers in Vietnam.

We have reached the end of our exploration into the extraordinary lives of prominent Vietnam. We hope this journey has been enlightening and inspiring.