Diem disclosed that she moved to Los Angeles, USA, in 2021 with just US$5,000 and three suitcases full of belongings. This move came following the conclusion of her six-year marriage to Vietnamese entrepreneur John Tu.
Her life in Los Angeles has seen gradual stabilization after nearly three years, leading to a decent income through diligent work, she said. However, she has had to abandon the practice of acquiring designer items and adopt sensible spending due to the area’s elevated living costs.
These were not the sole obstacles Diem encountered following her relocation. During her initial six months in the US, she experienced profound sadness and homesickness, reminiscent of a child’s feelings. Adapting to a new environment without any family nearby emerged as her most significant hurdle at that time.
She was compelled to acquire new skills, such as understanding how to secure a favorable credit score for housing rentals, learning the nuances of purchasing and operating a car, comprehending various insurance types for healthcare, and expanding her social network.
Through her involvement in the talk show “Tro Chuyen Cung Truc Diem” (Conversations with Truc Diem), she has ventured into various fields including hosting, acting, and participating in commercials.
She dedicated herself to mastering English and submitted casting tapes to various film projects, with the goal of securing her inaugural role in Hollywood.
Diem mentioned she completed filming a series for HBO early last year, which is slated for release this year. She is now a member of SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists).
Following the signing of several contracts with talent management agencies in the US, she has maintained an active presence in the industry.
“I’m fortunate to have a nice place to live, a professional environment for growth, and friends who offer emotional support,” she expressed. “I now have a clear understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. My aim is to dedicate my full effort towards acting this year.”
The beauty queen participated in Vietnamese designer Ngo Nhat Huy’s “Ruc Ro Phuong Dong” (A Brilliant East) ao dai collection showcase in Los Angeles in September last year. She said despite her hectic schedule, she made time to support Huy as a gesture of encouragement.
Diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, Diem has had to stay in constant communication with her physician. She has undergone radioactive thyroid therapy and is now required to take hormone supplements daily, in addition to undergoing blood tests every three to six months.
She reported her current condition as stable, although she still faces challenges like hair loss, fatigue, and sleeplessness.
The beauty queen also acknowledged the influx of talented individuals from around the globe to the U.S., drawn by the promise of opportunity. This realization keeps her grounded, fostering a humble approach and an eagerness to learn.
“I understand that I might have been a significant presence in a smaller setting but am merely a minor one in the vast expanse of Hollywood,” she remarked. “Adopting a humble lifestyle, working diligently, and continually seeking self-improvement are my priorities.”
The beauty queen regularly engages in physical activities such as jogging, hiking, and occasionally takes weekends off to socialize with friends.
To maintain her physical fitness, she follows a regimen of exercise and healthy eating, grounded in scientific principles.
She currently deems romantic relationships as non-essential, holding the belief that marriage isn’t suitable for everyone and that settling for an incompatible partnership due to loneliness is unwise.
Her primary concern is her family, she said, particularly the aging of her parents while she resides afar, often leading to moments of tearful longing. She aspires to soon have the financial means to relocate her family to the US for better support and care.
However, she envisions a partner who offers substantial emotional support, shares common interests, possesses a good sense of humor, exceeds her in height, capabilities, and financial stability, and understands the importance of sharing domestic responsibilities.
At 37, she often receives commendations for her youthful vigor.
Diem is celebrated as a beauty pageant titleholder, model, and actress, boasting numerous accolades such as being the 2015 Miss Vietnam Photogenic second runner-up, clinching the Miss Fashion title at the 2007 Miss Earth contest, and securing a spot in the top 15 at the 2011 Miss International pageant.
