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Biography
Virak Dara (born Kim Hiek in Kampot province, 1947) is a Cambodian actress primarily known for her roles in the 1960s and early-to-mid-1970s. In 1967 she starred as "Kong Rey" in Puthisean Neang Kong Rey, which is to date the biggest Cambodian movie ever made. Her most famous film is An Euil Srey An, released in 1971. Dara, who is of Cambodian and Chinese Hai Nam origin, quickly became a fan favorite.
History
When Ly Bun Yim, one of the leading filmmakers in Cambodia at that time, met Dara, he wanted her to star in his films. Her parents initially did not consent, but after the two were married, Virak Dara changed her name and began her acting career. Dara would go on to star in 11 feature films, all directed by her husband. Other production companies were interested in having Dara in their movies, but Ly Bun Yim did not want his wife to work for other studios.
Virak Dara and her husband were trapped in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime. Three of Dara's films were never released, as they were destroyed by the Khmer Rouge. In 1977 the couple emigrated to France and struggled to make a living.
These days Dara lives in France and in the United States. Every year she travels to Cambodia. In 2000 she told an interviewer that "Cambodia is where my heart is."
Family life
Virak Dara divorced Ly Bun Yim in 1986; they remain good friends. Dara has five sons. Ly Rattanak, her eldest, also appeared with her in many films, including An Euil Srey An.