Sarunyoo Wongkrachang or spelt Sarunyu Wongkrachang (Thai: ศรัณยู วงษ์กระจ่าง; nickname: Tua–ตั้ว; October 17, 1960 in Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province, Thailand – June 10, 2020), was a Thai actor, singer, host, activist, screenwriter, director and producer. He was a producer of Thai TV dramas and reached his peak as Thailand's top actor during 80s–90s, best known for his various hugely successful TV drama roles, including Gao Ee Kao Nai Hong Dang (1984), Massaya (1985), Baan Sai Thong (1987), Jaosao Kong Arnon (1988), Rattikarn Yod Rak (1989), Wanalee (1990), Roymarn (1990), Wanida (1991), Tawipop (1992), Mon Rak Look Thoong (1995), Duay Rang Atittarn (1996) and Nai Hoy Tamil (2001).
Sarunyoo Wongkrachang | |
|---|---|
ศรัณยู วงษ์กระจ่าง | |
 Sarunyoo on PAD stage in 2008 | |
| Born | 17 October 1960 Samut Songkhram, Thailand |
| Died | 10 June 2020 (aged 59) |
| Other names |
|
| Education | Architecture Chulalongkorn University |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1981–2020 |
| Spouse | Hattaya Wongkrachang (m. 1994) |
| Children | 2 |
| Relatives | Thaneth Warakulnukroh (brother) |
| Website | www |
Sarunyoo acted in more than 50 TV dramas, 20 films, and 20 stage plays, including legendary Mon Rak Look Thoong which became the 3rd most-watched TV drama of all time in Thailand with viewership rating of 36%.[1] He won a Mekhala Award for Best Actor for his role in Tawipop.
Under Saman Karn Lakorn company, Sarunyoo directed, screen-wrote and produced a stage play named Langkha Daeng[2] and TV dramas for Channel 7 including Suparb Buroot Look Puchai (2003 and 2013), Hua Jai Tuan (2014), Roy Rak Rang Kaen (2015), and Ballang Hong (2016).
Early life
Sarunyoo was born in Kradangnga, Bang Khonthi District, Samut Songkhram Province. His four siblings include famous singer and actor Thaneth Warakulnukroh but Sarunyoo was adopted by his own aunt whose surname he has been using ever since.
Sarunyoo completed his high school at Suankularb Wittayalai School Batch 92[3] and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Architecture from Chulalongkorn University.[4] He didn't pursue his architect career as later telling BK in an interview that "The architecture faculty's acting club introduced me to what ultimately became the biggest part of my college life. After my third year, I knew that I didn't want to be an architect."[5]
During his college years, Sarunyoo took many leading roles in "Lakorn 'Tapat" or Faculty of Architecture Stage plays and some stage plays of Faculty of Arts as well.[6][7] Not only with his acting talents, his promising good looks also attracted many fangirls and "Lakorn 'Tapat" became the must-sees of the era among high school and college students and urban-resident workers. As a stage play actor and a rugby player, Sarunyoo consequently became a college star.
Career
His first public appearance in Thailand's entertainment scene might be as a 'famous' pin-up in an issue of "Dichan" magazine, Sarunyoo posed for many magazines during his early career. After graduation, Sarunyoo did many TV dramas, films, stage plays and he sang a lot of drama songs. Besides, he also joined his seniors from the Faculty of Architecture in a cult TV comedy show called "Petchakart Kwarm Kriad" televised on Channel 9.
Sarunyoo's TV drama debut was Kao Ee Kao Nai Hong Dang on Channel 3. Only that he looked very young in the TV drama of teen problems, Sarunyoo showed his superb acting skills that you wouldn't think he was just a television newbie.
Politics and activism
He was interested in politics since childhood. Since the incident on October 14, 1973, and in the incident of the Black May 1992, he joined the protest.
In 1998, when Thaksin Shinawatra founded the Thai Rak Thai party, he was one of the 100 party committee members. He proposed a policy to Thaksin, but his policy was not accepted.[8]
In 2006[9] and 2008, he participated in the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) or Yellow Shirts, especially in 2008, becoming one of the leaders of the PAD.[10]
Legacy and impact
Because of his participation in the protest his life was affected, by being removed as a television host and from TV drama roles.[10]
Death
Sarunyoo died on 10 June 2020 due to liver cancer at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital.[11][12][13]
Personal life
Sarunyoo married a famous radio DJ, and businesswoman Hattaya Katesang who was raised in London and came back to Thailand after graduation working for her mother's business as well as being a radio DJ. However, Hattaya met Sarunyoo who she co-starred with in the drama Dok Fah Lae Dome Pu Jong Hong (1989). They had twin daughters, Supara Wongkrachang (Look Noon) and Seetala Wongkrachang[A] (Look Nang).[14]
Seetala Wongkrachang was a member of the South Korean girl group H1-KEY from January to May 2022, when she left the group due to personal reason.
Filmography
Television
| Title | Year | Credited as | Channel | Ref | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Screen writer | Director | Role(s) | ||||
| Luerd Kattiya | 1983 | Yes | Anothai | Ch3, broadcast banned | [15] | ||
| Red Chair | 1984 | Yes | Burapa or Piak | Channel 3 | |||
| Baan Soi Dao | Yes | Aer Tawan | Channel 7 | ||||
| Ranad Ek | 1985 | Yes | Ek | Channel 7 | |||
| Massaya | 1985 | Yes | Lt. Luck Rattanamahasarn | Channel 7 | |||
| Kamanita-Vasitthi | 1986 | Yes | Kamanita | Channel 3 | |||
| Ta Le Luerd | 1986 | Yes | Channel 3 | [16] | |||
| Jittakorn | 1986 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| The House Of Gold | 1987 | Yes | M.R. Paradapatrapee Sawangwong / Chai Klang | Channel 7 | |||
| Pojamarn Sawangwong | 1987 | Yes | M.R. Paradapatrapee Sawangwong / Chai Klang | Channel 7 | |||
| Buang Karm | 1987 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Awasarn Salesman | 1987 | Yes | Yes | Chanapon / Pon | Channel 3 | ||
| Arsom Sang | 1988 | Yes | Naksit Suramethee | Channel 3 | |||
| ฺBorisat Jad Koo | 1988 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Ta Yart | 1988 | Yes | Channel 3 | ||||
| Game Kamathep | 1988 | Yes | Channel 3 | ||||
| The Bride Of Arnon | 1988 | Yes | Arnon Withayatorn | Channel 3 | |||
| Rattikarn Yod Rak | 1989 | Yes | Dr. Jakkrit Issaraluck | Channel 3 | |||
| Love Affair | 1990 | Yes | Pol.Capt. Siam / Sue Mued | Channel 3 | |||
| Hoad Laew Auan | 1990 | Yes | Yes | Channel 3 | |||
| Tur Keu Duang Dao | 1990 | Yes | Santiparp | Channel 5 | |||
| Theptida Bar 21 | 1990 | Yes | Channel 3 | ||||
| Somwang Manood Tod Long | 1990 | Yes | Somwang | Channel 3 | |||
| Roymarn | 1990 | Yes | Ooppama / Mark | Channel 3 | |||
| The Story Of Wanida | 1991 | Yes | Yes | Maj. Prajak Mahasak / Yai | Channel 3 | ||
| Fai Shone Sang | 1992 | Yes | Chatchai | Channel 3 | |||
| Mia Naung God Mai | 1992 | Yes | Narain | Channel 5 | |||
| Nam Sau Sai | 1993 | Yes | Peem | Channel 7 | |||
| The Earth Between | 1994 | Yes | Khun Luang Akkarathepwarakorn | Channel 7 | |||
| Plai Fon Ton Nao | 1994 | Yes | Lai Kram | Channel 7 | |||
| Reun Pae | 1995 | Yes | Jane | Channel 5 | |||
| Prasart See Khao | 1995 | Yes | Treepimai / Tree | Channel 7 | |||
| The Music Of Country Song | 1995 | Yes | Klao | Channel 7 | |||
| Duay Rang Atittarn | 1996 | Yes | Krit | Channel 7 | |||
| Tan Tawan | 1997 | Yes | Sarit | Channel 3 | |||
| Tawan Yor Sang | 1997 | Yes | Sakrapee / Alek | Channel 3 | |||
| Khemmarin - Inthira | 1997 | Yes | Khemmarin | Channel 5 | |||
| Kaew Jom Gaen | 1997 | Yes | Channel 5 | ||||
| Duang Yee Wa | 1998 | Yes | Aman | Channel 3 | |||
| Thep Niyai Nai Sa Noa | 1998 | Yes | Yes | Channel 3 | |||
| Por Mai Tee Ded | 1998 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Pa Lung Rak | 1998 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| She Wit Tee Paw Piang | 1999 | Yes | Shusheep | Channel 5 | |||
| Dome Tong | 1999 | Yes | Adit Sirodom / Chaopraya Sorasak Krai Narong | Channel 7 | |||
| Khun Poo Su Sa | 1999 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Dung Sai Nam Lai | 2000 | Yes | Peerapat | Channel 7 | |||
| Nai Hoy Tamil | 2001 | Yes | Nai Hoy Kane | Channel 7 | |||
| Rak Kaung Fah | 2001 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Nampoo | 2002 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Maha Heng | 2003 | Yes | Channel 7 | ||||
| Suparp Buroot Look Puchai | 2003 | Yes | Yes | Channel 7 | |||
| Langkha Daeng | 2004 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Dr.Sinngoen | Channel 7 | |
| Mitr Chaibancha Maya Shewit | 2005 | Yes | Sor.Assanajinda | Channel 7 | |||
| Ror.Sor.112 Kon Thai Rak Paen Din | 2005 | Yes | Channel 5 | ||||
| Lod Lai Mungkorn | 2006 | Yes | Liang | Channel 5 | |||
| Trab Sin Din Fah | 2008 | Yes | Channel 5 | ||||
| Suparp Buroot Look Puchai | 2013 | Yes | Yes | Channel 7 | |||
| Hua Jai Tuen | 2014 | Yes | Yes | Channel 7 | |||
| Roy Rak Rang Kaen | 2015 | Yes | Yes | Channel 7 | |||
| Ban Lang Hong | 2016 | Yes | Yes | Channel 7 | |||
| Jong Rak Pak Dee | 2016 | Yes | Yes | Channel 7 | |||
| Diary Tootsies 2 | 2017 | Yes | Win's father (guest appearance) | GMM25 | |||
| Club Friday The Series 9 (Rak Tee Mai Mee Jing) | 2017 | Yes | GMM25 | [17] | |||
| Sri Ayodhaya | 2017 | Yes | King Borommakot | True4U | [18] | ||
| Dong Pu Dee | 2017 | Yes | Yes | Channel 8 | [19][20][21] | ||
Film
| Title | Year | Credited as | Note | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Actor | Screen writer | Director | Role(s) | |||
| Yah Bork Wa Ter Barb | 1987 | Yes | w/ Sinjai Hongthai | |||
| Goai | 1989 | Yes | ||||
| Hua Jai See See | 1989 | Yes | Watchara | w/ Lalita Panyopas | ||
| Kor Sheu Suthee Sam See Chart | 1989 | Yes | Suthee | |||
| Len Gub Fai | 1990 | Yes | Prai | w/ Lalita Panyopas | ||
| Tan Khun Noi Noi Hang Siam | 1993 | Yes | ||||
| Blackbirds at Bangpleng | 1994 | Yes | ||||
| Bin Laek | 1995 | Yes | ||||
| Mahasajan Haeng Rak | 1995 | Yes | Pat | w/ Sinjai Hongthai | ||
| Ruan Mayura | 1996 | Yes | Khun Pra Nai | w/ Nusaba Wanichangkul | ||
| Sa Tang | 2000 | Yes | ||||
| The Legend of Suriyothai | 2001 | Yes | King Maha Chakkraphat | w/ | ||
| Girl's Friends | 2002 | Yes | Tim's Father | |||
| Soom Meu Peun | 2005 | Yes | Ith Umpawa | |||
| 13 Beloved | 2006 | Yes | Surachai | |||
| The Passion Ammahit Pitsawat | 2006 | Yes | Yes | Chai | ||
| The Legend of King Naresuan | 2007 | Yes | King Maha Chakkraphat | |||
| Salad Ta Diow Gub Dek 200 Ta | 2008 | Yes | Captain Rith | |||
| Ong Bak 2 | 2008 | Yes | Lord Jom Rajasena | |||
| The Manitou Vanquisher | 2009 | Yes | Wa-yib | |||
| Ong Bak 3 | 2010 | Yes | Lord Jom Rajasena | |||
| Kon Khon | 2011 | Yes | Yes | |||
| Tootsies & the Fake | 2019 | Yes | Win's Father | (final film role) | ||
Stage
| Production | Year | Theatre | Role / Credited as | Ref(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Soo Fun An Ying Yai (Man of La Mancha) | 1987 | The National Theatre | Miguel de Cervantes / Don Quixote | |
| Rai San Sook | 1987 | The National Theatre | ||
| Pan Tai Norasing | 1989 | Chalermthai Theatre | Pan Tai Norasing | |
| Prat Ya She Wit (The Prophet) | Sang Aroon Art and Cultural Center | Almustafa | ||
| Sunya Luerd Sunya Rak (Dial M For Murder) | 1991 | A.U.A. Theatre | ||
| Cinderella | 1991 | The National Theatre | Prince Philip | |
| Tuen Tuek | 1992 | A.U.A. Theatre | Mongkol / Mong | |
| Talui Muang Tukkata | 1992 | The National Theatre | ||
| Jing Jog Lork Lai (Little Foxes) | 1992 | A.U.A. Theatre | ||
| Talui Muang Tukkata | 1993 | The National Theatre | ||
| Tootsie | 1993 | A.U.A. Theatre | Michael Dorsey / Dorothy Michaels | |
| Tootsie | 1993 | Bangkok Theatre | Michael Dorsey / Dorothy Michaels | |
| Hamlet | 1995 | Thailand Cultural Centre | ||
| Amadeus | 1996 | Bangkok Theatre | ||
| Nang Paya Ngoo Kao (Legend of the White Snake) | 1999 | Bangkok Theatre | Fahai | |
| ART | 2000 | Bangkok Theatre | ||
| Black Comedy : Ruang Lub Lub Ton Dub Fai | 2004 | Bangkok Theatre | [22] | |
| Wiwa Cabaret | 2006 | Bangkok Metropolis Theatre | [22] | |
| Fah Jarod Sai The Musical | 2007 | Rachadalai Theatre | King Ahmed | |
| Tuen Tuek 2 40 Pee Pan Kan Perng Ka Yub | 2008 | M Theatre | [22] | |
| Langkha Daeng The Musical | 2012 | Bangkok Theatre | Producer, Screenwriter & Director | [23] |
| Paen Din Kong Rao | 2015 | Rachadalai Theatre | [24] |
Discography
Solo Album
- 1992 Krang Neung (Once)
- 1995 Hua Jai Look Thoong
Compilation Album
- 1995 Mon Rak Look Thoong Original Soundtrack Vol.1 & Vol.2
- 2001 Nai Hoy Tamil Original Soundtrack Vol.1 & Vol.2
Awards
Mekhala Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Tawipop | Best Actor in A Leading Role | Won |
Golden Television Awards
| Year | Nominated work | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Kuen Wan Artit (Sunday Night) | Outstanding Male Host for A General Program | Won |