Virak Dara
Virak Dara (born Kim Hiek (គឹម ហៀក) 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.
Virak Dara
OneCambodia · CC BY 3.0
- Name
- Virak Dara
- Born
- 1947
- Birthplace
- Kampot, Cambodia, French Indochina
- Birth Name
- Kim Hiek
- Spouse
- Ly Bun Yim (divorced)
- Nationality
- Cambodia · France
- Occupation
- actress
- Education
- Royal University of Phnom Penh
- Languages
- French · Khmer
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Virak Dara (born Kim Hiek (គឹម ហៀក) 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.
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Virak Dara (born 1947) is an actress, a national of Cambodia and France. The actress was born in Kampot Province.
Virak Dara was educated at Royal University of Phnom Penh. The actress lived in Paris. Languages used include French and Khmer.
Composed from admitted, traceable facts · 27 September 2026
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wikidata · Q3055331 · wikipedia · Virak Dara
In this article
Biography
Biography
Dara quickly became a fan favorite.
Key facts
Key facts
• Name — Virak Dara • Native Name — វីរៈ តារា • Born — 1947 • Birthplace — Kampot, Cambodia, French Indochina • Birth Name — Kim Hiek • Years Active — 1965–1974 • Spouse — Ly Bun Yim (divorced)
History
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. Dara currently 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
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.
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- Paris
Named but not plotted · 1
Kampot Province.
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1- Kampot ProvincePlace
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The Encyclopedia exists whether or not anything is for sale. Corrections are recorded rather than overwritten, and every version of this record is kept. Published 19 August 2026.
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