Smile Maung

Smile Maung, born Than Thar Htoo on June 22, 1986, in Yangon, Myanmar, developed a multifaceted career from an early age. She is the granddaughter of actress Khin Lay Swe, indicating early exposure to the entertainment industry. Her career began in modeling in 1998 at age 12, gaining popularity through magazine covers and television advertisements. By 16, she made her acting debut in the film “A Chit The Laypyay (Love is Breeze)” alongside Dwe and Eaindra Kyaw Zin. Her acting career expanded, leading to roles in over 50 films, including a significant role in “Kyar Mee Swal Ko Ko Myauk Muu Lae Ma Ma” in 2002. In 2003, she relocated to London to study at Uxbridge College and stepped away from her acting career after marriage and having children.

After a decade-long absence, Smile Maung returned to the public eye in 2012, venturing into the music industry with her debut solo album, “New Me,” released on October 15, 2013. She resumed acting in 2017, appearing in four films, including “Gayat Tway Par Hal.” In 2019, she authored her biography, “Sharing Is Caring,” addressing topics of body shaming and fitness. Alongside her entertainment pursuits, Smile Maung and her husband, Pyae Maung, a former Myanmar National Golf Team player, entered the telecom industry in 2006, starting with a calling card business. They later founded VMG Telecoms in 2012 and launched the VoIP application Ytalk. Their business interests, under Smile Empire and Smile Online Cinema, have expanded to include digital content partnerships, mobile payment applications, entertainment, gaming, and hospitality.

Demonstrating continued business success, in August 2022, Smile Maung and her husband acquired a mansion in California, previously owned by American YouTuber Jeffree Star, for $16.7 million. She is also the proprietor of Simile Hotel in Pyin Oo Lwin and Smile Mart in Yangon. Actively involved in philanthropy, she founded the PSPC Foundation in California and serves as a board member for White Ribbon USA. She has two daughters, Su Nadi Maung, who works as a model, and Su Yati Maung. Smile Maung’s career progression highlights her adaptability and entrepreneurial spirit across various sectors.