The Richard Gutierrez challenge

GUTIERREZ is proud of his credits but wants more out of his career.

Richard Gutierrez, at 28, is raring to play more exacting roles, be it on television or in the movies. His producers are preparing projects that will fulfill this wish.

“Challenge me,” he earlier asked the creative team of his home studio, GMA 7, which is currently mulling his next step. Meanwhile, his new soap is expected to air this month or next.

Daring roles, off-beat, bida-contrabida, heavy drama, all-out hard action? Richard is ready. Baring some skin? He keeps an open mind, but he has maintained a wholesome image for his many young fans.

He is proud of his TV and movie credits thus far. The likes of “Mulawin,” “Sugo,” “Kamandag,” “Full House,” “Asero,” “Captain Barbell” and “Zorro” on GMA, virtually made him prime time king.

In the movies, Richard got good reviews for his work in “The Promise” (inspired by “Wuthering Heights”) opposite Angel Locsin. His role in “Mano Po 2” as the ill-fated son of Lorna Tolentino was short but memorable. Another well-received film was the horror-thriller “Sigaw,” subsequently made into a Hollywood movie retitled “The Echo.”

Richard recalls that, years ago, director Peque Gallaga wanted to cast him in an action-drama to be shot in Bacolod. The actor was excited to do it, but the project was shelved.

“Actually,” he says, “I enjoyed doing all my movies. I hope to work again with Angel, KC (Concepcion), Rhian (Ramos), Lovi (Poe), and my other leading ladies—but in out-of-the-box office roles. I want to move away, away from my comfort zone.” He adds that he’d also like to share the screen with actors he’s never worked with before.

But while Richard is eager to be reinvented, he hopes to continue with his environmental programs for GMA 7 that have won awards here and abroad.

Richard is changing as an artist, but as an environmentalist, his determination to keep the country clean and green is bound to remain constant.