Popular stars’ risky ‘self-transformation’ gambits

DENNIS Trillo (foreground) with “My Husband’s Lover” costar Tom Rodriguez

From time to time, established show biz stars announce their earnest desire to generate new excitement in their careers and initiate daring “self-transformation” moves that will take them out of their comfort zones.

Well and good, because keeping viewers constantly delighted and “surprised” is the way to enjoy long-running stellar careers for years and even decades!

Sadly, however, great intentions and wishful thinking aren’t enough to effect successful career boosts, as some popular stars have recently come to realize.

Richard Gutierrez

It takes detailed planning, an objective evaluation of the star’s plus points and limitations, and the canny initiation of new projects that will “stretch” the ambitious performer’s stellar limits.

For instance, a couple of years ago, screen heartthrob and fantasy teleserye star Richard Gutierrez initiated moves to do much more on the big and small screens, to make his performances less predictable and lethargic. He did an action teleserye,  hosted a rigorous physical-challenge and endurance tilt, and recently concluded another “tough guy” drama series that focused on his physical prowess even more.

Alas, despite his best efforts, Richard still hasn’t emerged as an excitingly dynamic lead player, possibly because he’s basically a laid-back guy whose exceptional good looks have served him only too well.

As a result, the still popular actor recently announced that he’s taking a long leave from show business, right after his new movie with Marian Rivera, “My Lady Boss,” premieres this week.

He may feel that he needs the time away from cameras to further reevaluate his options and prospects, on both a personal and professional level. We do wish him well—and, better luck and pluck next time!

Dingdong Dantes

Dingdong Dantes has been more successful in generating excitement in his similarly long-running career, through the clever choice of “different” projects that showcase him in an edgier light. Some of them may be smaller than his mainstream starrers, but a “new” Dingdong has emerged.

Currently on view is the indie movie, “Dance of the Steel Bars,” which he shot with the Cebu Dancing Inmates, who have become a YouTube sensation. The cool and dashing Dingdong as a convict? Well, that is a radical departure for the ambitious star, who clearly refuses to rest on his (predictable) laurels.

The last time we talked to Dingdong, he said he might study to become a pilot, and that he could give directing a go. What about an “international” acting career? With his height and looks, that could be the next mountain to climb for him!

Now, Dennis Trillo

Finally, Dennis Trillo is similarly bent on tackling different roles after more than a decade in the biz. His most radical move in this regard is his current “macho gay” role in “My Husband’s Lover,” in which he makes up an asymmetrical love triangle with Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez.

To date, however, the series’ delicate and potentially controversial material has made its actors “walk on eggshells” in terms of the truth and grit of their performances.

Their caution is understandable, given the generally “For General Patronage” nature of the television medium, but those real or imagined limits have thus far kept the show’s key gay factor and conflict rather shy and nominal. Will Dennis and Tom eventually break through? Here’s hoping!