Zanjoe the reluctant funnyman

ZANJOE Marudo is never comfortable and is always nervous on the first day of work.

Despite several hit comedy movies and television shows, actor Zanjoe Marudo is still reluctant with being labeled a comedian.

“I really don’t consider myself funny. I can’t be left on stage by myself and be expected to make the audience laugh. I’m just an actor who is often given projects in that genre,” he said during a media gathering for his latest project, “The Illegal Wife,” another comedy flick.

The model-turned-actor joined show biz via the reality program “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition,” where he was one of the Big Four, in 2006. This was followed by his first comedy series, “Aalog-Alog.” In 2008, he joined the gag show “Banana Split.”

On the big screen, Marudo appeared in the satire “Kimmy Dora” (2009) and its sequel “Kimmy Dora: The Temple of Kiyeme” (2012), as well as romantic comedy films like “Wedding Tayo, Wedding Hindi” (2011) and his solo movie “Bromance: My Brother’s Romance” (2013).

“I don’t create scenes in my mind that will make people laugh,” said the 31-year-old actor. “In a show or a movie, I merely get instructions on what to do and I just do it. I’m flattered that people appreciate [what I do].”

Since “Bromance” did well, do you feel pressured for this new comedy movie to succeed?

I’m not as nervous as I was with “Bromance” because I’m with Pokwang in this film. I really wish viewers would appreciate it because it’s well-written. We enjoyed making it and I hope the audience will enjoy it, too.

How comfortable are you now with doing comedy?

I’m never comfortable. I always feel nervous with a new project, especially on the first shooting day when I’m still learning how to be the character I will portray. I usually get the hang of it only on the second or third day.

You’ve worked with a lot of local comediennes. Who is your favorite?

Pokwang, Ai-Ai de las Alas and Eugene Domingo are all good at what they do. I look up to them. I respect them. I admire them because they are passionate about their work. It’s just that I’m more comfortable with Pokwang because I’ve worked with her the longest.

Who do you consider your comedy idol?

I’ve watched all of Vic Sotto’s projects. I met Bossing while working on ABS-CBN’s Christmas special. He is a really nice guy. I feel lucky to work with Direk Tony (Y. Reyes) on this movie. He was Bossing’s director in many films. Direk told me that my character was somewhere between Vic and Joey de Leon.

“The Illegal Wife” also features Joy Viado, Pooh, Ellen Adarna and Anita Linda. It opens on Wednesday.

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