Comedic comer seizes the spotlight

NAPOLES. Will he live up to his promise?

A few show biz stars are “overnight” sensations, but most others take months or even years to make it big. Some even start as “background” extras, learning the thespic ropes inch by inch.

Currently, the example of the “slow starter” in the biz who is finally getting somewhere a full three years after he first made a great impression is comedian-actor-singer Jerald Napoles.

He played a stellar comedy role in Spotlight Philippines’ restaging of “Magsimula Ka,” directed by Robert Seña, making theatergoers realize that he was a real “find” meant for even bigger and more stellar assignments in the expanded biz of TV and the movies.

All the same, it took another stage hit, “Rak of Aegis,” to really push Jerald into stellar territory. What seems to be the “problem?” Jerald is different from many other local comedians because he’s very tall and well-built.

Many people associate being funny with looking funny, and Jerald definitely doesn’t fit the bill in that stereotypical regard. So, it took more time for casters and viewers to realize that Jerald could become a funny star.

Recent indications that the key reorientation is taking place are the new assignments that Jerald is getting, which include more “guestings” than before, on a wide range of program types—and, most auspiciously to date, his being tapped for a new drama series and as a cohost on GMA 7’s new “Sunday Pinasaya” noontime musical variety show, which started telecasting last Aug. 9.