Coney Reyes’ villain roles

Coney Reyes

Veteran actress Coney Reyes explains why Dr. Margaret Divinagracia, the cold-hearted and power-hungry character she portrays in the ABS-CBN drama series “My Dear Heart,” is not the stereotypical villainess. “I don’t accept a kontrabida role that has no redeeming value. My characters [must always] have a change of heart in the end. For me, it also has to be a strong kontrabida in order for real values to come out.

“It would have been easier if there was really a formula for all kontrabida actors to follow, but our directors would not allow that. I make sure not to portray the role of the kontrabida in the same way I did the last one. I study the role, and then pray hard for God to give me a fresh treatment of the character.” —MARINEL R. CRUZ