Elizabeth Oropesa says she has no patience for ‘stupid artists’

Elizabeth Oropesa says she has no patience for ‘stupid artists’ | Image: Screengrab from GMA Network, Fast Talk/YouTube

Despite her vast experience in the industry, Elizabeth Oropesa shared that she did not think of becoming a director because she has no patience for “stupid and boastful actors.”

“Wala akong pasensya sa mga artistang, number one, bobo tapos mayabang. ‘Di ko kaya ‘yan. Maraming ganyan,” she told Boy Abunda. (I have no patience for the artists who are stupid and then arrogant. I can’t do that. There are many like that.)

The seasoned actress explained that if she becomes a director she is also most likely to favor the old actors which wouldn’t be fair for the production.

“Number two kawawa ‘yung mga matatandang artista na hindi makakamemorize kasi maaawa ako. Bibigyan ko ng bibigyan ng role na wala na halos salita, kawawa naman ‘yung producer ko. ‘Yung personalidad ko hindi maging angkop maging director,” she explained.

(Number two, the old artists who can’t memorize [their lines], I would feel sorry for them. I will give them fewer lines to the point of no words; it would be a handful for my producer. My personality is not suitable to be a director.)

Despite being an award-winning actress with classic films under her belt, Oropesa revealed that there are circumstances that the people she works with don’t know who she is, saying she “doesn’t mind” if they don’t, “Okay lang. Basta disente [sila] at huwag ako bastusin,” (It’s okay as long as they’re decent and they don’t disrespect me.)

Bothersome phones

The 69-year-old also shared her experience working with newcomers in the industry, saying that it “bothers her a lot” when some youngsters unnecessarily use their mobile phones on set. 

“It bothers me a lot. Nakikiusap ako bago mag-umpisa kung maaari bago magrehearsal iwan niyo muna ‘yung telephono niyo lalo na kung ‘di niyo pa alam ‘yung linya niyo o kung ano ‘yung role ninyo,” she remarked. 

(It bothers me a lot. I’m begging you before starting, if possible, before rehearsal, leave your phone behind, especially if you don’t know your line or what your role is.)

The “Esperanza” actress underscored that some stars complied with her request, but there are also those who do not.

“Naiintindihan naman nila (they understand) but most of them don’t [because] they don’t know me, [they] don’t know who I am. Some directors also don’t really know who I am,” she said. 

Oropesa is one of the five actresses (among Vilma Santos, Nora Aunor, Lorna Tolentino, and Sharon Cuneta) who has a Grand Slam Best Actress title because of her role in the 1999 film “Bulaklak Ng Maynila.”

A Grand Slam Best Actress is the Philippine version of Hollywood’s EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) but in the acting category. It refers to the people who have won all four major film awards in the same category in the same year (FAMAS, MPP, FAP, and PMCP).