Award-winning actor and comedian Roderick Paulate looked back on a pivotal moment in his career when Dolphy, the country’s ‘King of Comedy,’ encouraged him to pursue a path in comedy.
In an interview on ‘Fast Talk with Boy Abunda’, Roderick recounted his experience on the set of ‘John and Marsha sa Probinsya’, where Dolphy’s advice changed the trajectory of his career.
Roderick recalled performing a scene that made the entire set laugh. “Sa set ng John and Marsha sa Probinsya, may ginawa akong scene na lalaki siya na ‘Shirley, halika ka nga rito.’ Pero ‘yun pala si Rolly ‘yung gusto niyang puntahan,” he said, referencing a mix-up that resulted in an unintended comedic moment.
At that time, Roderick was earning acclaim for his dramatic roles, but Dolphy saw his potential for comedy.
“Siya [Dolphy] ang nagsabi, ‘Tawang-tawa kami sa’yo. ‘Lika nga dito, anak. Dick, ayaw mo mag-comedy? Mag-comedy ka na lang. Ituloy mo na lang,’” Roderick shared.
Dolphy believed that Roderick had the potential to be a fresh face in Philippine comedy. “Kailangan ng bago,” Dolphy told him, a statement that stayed with Roderick throughout his career.
Heeding Dolphy’s advice, Roderick transitioned to comedy and starred in iconic films such as ‘Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay’, ‘Gorio and Tekla’, and ‘Petrang Kabayo’. These projects solidified his status as one of the country’s most versatile and beloved comedic actors.
This year, Roderick is set to make his television comeback in GMA Network’s action-drama series ‘Mga Batang Riles’, which premieres on January 6 on GMA Prime. The highly anticipated show will feature Roderick in a pivotal role, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility.
The upcoming series highlights Roderick’s continued influence in the entertainment industry, and his journey from dramatic star to comedy icon remains an inspiring testament to his versatility and dedication.
