For Cris Villanueva, being a character actor is a blessing

Cris Villanueva is among the local tinseltown's veterans, who remain visible and relevant amidst the ever-changing landscape of entertainment and the influx of new talents.

- By JERRY DONATO

Given his years of experience on the small and big screens, Cris knows what it's like to be a matinee idol, a loveteam mate, a leading man and a character actor.

The thespian in him doesn't mind playing support to today's promising and biggest names.

"Parang na-foresee ko naman yun nung nagsimula akong mag-artista (I seem to have foreseen it when I was starting in the business). Eventually, I would also be supporting other young actors," said Cris of taking on a supporting actor role in a press conference for the GMA Afternoon Prime series, "Binibining Marikit," with Herlene Budol in the title role with her leading men Tony Labrusca and Thai-Irish talent Kevin Dasom.

"Of course, ang pagiging character actor is a blessing kasi hindi naman lahat ng artista nag-e-end up doing character roles (being a character actor is a blessing since not all actors have ended up doing character roles),"" added he.

Character roles may be described by one as interesting, meaty and unique, essayed by supporting dramatis personae that help define the characterization and motivation of the story's protagonist and antagonist.

"Actually, ang hirap maging bida (it's tough to be a lead actor) and to sustain it, but to fall into another level of being an actor is a blessing," shared Cris.