MANILA, Philippines – Actor Zanjoe Marudo will still continue doing comedy despite his recent announcement that he wants to do more dramatic roles in his future projects.

Actor Zanjoe Marudo

In an interview with entertainment website Pep.ph, Marudo, who stars in the hit drama film "One More Try," said he will strive hard to do both just to prove that actors should not be stereotyped.

“Hindi ako magla-lie low sa comedy. Kung puwede lang pagsabayin, pagsasabayin ko na. ‘Yon naman talaga ‘yong gusto kong gawin. Gusto kong mapatunayan na puwede naman tayong magpatawa, puwede rin naman tayong mag-drama,” he said.

Citing veteran actors who were adept in both comedy and drama, Marudo said he wants viewers to appreciate versatile artists who are able to shift depending on the demands of the roles.

“Dati naman ganoon ‘di ba? Parang sina Jay Ilagan, Christopher de Leon, Tito Johnny Delgado, mga comedy lahat iyan eh. Tapos kapag nagda-drama, wagas ‘di ba? Ang titindi, ang gagaling. Sana bumalik ‘yong ang artista hindi lang dapat isa ang ginagawa. Kahit papaano puwede kahit saan,” he said.

Marudo considers his character in “One More Try” as his first dramatic role.

The actor topbills the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Picture winner along with Angel Locsin, Angelica Panganiban and MMFF Best Actor awardee Dingdong Dantes.

Admitting that he was really challenged when he did the movie, Marudo said he has become more confident to accept more drama projects.

“Ayaw ko namang maging huli na ito. Binigyan ninyo ako ng opportunity, gagamitin ko na. Tutal uhaw na uhaw na naman ako sa mga ganyang uri ng project. Matagal na rin akong naghihintay na masali sa mga ganyan,” he said.