For the first time in his decades-old career, veteran actor Dick Israel will be playing a gay role for ABS-CBN's upcoming  television series "Eva Fonda".

"First time ko to play a gay role, very challenging and I love it," Israel said of the role in the Cristine Reyes starrer.

The actor, known for a string of "contravida" roles in television and film portrayals, said that he is thankful to the Kapamilya network for giving him the chance to try playing a different role.

"Pinasasalamatan ko talaga ang ABS-CBN at binigyan ako ng ganitong role. Iba talaga, challenging," Israel added.

To give justice to his role, the actor said that he sought insights from friends who are from the third sex.

"May friends din ako na mga gay na doon ko pina-pattern yung acting ko and challenging talaga itong gay role," said the four-time Best Supporting Actor awardee.