Tirso Cruz III's advice to young actors: Play it gay at least once!

MANILA, Philippines — Though many young actors squirm at the thought of playing gay roles, veteran actor Tirso Cruz III believes conquering their fear and coming out of the closet (at least onscreen) could be one of the best things they’d ever do to improve their craft.

Cruz knows what he’s saying.

He plays the transvestite Sarsi on GMA-7’s newest romance-comedy, “I Heart You Pare,” topbilled by Regine Velasquez and Dingdong Dantes and airs tomorrow.

After decades in showbiz, Sarsi is Cruz’s first full “drag queen” role which, according to him, renewed his respect for gay people and awakened the actor in him.



“I would tell young actors to play gay roles because basically it doesn’t mean you are what you play. It just means that it’s another chance for you to hone your craft. Kasi sabi nga nila as an actor, many years ago I heard someone say that you’re like a piece of clay. You’re given a role, you mold yourself into that role and you give life to that role,” he said.

He added that young actors should grab the opportunity to portray gay roles when given the chance. For Cruz, the challenge of being an actor is to make people believe that you are the character you play. “Roles don’t necessarily have something to do with you. Whether it’s close to home or far, you just have to give justice to your role,” he stressed.

Playing Sarsi also immersed him into the world of the third sex, what they do and how they live their lives. He couldn’t believe how hard it is to be a transvestite – from dressing-up and putting on make-up to walking and performing on stage.

“I’m on a very big playing field where everything is new. It’s a big change and a huge challenge for me as an actor.

I’m gay but my mindset is for people to look at me and accept me as a woman,” described he, who, in the past, has played a corrupt public official, a murderer, drug lord and a good for nothing father, among others.

How does his family find his new role? “They just laughed and there were days that they’d visit me on the set just to check what I’m wearing. There were days that I shoot 20 sequences and that translates to 20 dresses. And I wear different hairstyles too,” replied Pipo.

The actor said he wants to do a movie project that would uplift the movie industry and transcend generations.

“I wish that the industry will be given the chance to have bigger stories, full of meat and even leave something to society to also help the industry. I want us to give new talents and upcoming talents to grow. I want a project that will influence people,” he shared.

Joining Pipo as part of the drag queen group “Soft Drink Beauties” on “I Heart You Pare” are Boy Alano as Coka and Joel Saracho as Pepsi. “I Heart You Pare” is directed by Joyce Bernal and Andoy Ranay.

source: Manila Bulletin