Zanjoe Marudo on being the next Vic Sotto: ‘Idolo ko talaga si Bossing’

Even after starring in the Skylight films production My Illegal Wife, Zanjoe Marudo said he still does not consider himself a top comedian. “Wala pa, hindi ko naman iniisip na komedyante na ako talaga, hindi ko pa masasabi na isa akong komedyante kasi hindi mo naman ako kayang iiwan sa stage na kaya kong patawanin yung audience. Hindi ko magagawa yun. Kaya lang siguro ako nasasabihan na komedyante kasi nabibigyan ako ng project na comedy and hindi naman ako yung kailangan gumawa ng mga eksena pa para magpatawa. Nagkakataon lang na sa mga scenes sinusunod ko lang yung pinapagawa ni direk pero hindi ko talaga masasabi na isa akong komedyante,” he shared.

Even though he played comic roles in last year's Bromance as well, Zanjoe said doing My Illegal Wife with Pokwang was also a big challenge for him. “Actually nung umpisa mahirap kasi itong movie namin na ito, kahit may drama, may bali rin talaga na comedy. Hindi natin siya talaga tiningnan na straight drama or straight comedy,” he said. After Annaliza, the talented actor is busy working on another Kapamilya soap opera titled Maria, Leonora, Teresa.

As part of the younger generation of comedians in the country, Zanjoe has always been vocal about his admiration for veteran Pinoy comedians especially Vic Sotto. “Alam kasi nila na idolo ko talaga si Bossing. Lagi kong pinapanuod yung mga projects niya kaya natuwa ako na si direk Tony Reyes yung magiging director namin. Si direk Tony lagi niyang nakakasama si Bossing kaya kahit parang nararamdaman ko rin yung, alam mo yun? Na-meet ko na siya sa ABS-CBN Christmas Special. Mabait siya sa akin,” he said.

The 31-year-old actor said he has long been a fan of Vic Sotto's work. “Siguro yung pagiging relaxed, napaka-relaxed nila na tao. Tapos yung mga pelikula niya kahit comedy laging may lesson, kumbaga lagi siyang mabuting tao pagdating sa pelikula,” he added.

Zanjoe said My Illegal Wife director Tony Reyes also gave him good advice which gave him inspiration for his latest role. “Meron siyang mga sinabi sa akin. Sabi niya itong character ko medyo halong Joey De Leon at Vic Sotto, ganun ko lalaruin yung character,” he said.

When asked if he was going to follow in Vic Sotto's footsteps, Zanjoe said he does not want to be a copycat even though he has always admired their work. “Ewan ko, kung saan ako dalhin. Basta ako, sila na talaga yung pinapanuod ko eh. Hanggang ngayon sila pa rin. So hindi na nawala sa akin siguro talagang nakuha na nila yung market na mga lalake,” he admitted.