Kapuso Drama King Dennis Trillo, 45, continues to own one of the most illustrious acting resumes in his generation. 

Since making his acting debut in 2000, Dennis has spent most of his career with GMA Network – his home since 2003– in what would later become a rewarding partnership that has already yielded major awards for portrayals on TV and in the big screen.

Fresh off inking a contract extension with the Kapuso network last Tuesday, August 4, the two-time MMFF Best Actor sat down with GMA Regional TV News to talk about his significant roles and favorite shows over the years. 

MEMORABLE PROJECTS

Dennis’ current all-time favorite series – with a caveat that it sometimes changes depending on his state of mood– are Maria Clara at Ibara (2022-2023), My Husband’s Lover (2013), and Twin Hearts (2003), three differently themed shows from three separate decades.

His most challenging project to date, meanwhile, was Pulang Araw (2024), which he co-starred with Alden Richards, Barbie Forteza, David Licauco, and Sanya Lopez, citing the rather unique demands his role required of him. 

In the historical drama series, Dennis played the character of Yuta Saitoh, a Japanese Imperial Army officer mandated to stand in the way of Philippine liberation. 

The character, however, soon reveals an identity twist that additionally explains Yuta’s motivation and urge to conquer the Philippines, and makes the character all the more complex. 

Dennis had to play a villain that’s essentially both not Filipino, and anti-Filipino. He had to be ruthless and deceitful, and learn the manifestations of deep-seated vengeance while maintaining the demeanor and verbal acumen of a 1940s Japanese officer. 

“Kinailangan ko na magsalita ng Hapon, umarte na parang Hapon, mag-Tagalog na parang Hapon – actually nahirapan talaga ako don. Historical din eh, actually mahirap gumawa ng historical,” the veteran actor said. 

Pulang Araw is also what Dennis considers his most unexpected call-up. 

“Hindi ko inexpect na ako yung ika-cast nila para sa role na yon, at the same time yun yung first time na makatrabaho ko si Alden Richards, so yun siguro yung unexpected kasi isa na rin ako sa late na na-cast sa line-up na yun,” he explained. 

Asked what show gave him the most learnings, Dennis said it’s “My Husband’s Lover” – the International Emmy-nominated series he top-billed alongside Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez in 2013. 

In the award-winning drama series, reportedly the first gay-themed drama in Philippine mainstream TV, Dennis portrayed Eric Del Mundo– an openly gay man who returns to the Philippines to pursue a long-interrupted relationship with his high school sweetheart Vincent Soriano (Tom Rodriguez).

The conflict arises as Eric is confronted with Vincent’s present truth– that he is a closeted gay in a heterosexual marriage with two kids.

“My Husband’s Lover” became critically acclaimed for its conceptual braveness and the subsequent conversations on LGBTQ+ rights and marriage that it triggered, even scoring major wins from award-giving bodies.

“Sa “My Husband’s Lover, marami akong natutunan, kasi lumabas ako sa comfort zone ko. Pag yun yung choice na pinili mo, mas marami ka talagang mare-realize, mas marami kang malalaman na possibilities na never mo naimagine na pwede mo palang gawin,” he shared.