Not just another Richard

MANILA, Philippines - He is another Richard in local tinseltown. This, however, doesn’t make Richard Quan complacent with his every acting assignment.

“I enjoy the work,” offers Richard when asked why he is still at it after 15 years in the business. “I also do this for free like appearing on student projects. I always give my go-signal granting the story and the material are good.”

Richard’s journey as an actor has never been a bed of roses. There were times when he took detours in his career which allowed him to contemplate if he has a calling for acting. It is never a walk in the park but a long, winding road for Richard.

“(The passion) has changed through the years,” shares Richard. “It was there in the first two years. Then, I slowed down. I was at it again for the last two to three years.”

What made him fall in and fall out of love with acting?

“I wasn’t sure then what I will do,” reasons out Richard. “I asked myself if acting is something I want to do. Along the way, I also got bored and discovered new things about my profession. Finally, I realized acting is for me.”

Like any story about second chances, Richard embraced his career with open arms. He has been true and loyal to his work as actor. And it has loved him back.

Richard belongs to that mold of actors who have remained visible even if the number of movies declines each year and one-hit-wonders sprout like mushrooms on TV.

“I have been doing this for many times over,” says Richard of acting on soaps. “I have lost count.”

For GMA 7’s Dramarama sa Hapon, Richard is part of Sinenovela Presents Gilda Olvidado’s Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita? airing weekdays and starring real-life mother and daughter Jean and Jennica Garcia. The Kapuso network brings to the small screen the Olvidado-movie masterpiece about a strong-willed Alvina who single-handedly raises her three children from different fathers. Alvina’s relationship with daughter Rizzi turns sour when Alvina lies about the identity of Rizzi’s father. When the daughter discovers this, she loathes her mom. Jean and Jennica play the big screen roles of Rita Gomez and Lorna Tolentino, respectively.

Also in the cast are Ariel Rivera, Lloyd Samartino, Karla Estrada and Luis Alandy.

When the movie and TV offers are few, Richard crosses over to indies. He starred in Bala, Bala: Maniwala Ka, Ded Na Si Lolo, Fuschia and UPCAT. His foundation and its charity work also keep him grounded and busy.

Asked if his approach to acting has changed for the past years, Richard replies, “I read the material to understand where the character is coming from. I take into consideration my director’s (inputs and motivation).”

“I’m both artist and actor. I look forward to portraying varied characters.

Is he happy being a versatile, character actor? There are pros and cons, hints Richard.

People look up to (bankable) actors and are financially stable. Projects come in bulk. Character actors, on the other hand, have artistic freedom and can veer away from stereotypes. It’s a stress-free world for them as their next project will not be based on TV ratings and box-office receipts.

After more than a decade, Richard has finally found his calling.