Richard Gutierrez: The Boy Next Door

Remember those two adorable little boys in that Nestle Twin ad? Or how about those twins in that old film "Kambal Tuko"? Well, those two cute little boys everyone used to coo at when they were little have, just as everyone, grown up, though cooing over the absolute cuteness of one of them hasn’t stopped. Richard Gutierrez, one of the twins, has recently made a showbiz comeback and in no time, has caught the attention of girls everywhere, instantly being referred to as the newest teenage heartthrob. His brother Raymond is presently based in the States.

Definitely not a newcomer in the industry, Richard comes from a long line of performers. His dad, Eddie Gutierrez, is an established actor and his mom, Annabelle Rama, also graced the silver screen some time ago.once. Richard's only sister, Ruffa, has also made a name for herself in the business. While being part of a family of famous faces does have its perks, Richard also admits to feeling the pressure to measure up to the caliber of his parents and his sister in the acting field. Nevertheless, the public’s expectation of him is the vehicle that drives him to prove to himself and everyone that he is capable of making a name for himself…on his own. He achieves this by following what he says is the best piece of advice his dad gave him, as far as work ethic goes: be professional, and love your job.

Richard was only three years old when he made his movie debut in "Lahing Pikutin," with his dad Eddie, sister Ruffa and twin brother Raymond. Richard fondly refers to this movie as one where "pinasok lang kami doon sa movie when we were still kids…parang naging play-play lang sa amin." His filmography also includes "Kambal Tuko," as well as "Feel na Feel." And before Richard left the limelight when he was nine, his last movie was "Takbo, Tili, Talon." He then studied briefly in the US, but his love for his craft proved too strong for him to stay away for too long.

Now, at 18, Richard has returned to show business to heed to the calling of the art that pulsates through his veins. As an actor who takes his craft seriously, Richard says that the most rewarding part of it all is "seeing yourself on screen and seeing that you’re doing your job really well."

Known for his role as Enzo (the love interest of Chynna Ortaleza) in Click, a youth-oriented show every Sunday on GMA 7, Richard easily relates to "the boy-next-door" feel of it. He attests that it was this image that caught people’s attention. Apart from that, he is also busy with Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin (also opposite Chynna), and in Beh Boteh Nga, where he forever squabbles with Sherwin Ordoñez for the love of Anne Curtis.

While others consider the glitz and the glamour that comes with being in the business as the ultimate rush, for Richard, the best thing about being an actor is "meeting a lot of people and making new friends." However, nothing comes without its share of ups and downs. When asked what the worst thing about his job was, Richard did not miss a beat as he promptly answered, "Intrigue." He was also quick to add, "and no privacy…like when I go to the mall, and daming hassle."

So if going out is such a hassle, what does he do for fun? "Tambay lang ako sa bahay, hindi ako lumalabas." Maybe his wanting to go back to school will make him a little more, um, "social". A graduate of De La Salle Zobel High School, Richard intends to take up Business Management either at De La Salle University or at Thames by next year.

So to those of you who were hoping to catch a glimpse of the cute and adorable Richard in the flesh, try again in a year or so. Maybe he would have had a change of heart by then. For now, you’ll have to settle for a peep through the boob tube…as this is where he tends to shine the brightest.