MANILA -- Veteran actress Dolly de Leon held a special viewing party for the Hollywood psychological drama series "Nine Perfect Strangers," where she plays the complex role of Sister Agnes.
The event drew supporters and fellow artists eager to witness her latest international performance.
In an interview during the event, De Leon opened up about the intense preparation she undertook for the role.
“Madami,” she shared candidly. “Kinausap ko 'yung madre na kaibigan ko. Kasi never akong gumanap na madre — well, gumanap na akong madre once -- pero 'yung ganitong klaseng portrayal na talagang in-depth. Tapos nakipag-usap din ako sa psychiatrist. Medyo marami-rami akong ginawang preparation for this role.”
She admitted the biggest challenge was portraying a nun who, while outwardly devoted, harbors inner turmoil.
“Alam naman natin that nuns are very conservative, you know, they have certain beliefs. I was born Catholic, pero hindi ako talaga 'yung ganun ka-devout na Catholic… So 'yun 'yung challenge sa akin, how to play this nun na bukod sa madre siya, marami rin siyang problema sa buhay,” De Leon explained.
Proud of representing the Filipino acting community abroad, De Leon emphasized the importance of this moment for her and fellow Filipino actors.
“I’m so proud to be a part of that community, and marami na akong nakilalang mga Pinoy doon na sobrang supportive. Ramdam na ramdam ko 'yung struggle nila as actors na ang hirap makakuha ng trabaho doon. I come into this with so much pride and hoping that it will open more doors,” she said.
Aside from "Nine Perfect Strangers," De Leon is also set to appear in the highly anticipated 'Avatar: The Last Airbender" live-action series. She revealed that she will portray twin characters Lo and Li, the royal advisors to Fire Nation princess Azula, in seasons 2 and 3.
“Sobra akong excited about that, especially dahil 'yan ang gusto ng mga bata eh… Animated series na 'yun. Ginawang live action lang. Sobra akong excited. Ang karakter ko doon, kambal. Mga kambal ng kampon ni Azula. 'Yung Fire Nation,” Dolly said enthusiastically.
Filming for season 2 is already completed, and production for season 3 is set to begin in August.
“So lilipad ulit ako. Pupunta ako doon August to October. Nandun ako to shoot,” she confirmed.
Dolly de Leon, Jon Jon Briones join 'Avatar: The Last Airbender'
RELATED VIDEOS: