Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 1) — Before Dolly de Leon received international recognition for her role in the critically acclaimed film “Triangle of Sadness,” she had to find other sources of income just to be able to continue acting.
Despite the challenges she faced, she did not stop pursuing her passion.
Speaking to CNN Philippines’ on Wednesday, De Leon admitted she thought of giving up many times.
“But instead of quitting, what I decided was to see if I can still do other things, so that I can still continue doing what I love which is acting because I knew if I quit acting I would be miserable,” she said.
The Filipina thespian bagged the best supporting actress at Sweden’s Guldbbage Awards and at the Los Angeles Films Critics Association Awards. She also made history after being nominated in the same category in the Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy Film Awards.
Prior to these achievements, De Leon said she got used to the culture that women in the film industry got fewer opportunities than men.
Now that she is at the stage of her career where she has more freedom, De Leon said she is more careful in choosing projects.
“I’m not getting any younger and I do have a 10-year-old (daughter), and I would like to spend more time with her,” the actress shared. “I can choose now and I don’t have to break my back working all the time.”
De Leon, who earlier won FAMAS Best Supporting Actress for \”Verdict,\” disclosed she will soon fly to the United States to shoot two movies, one of which is directed by three-time Oscar nominee Paul Feig, and the other with Jason Schwartzman.
She also has two Cinemalaya entries and two other projects soon to be released: “Keys to the Heart” and “Salome.”
Asked about the overall state of the Philippine film industry, De Leon said it stands a good chance if exposed to the global stage.
But support from the government will be vital for this, she added.
