“Push yourself and continue to study your craft.”
For Cebuano actor Dan Sy Lopez, this was how he achieved being named as Best Actor at the Star Hollywood Awards 2021.
Dan won the award for his performance in “Isolasyon.” The Cebuano short film also bagged two major awards in the Star Hollywood Awards 2021 in New Jersey: Best Actress and Best Debut Filmmaker.
According to the World Film Communities Network, the Star Hollywood Awards provides “a creative forum for producers, writers and directors to explore the issues of the ever-changing landscape of content and exhibition.”
In “Isolasyon,” Dan played as Gab, an unfaithful husband who attempted to commit suicide, and finding himself in the light and shade of chance: to live or to die.
The 29-year-old actor graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Basic Culinary Arts, but he has been acting on stage and on television since he was 17 years old. It was his love for acting that brought him to where he is now.
Admittedly, Dan was very shy but was able to gain confidence during his college years. His friends who used to work at television network ABS-CBN Cebu invited him to be one of its segment actors for its TV show “Maayong Buntag Kapamilya,” his first exposure to the industry. From then on, he was encouraged to act.
His very first short film was an entry to the Sinulog Short Film Festival entitled, “Oñin Ang Deboto,” where he played as Oñin, a person with mild autism disorder.
Dan, received his first acting award as best actor for the film “Bahandi” at the Sinegugma Cebuano Film Festival 2018, where he played as a farmer.
Recently, the actor was named as Outstanding Influencer of the Year by International Icon Awards. He is also one of the nominees for the 2021 Saludo Excellence for Outstanding Indie Film Actor for the much-awaited Saludo Excellence Awards: “Pagpupugay sa Makabagong Pilipino,” which will be held on March 19.
SunStar Lifestyle interviewed the actor about his acting career.
SunStar Lifestyle: What was your reaction when you won the Star Hollywood Award as Best Actor?
Dan: There is nothing quite like the feeling of winning. I can’t explain my reaction but I guess it was mixed. Everything was just so surreal.
SunStar Lifestyle: Who inspired you to act?
Dan: I was inspired by television actors and actresses who can easily switch roles. They inspired me to do my best as an actor myself. I recall one time when some people humiliated me because I was fat for a role assigned to me. Worse, I was tagged as a bad actor. I didn’t allow such humiliation to bother me. I challenged myself and succeeded in honing my talent that until now is making others happy.
SunStar Lifestyle: Who do you idolize when it comes to acting?
Dan: John Lloyd Cruz has to be the best when it comes to delivering lines and he is always in character. I also look up to Jodi Sta. Maria and Toni Gonzaga.
SunStar Lifestyle: What are your goals as an actor?
Dan: To know more about acting techniques, movements, projecting my voice, improving the way I cry and in delivering my lines. Lastly, to win more acting awards nationally and internationally.
SunStar Lifestyle: Do you choose your roles or projects?
Dan: In films, I don’t choose a particular role because it has always been my belief that maybe those in production trust me and in my capacity to give justice to a character assigned to me. What’s important is that the role given to me is not degrading on my part. And as long as I can tackle a role or character that fits me and my level as an actor, then I’m good with everything.
SunStar Lifestyle: Are you working for another project?
Dan: Yes! I have one upcoming drama series, one drama anthology, one international film entry and one film on the big screen soon.
SunStar Lifestyle: What advice can you give to aspiring actors?
Dan: Be on time. Whether you’re heading to an audition, a rehearsal, a film set, a talent agent’s office, arrive 15 fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled meeting time. Be humble all the time and learn to adjust to new situations and people.