Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez has been in the industry for more than five decades, playing both good and bad guy roles and leaving a mark each time. It may be many moons ago but he can vividly remember the day he was discovered by the late Comedy King Dolphy. He shared about that story in a past episode of TWBA.
In 1966, Dolphy’s RR Productions (Ronnie and Rodolfo), his film outfit with Fernando Poe Jr, was searching for a guy to be paired with Susan Roces in “Pepe En Pilar.” Susan specifically requested for a new artist.
Ronaldo was spotted by Dolphy playing in a basketball court in a small neighborhood. “Tinanong niya ako, ‘Gusto mo bang mag-artista?’ Sabi ko, ‘Oo.’ Kasi bata pa lang ako mahilig na akong umarte.”
He was brought to Susan unprepared, and the actress’ reaction was, “Parang ang bata naman niyan!” So, he had a total makeover with Dolphy, “Binihisan ako ni Mang Dolphy kasi mayroon siyang tailoring shop, suit and all, inayusan.”
Susan liked him the second time around, not knowing he was the same guy Dolphy introduced last time. She said, “Ayan! Okay ‘yan,” to which Dolphy replied in his trademark comic style, “Siya rin ‘yun, eh!”
Included in Ronaldo’s recent projects are Star Cinema’s “Seven Sundays” and the Kapamilya afternoon drama Precious Hearts Romances Presents Los Bastardos.