Dolly de Leon embraces Filipino identity while laughing off Hollywood romance
‘There was a time when I felt pressured by that title because it came with so much responsibility. Now, I carry it with pride.’
Text size
‘There was a time when I felt pressured by that title because it came with so much responsibility. Now, I carry it with pride.’
Award-winning actress Dolly de Leon is embracing her growing international career with confidence, saying she now wears the label of “Pinoy pride” with gratitude while staying true to her Filipino identity in every role she takes on.
During her guest appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the Golden Globe-nominated actress reflected on how her perspective has changed since gaining global recognition.
“There was a time when I felt pressured by that title because it came with so much responsibility,” she shared. “Now, I carry it with pride.”
As her Hollywood career continues to flourish alongside internationally acclaimed stars, De Leon said she remains committed to portraying Filipino characters authentically. She revealed that she intentionally used her natural Filipino accent during her audition for the Apple TV+ comedy-thriller Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, in which she plays Detective Sofia Gonzalez.
According to the actress, the production fully embraced her performance and never asked her to modify the way she spoke.
“For me, if they wanted an American actress, they would have hired one,” she explained, adding that keeping her Filipino accent is one way of honoring where she comes from.
Representation also played a major role in her decision to join the upcoming animated feature Forgotten Island. De Leon said she immediately accepted the project because it offers Filipinos the opportunity to tell stories that reflect their culture on an international platform.
Despite working in Hollywood, the acclaimed actress said she has been fortunate to avoid discrimination throughout her experience overseas. She credited the industry’s growing commitment to inclusion and diversity, noting that attitudes have changed significantly compared to previous decades.
Away from the cameras, De Leon also shared a lighter side of her personal life.
Asked by Boy Abunda whether anyone had tried to pursue her romantically in Hollywood, the actress laughed and clarified that while no one had formally courted her, there had been people who flirted with her.
Her response, however, was straightforward.
“I don’t like them,” she quipped, adding that she enjoys being single and values her independence. Rather than entertaining unwanted advances, she simply laughs them off and walks away.
De Leon first captured international attention through her acclaimed performance in Triangle of Sadness, which opened the door to projects including Between the Temples, Jackpot!, Nine Perfect Strangers, Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, the second season of Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the upcoming animated film Forgotten Island. Her growing list of international credits continues to establish her as one of the most recognizable Filipino talents on the global screen.
