Dependable actor. Fine leading man. Stellar body of work. Understated talent.
He’s not one to shy away from roles that challenge his experience and reveal his depth as an actor
and as a person. But, now, as he celebrates his 15th year in the business, Zanjoe Marudo pushes the
envelope further as the reliable leading man of his time.
After debuting into the local tinseltown as the 4th Big Placer in the 2006 “Pinoy Big Brother:
Celebrity Edition,” the hunky Zanjoe immediately showcased his promising acting skills through
some appearances before finally landing his first leading man soap “Dyosa” in 2008. But one of his
landmark projects in local TV were his title soap “Dream Dad” in 2014, which had him tugging on the
heartstrings of many while revealing his softer side.
Gone were the days when he’s equated to just another good-looking actor in a network swimming
with loads of those as Zanjoe managed to tick off feats after feats silently, year in, year out.
But one of his most important recognitions happened in 2017 when he was nominated under the
Best Performance by Actor category in the 45th IEMMY’s (International Emmy) Awards for his
performance in “Maalaala Mo Kaya: Anino.”
To celebrate all his achievements and to look back at his vivid years in the business comes an
especially crafted documentary titled “Hanep, Kinse na pala! Zanjoe’s 15 years in showbiz.”
Not only will he be fondly remembering his journey, Zanjoe would also be celebrated by his dear
family, seasoned co-actors, longtime friends, and esteemed mentors in the business such as Piolo
Pascual, Angelica Panganiban, Jodi Sta. Maria, Angel Locsin, Bela Padilla, Toni Gonzaga and
directors Ruel Bayani, Cathay Garcia-Molina, FM Reyes, Connie Macatuno, and Lauren Dyogi, among
others.
Get to know more about Zanjoe on and off cam by catching the three-part documentary on Star
Magic’s Official YouTube Channel on the following dates: Sept. 26, Sunday, 12NN in Star Magic YT channel (ep1); Oct. 2 (ep2), and Oct. 9 (ep3).
Meanwhile, this year alone has been and is bound to be an exhilarating one for Zanjoe as he
continually adds more leaves to his flourishing laurel. His recent Best Actor nomination at the 2021
Gawad Urian for his stellar performance in the 2020 iWant Original Film “Malaya” is something
distinctly special for him as it is his first time to earn the nod of the country’s most prestigious award-
giving body.
But, while he has long excelled in dramatic and comedic acting in the big and small screen, Zanjoe
also let his guard down recently by showing another side of himself--one that taps on his interest in
nature, laidback living, big bikes and good times with his dear friends. Hence, the birth of his vlog D’
LaZY Road Trip together with comedian Hyubs Azarcon and basketball player LA Tenorio some six
months ago.
Proving that he is unstoppable, those who want to see more of his acting skills can expect to see him
also delving into the big screen this year as he stars in “366,” the directorial debut of Bela Padilla.
However, the upcoming premier of the much-awaited, local adaptation of the American
psychological drama “Doctor Foster” will definitely showcase the peak of Zanjoe’s artistry. Set to be
one of the highlights of his 2021, the “The Broken Marriage Vow” by Direk Connie would have
Zanjoe breathing life to the character of David Ilustre, an infidel husband to Jodi Sta. Maria’s
character Dr. Jill. His weakness would eventually lead him to be lured by the mistress Lexy Lucero
to be played by Sue Ramirez.
Now, as Zanjoe ushers in another year, he looks forward to uncovering his other potentials, digging
deeper into his artistry, checking off more local and international award-giving bodies on top of the
iEmmys, and fulfilling roles that matter--not just as a leading man--but as an actor who sends a
powerful message through honest and unadulterated performances.