From ‘Nobody’ to ‘Drama King’: Dennis Trillo raring for action in new GMA-7 chapter
MANILA, Philippines – Dennis Trillo may be known as the “Drama King” of GMA-7, but the actor has proven over the years that he can take on more than the demands and intensity of drama, looking forward to bringing more action and a variety of characters to life on screen.
The actor in his 40s signed another contract with GMA-7 on August 4. The Kamuning-based network has been his home for more than 20 years since he moved from ABS-CBN’s Star Magic in 2003.
For Dennis, trust has been a key factor in his decision to remain with the network. He is grateful that GMA-7 continues to nurture his career, helping him flourish from being a “nobody” to becoming its very own “Drama King.”
“Siyempre ‘yung napakalaking tiwala na binigay sa akin mula noon hanggang ngayon, noong nagsisimula pa lang ako,” he told Philstar.com and other reporters during his contract renewal last week at GMA-7’s Studio 6.
“Kumbaga parang nobody pa lang talaga ako na sinugal nila ‘yung mga malalaking projects nila para ipagkatiwala sa baguhan and after 20-plus years, ganon pa rin ang ginagawa nila. Doon pa lang and as an appreciation… kumbaga walang dahilan na sayangin ‘yung relasyon na 'yun at putulin kaya hanggang ngayon tuloy-tuloy pa rin 'yung magandang samahan with GMA,” he added.
Dennis’ first project with GMA-7 was “Twin Hearts,” where he starred alongside Karylle, Tanya Garcia and Dingdong Dantes, the latter considered his equal in stature at the network.
In the years that followed his move to GMA-7, Dennis became part of the network's marquee projects. These included the popular “Mulawin” in 2004, where he starred alongside Angel Locsin and Richard Gutierrez, and played their third wheel; “Darna” in 2005, where he portrayed Angel's love interest; and “Etheria” in 2005, alongside a star-studded cast that included Dingdong, Sunshine Dizon, Iza Calzado and Diana Zubiri.
His early career at GMA-7 was marked by fantasy series. He continued taking on fantasy roles in 2006’s “Majika,” alongside Angel, and in 2007’s “Zaido: Pulis Pangkalawakan,” the Philippine spin-off adaptation of the Japanese series “Shaider.”
In 2013, Dennis also starred in “My Husband’s Lover,” one of the Philippines’ first mainstream gay-themed drama series.
In the 2020s, his project leaned more toward historical shows and period pieces, including the hit historical fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra” in 2022 and “Pulang Araw” in 2024.
Dennis noted how the genres of his projects have aligned with prevailing TV trends. Now that action occupies the first primetime block, he is looking forward to reuniting with Ruru Madrid.
Dennis and Ruru both earned acting honors for their performances in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Green Bones,” directed by Zig Dulay. He won Best Actor, while Ruru took home the Best Supporting Actor award.
Next chapter
The actor also acknowledges that after years in the entertainment industry, he now has the luxury of being able to choose the roles he takes on. He sees this as both a privilege and a natural progression for a seasoned actor.
“Noong nagsisimula ako noon, siyempre wala pa ‘yung luxury na 'yun dahil siyempre kung nabigay sa’yo yun, gawin mo ‘yun. Maganda rin ‘yun dahil siyempre natuto kang pahalagahan ‘yung maliit man o malaking trabaho. Madadala mo ‘yung hanggang sa pagtanda mo," he shared.
“So ngayong medyo may pagka-veteran actor na, mas may luxury ka nang mamili and maganda rin ‘yun kasi malalaman mong saan ka mas babagay. 'Yung acting mo, 'yung arte na dapat ginagawa mo, kung anong kwento pa dapat pinapakita mo. Lately lang nagkaroon ng chance na mamili at sa tingin ko, importante rin talaga ‘yun,” the actor added.
Dennis has been eyeing opportunities to work with actors outside of GMA-7 who are also known for their caliber and acting range, including Coco Martin, Piolo Pascual and John Lloyd Cruz.
All three names, like Dennis, are often boxed into the "drama" category. The actor acknowledges this, but hopes that he will be known as more than an actor who can cry in a flash.
“Hindi siya ‘yung pinaka-favorite kong tawag sa akin pero ‘yun na ‘yung nakasanayan nila… Kasi kung ‘Drama King,’ ibig sabihin stuck ka lang sa drama pero marami din naman akong ginagawa. Aksyon, konting comedy. So, kung ako ‘yung papipiliin, mas maganda sana ibang pangalan na lang,” Dennis said.
With his talent, recognized by both fans and critics, Dennis has shown that he is more than a “Drama King.”
He will next be seen alongside Ruru in the action series “Hari ng Tondo.” He will also reunite with his longtime screen collaborator, director Zig, in "Amir, the official MMFF 2026 entry.
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Dennis is no stranger to action-drama series, having starred in primetime action dramas, including the buddy-cop series “Sanggang Dikit-FR,” alongside his wife, Jennylyn Mercado. They have been married since 2021.
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