Leandro Muñoz reveals why he left showbiz at his peak
He was undoubtedly one of the best actors of his generation. He made it big in showbiz, so to speak. But the real reason as to why talented actor Leandro Muñoz quit showbiz while at his peak remains a question to fans and showbiz personalities alike.
After about seven years, Leandro is making a grand showbiz comeback via TV5’s newest soap opera, Rod Santiago’s “The Sisters.”
Philstar.com visited Leandro at the first taping day of “The Sisters” in Calatagan, Batangas, where he was shooting with ace director Bb. Joyce Bernal. As with many wondering fans, we could not help but ask him on why he left showbiz almost a decade ago.
On quitting showbiz
During his absence from the limelight, Leandro migrated to the United States in Cerritos, California, where he worked as a business development director for an ambulance company. But what made him quit showbiz is still a mystery to many. For the first time, Leandro let go of a shocking revelation: He has a 16-year-old daughter.
Leandro’s daughter was eight years old then when he decided to quit showbiz and migrate to the US.
“Single parent ako, gusto ko i-raise yung anak ko nang maayos, nang inilalabas ko. Dati kasi noong artista ako sa ibang channel, bawal ilabas (yung anak ko). Parang naawa ako sa kanya... dati tinatago ko, kawawa naman.”
No regrets
We asked Leandro if he had any regrets quitting showbiz when he was on top of his game, but it seems he is happy with his rather difficult decision.
“Ang mga partner ko noon sina Judy Ann (Santos), Claudine (Barretto), Jolina (Magdangal). Nasa peak na ako noon. Mas maganda umalis ka nang nasa peak ka kesa sa malaos ka tapos aalis ka.”
“Actually wala akong regrets kasi napasaya ko ng husto yung anak ko; nagkaroon kami ng magandang bonding nung andun kami kasi dalawa nga lang (kami) ‘di ba? So, everyday inihahatid ko sa school, sinusundo ko; nakakpag-usap kami ng maayos; nare-raise ko sya ng tama.”
Proud daddy
Leandro said that it hurt him to hide his daughter from the public just to protect his career. He said that his daughter knew from the start that she has to live a life vulnerable to public scrutiny.
“In-explain ko sa kanya kung bakit kailangan ko sya itagao, 'ba't kailangan “kuya” tawag nya sa akin, di ba ang sakit, ang sakit sa kin noon?”
“Ngayon, sabihin ko, 100% proud ako na tatay.”
Leandro was also proud to share that his daughter is also aiming a career in the film industry, albeit behind the cameras.
“Gusto niya nasa behind the camera siya. Siya ang gumagawa ng MTVs for her school Magaling, magfi-film school siya for college.”
Acting comeback
“Rod Santiago’s The Sisters” will be Leandro’s first major acting project after a sabbatical from the showbiz limelight. But as expected, Lenadro did not lose his flair for acting.
“Okay yung mga kasama ko... So far, lahat (ng scenes) ngayon one take. So far, so good.”
Leandro will play the role of Rafael opposite Nadine Samonte, TV5’s newest contract star, who plays the dual role of Cristina and Bella. “The Sisters” will replace “Babaeng Hampaslupa” on TV5’s Primetime Panalo.
