In a career spanning 17 years, Kim Chiu has taken on diverse roles. From her portrayal of relatable “girl-next-door” characters to strong-willed protagonists, romantic leads and comedic roles, Kim’s acting repertoire has proven multifaceted. Her role as Julianna in Prime Video’s “Linlang” marks a notable departure from her previous roles and showcases her depth as an actress.
Chiu, who has been a longstanding homegrown Kapamilya star, is receiving tremendous praise for her role as the wife who cheats her husband Victor, played by Paulo Avelino, for his brother Alex, portrayed by JM de Guzman, in the widely popular “Linlang,” which currently holds the top position in 20 territories. This role signifies a significant evolution in Kim’s career.
During a press conference celebrating the success of “Linlang,” Kim expressed her gratitude to ABS-CBN for supporting her from her early days as the first Pinoy Big Brother: Teen winner to her current role as Julianna. “Paulit ulit akong nagpapasalamat sa ABS-CBN para sa mga projects na pinagkatiwala nila sa akin and ako ay gusto ko lang ginagawa ko at masaya po alo nandito pa rin ako hanggang ngayon,” she said.
Kim admitted that it was a risk for her to take on a dark character, considering her departure from her more typical roles. She initially had concerns about how audiences would react. However, the risk has paid off. Kim is not only thrilled by the widespread support but is also grateful that fans can distinguish between her and the character Julianna. Despite receiving hate for playing the frustratingly annoying Julianna, she has gotten new fans and received gifts from admirers, including an extravagant Balmain present from an elderly fan who addressed Kim as Julianna.
When asked about her playing the current most disliked character, Kim quickly responded, “I feel grateful.”
In addition to Kim’s performance, the cast of “Linlang,” which includes Paulo Avelino, JM de Guzman, Kaila Estrada, Rubi Ruiz, and Maricel Soriano, has received acclaim for their roles. The expert direction of FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin and the writing have also received praise from viewers worldwide.