When the trailer for the series adaptation of the fourth installment of the hit Wattpad University Series, Avenues of the Diamond, dropped, some fans doubted actor Lance Carr could pull off the role of Dr. Clyden Ramirez. But once the series aired, those doubts gave way to praise, and for him, the turnaround was both unexpected and gratifying.
“Well, I can’t do anything about the fans’ imagination because they all have their visuals of who they want to portray Dr. Clyden. And I believe I was the very last to be added to the University Series. They had been waiting for it for three years, and for three years, Aubrey’s [Caraan] character didn’t have any partner. So, they were very curious about who Dr. Clyden would be,” Lance told Manila Standard Entertainment, recalling the initial wave of reactions he received after the casting was revealed.
“There were mixed emotions that came out on social media. But like I said, I can’t control their imagination because, well, that’s their fantasy. And in our line of work, you can’t avoid the challenges of portraying this kind of role,” he added.
at a thanksgiving media conference event at Viva’s headquarters
Determined to meet the challenge, Lance immersed himself in the source material, reading the book repeatedly to capture the essence of Dr. Clyden Ramirez.
“So I just gave my best. I read the book, most importantly, I read it over and over so I could get it right and truly embody Dr. Clyden,” Lance continued.
The effort paid off. After the series began airing, the tide of opinion turned.
“With the turnaround in how the fans perceived the series, I became really happy about that. I was so grateful, and I honestly didn’t expect it. I had seen so many negative remarks, reactions, and posts from fans. But what I’m most grateful for are those who have been supporting our series,” he added.
Lance’s path to this breakthrough role was far from easy. He first gained public attention as a contestant on Pinoy Big Brother in 2019, but it took six years before he landed his first lead role. At one point, he even considered quitting show business to return to basketball, a sport he had played seriously in high school and college.
“It took me six more years to get my first lead role. So it was a matter of patience. And yes, my mom and dad, and I were thinking of quitting showbiz. And I was thinking of pursuing a career in basketball again,” the actor revealed.
But just as he contemplated a change, the opportunity with Viva came through.
His experience working alongside co-star Aubrey also proved vital. Both faced scrutiny before the show’s debut, but Lance described their partnership as a source of strength. Their growing friendship helped them navigate the pressures of portraying a beloved love team onscreen while maintaining professionalism offscreen.
“We were each other’s support system at the end of the day,” he said.
With Avenues of the Diamond airing its finale episode weeks ago, Lance’s career shows no signs of slowing. He is preparing for his first film role in the upcoming Viva Films project Minamahal: 100 Bulaklak Para Kay Luna, starring Ashtine Olviga and Andres Muhlach. He is also set to star in a microdrama series alongside his on-screen partner, Aubrey.
Looking to the future, Carr aims to build on his momentum and grow as an actor.
“Five years from now, I hope to be a versatile leading man. At the end of the day, I just want to entertain people,” he stated.
