While Malaysian entertainers come and go, there are only a few who truly have a lasting career that can span for decades on end. One of the iconic people to fall under this category is none other than actor and television host Dato’ Jalaluddin Hassan. However, would it surprise you to know that he did not originally intend to be an actor?
Most known for his role as the host of the acclaimed Malaysian television series Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Dato’ Jalaluddin Hassan recently partook in a short interview with content creator Alexey Brock. Discussing multiple aspects of his career, there were multiple intriguing facts that came from the clip that was posted to Brock’s TikTok page @alexey.brock.
In the video, Brock began by asking Dato’ Jalaluddin about the tenure of his acting career, to which the Malaysian legend revealed that he has been acting for more than 30 years at this point. Speaking on some of his struggles, Dato’ Jalaluddin then revealed a surprising fact about his career – he did not originally intend to be an actor.
“I wanted to become a singer, not an actor. But something changed my mind when I was 17. I got involved in acting because it is much more challenging trying to be somebody else. That’s the most difficult part,” said Dato’ Jalaluddin in the video.
Carrying on, the veteran actor also said that one’s intention when joining the industry is crucial, adding that being truthful and supporting the Malaysian acting scene is extremely important.
Recollecting some of his successes, Dato’ Jalaluddin also spoke on his first acting role in the Malaysian television sitcom Santan Berlada, which eventually helped his career grow.
Towards the end of his interview, Dato’ Jalaluddin also spoke about working in a theatre performance alongside Brock soon, praising the director of the production, Tuan Haji Lokman Ghani, for his vision and superb abilities in the creative industry.
Surprising fans in the comments section of the video, multiple Malaysians mentioned how they never knew about Dato’ Jalaluddin’s intention to become a singer, with one user saying that he already has a lovely speaking voice and that they wouldn’t be able to imagine how he’d sound like singing.
“Can you imagine what it would be like if Dato was a singer? I honestly think he would be just as renowned of a singer as he is an actor today,” commented one user.
Nevertheless, multiple users also restated and praised Dato’ Jalaluddin’s position as an acclaimed actor and Malaysian legend for certain, despite not having pursued a singing career.
Watch the full TikTok video below:
@alexey.brock 🇲🇾🎥Datuk Jalaludin Hassan was kind to share part of his interesting story. The famous Malaysian actor that many know never went to any acting school and has learned and struggled all on his own; watching videos on the acting craft and most importantly having the passion that drove him to where Datuk is today. 🙏✨A very inspiring interview that shows how starting late or not having the best education sometimes isn’t an excuse when the Dream is there. Terima kasih🙏 #Actor #Malaysian #Interview #Life #Story
Some people are just talented in many facets. Hopefully we’ll get to hear Dato’ Jalaluddin sing in time to come!
