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'One of my favorite things about myself is being half-Filipino': Darren Criss and his roots

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/09/19/20180919-darren-criss-rtr-1.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Darren Criss for &#x27;The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story&#x27; wins the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited series or Movie. <em>Mario Anzuoni, Reuters</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>The Filipino runs in his blood. </p><p>Born to a mother from Cebu who loves music and performing, Darren Criss has lived a life dedicated to the spotlight, swaying to the rhythms that would eventually earn him an Emmy -- the first Filipino-American to do so. </p><p>His &quot;drive&quot; to become a star, he <a href="https://entertainment.inquirer.net/278034/happens-darren-criss-sits-hourlong-interview">attributed to his mom</a> who, along with his &quot;sneak attack musician&quot; (a person who has musical talent but refuses to play instruments, he explained) dad, made sure that he grew up surrounded by singing and dancing. </p><p>This upbringing meant that pursuing a career in Hollywood was inevitable; in fact, he is still best known for his role in the award-winning musical series &quot;Glee.&quot; </p><p>Now, Criss holds the distinction of becoming the <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/09/18/18/fil-am-actor-na-si-darren-criss-wagi-sa-prestihiyosong-emmys">first actor with Pinoy roots to win an Emmy</a> -- perhaps the highest honor in TV. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2018/entertainment/09/19/20180919-darren-criss-rtr-2.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption>Darren Criss poses backstage with his Outstanding Limited Series award for &#x27;The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story.&#x27;<em> Mike Blake, Reuters</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>He won for his role in &quot;The Assassination of Gianni Versace&quot; as Andrew Cunanan, the half-Filipino serial killer notorious for murdering five men, including famous fashion designer Gianni Versace, in 1997. </p><p>In an interview back when was promoting the drama, he revealed that he celebrated getting the part with a trip to his <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/01/13/18/fatty-pinoy-food-has-a-place-in-glee-star-darren-criss-heart">favorite Filipino restaurant in Los Angeles</a> -- an example of just how proud Criss is of his connection to the Philippines. </p><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fF4I7-f3FzQ?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div><p>However, this association faced scrutiny last March, when he was perceived to have renounced his Pinoy roots. </p><p>Speaking with <a href="http://www.vulture.com/2018/03/darren-criss-american-crime-story-versace-and-race.html">Vulture</a>, he said that it would &quot;be unfair&quot; to have identify himself as Asian-American, likening it to &quot;reaching for the minority card on a college application.&quot; </p><p>He did clarify this by writing on <a href="https://twitter.com/DarrenCriss/status/974161008553013250">Twitter</a>: &quot;One of my favorite things about myself is that I&#x27;m half Filipino. PERIOD.&quot;</p><p>&quot;I happen to not look like it, but that face is not what I like. I like the fact that most people don&#x27;t know it&#x27;s an ace up my sleeve, an ace I&#x27;m very proud of, regardless of what I look like.&quot; </p><p>That love for his Pinoy side shone through when he helped raise funds for survivors of <a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/04/29/14/lea-darren-criss-headline-yolanda-benefit-concert">super typhoon Yolanda</a> in 2013. </p><p>Recently, he also took the time out to send his love for those affected by typhoon Ompong. </p><p>&quot;Stay safe. My thoughts are with you. There’s only so much we could do for this side except send love and as many good vibes I can. Look out for each other out there,&quot; he said.</p>

<p>Born to a mother from Cebu who loves music and performing, Darren Criss has lived a life dedicated to the spotlight.</p>

Born to a mother from Cebu who loves music and performing, Darren Criss has lived a life dedicated to the spotlight.