The “Can’t Buy Me Love” actor had to halt his studies to take on responsibilities for his family.
With his role as Snoop in the teleserye Can’t Buy Me Love, Anthony Jennings is one of the latest young actors to keep on the radar. But before he graced everyone’s screens opposite Maris Racal’s Irene, the Filipino-British actor faced his fair share of adversaries. In a podcast, Anthony revealed that he didn’t know how to read and write prior to joining ABS-CBN after stopping his schooling due to his family’s financial struggles.
In an episode of the podcast Boys After Dark posted in 2022, a segment delved into the hosts’ regrets in life. Alongside Markus Paterson, Jae Miranda, Gello Marquez, and Aljon Mendoza, Anthony was visibly emotional when he shared his story.
“Well, regret ko siya pero at the same time hindi ko naman siya sobrang kasalanan, parang 50/50 siya. Hindi kasi ako nag-aral,” the actor began. “Elementary lang. As in, like, hindi ako marunong magsulat. Pumunta ako sa [ABS-CBN] noon hindi ako marunong magsulat.”
Anthony also discussed this in an interview with Ogie Diaz, where he revealed that he had only finished schooling until the second grade. “Hanggang elementary lang ’yung natapos ko, siguro pinakamataas ko na, Grade 2 lang. ’Yun na ’yung max ko. Tapos hindi na ako nag–aral.”
Instagram/anthonyjenningss
According to the actor, his education had to be cut short due to their family’s financial struggles and the subsequent responsibilities he had to take on at a young age. Growing up, their family had to constantly move after making ends meet for their monthly rent.
“Lipat na naman kami [ng bahay]. Never na natuloy [pag-aaral ko] kasi sobrang dami nang nangyari. ’Yun na ’yung time na umuwi kami ng probinsya, nangisda ako, iba na naman gagawin ko, VTR, commercial naman,” he recalled.
Eventually, Anthony had taught himself how to read and write. After his showbiz debut in 2019 in Hello, Love, Goodbye and the other projects that followed, the actor was able to send his siblings to school.
“Pinag-aral ko ang mga kapatid ko kasi siyempre ayoko namang matulad sila sa akin. Hindi ako marunong magsulat kung makikita n’yo, ang pangit ng sulat ko,” he said on the podcast.
Instagram/anthonyjenningss
While he’s now gaining traction in the local scene, Anthony still hopes to continue his education in the future.
“Sana [nakapag-aral ako] pero hindi ako nabigyan ng opportunity. Kasi, at a young age, nag-start na akong mag-work na kung anu-ano ang ginawa ko sa buhay ko,” he expressed.
“Pero alam ko, nasa top of mind ko pa rin na mag-aral ako after everything, after ng kahit anong mangyari.”
The 23-year-old actor was first introduced into the showbiz world as part of 2019’s Star Magic Circle, alongside the likes of Belle Mariano. During the same year, he made his film debut in the Kathryn Bernardo– and Alden Richards-starring Hello, Love, Goodbye, where he played Alden’s younger brother.
Can’t Buy Me Love/ABS-CBN Entertainment
Now, Anthony’s making waves with his portrayal of Snoop in Can’t Buy Me Love, where he’s receiving praise for his tandem with Maris Racal that echoes a good old-fashioned rom-com with their witty banter and chemistry. Suffice to say, viewers are hooked for what’s next for both the show and the star!
