Lance Pimentel never set out to become an actor.
He was content working behind the scenes as fight director, crafting
intense combat sequences for TV dramas.
But when the role of Kenji Lee—an assassin in ABS-CBN’s action-packed series “Incognito”—needed to be filled quickly, Lance stepped in.
“I looked the part, and since I choreographed the fights, I could execute them right
away,” said Lance about it.
The result? A breakout performance that’s since catapulted him into the spotlight.
Being the son of “Incognito” director Lester Pimentel is added pressure for the
budding actor.
“I want to prove that I didn’t get in simply because I’m his son. That I’m worthy
and more than capable fulfilling the task given me.”
Lance took his entry into acting seriously—seeking advice from co-stars Daniel Padilla and Ian Veneracion, and even enrolling in a crash course under veteran actress Malou de Guzman.
It’s as not as if it’s his first.
He’d appeared in “La Luna Sangre,” “Bagani,” and “The Iron Heart,” prior but “Incognito” marks his most high-profile role yet.
A Wushu prodigy who’s represented the Philippines across Asia since age five, acting wasn’t Lance’s childhood goal, but he admits to dreaming of seeing himself onscreen like his idol Jackie Chan.
Now recognized as “Kenji” by fans in public, Lance says with a smile, “I never
expected this, but I’m grateful. It shows people are really watching—and
appreciating—what we do.”
Still, his passion lies in creating action scenes.
“It’s not just about punches and kicks—you tell a story through every move,” he
explained.
Lance is gearing up to promote the upcoming Netflix movie “The Delivery Rider,” starring Baron Geisler, where hee served as both stunt choreographer and action director. Produced by Studio 360’s creative team, the film follows the gripping story of a delivery rider thrust into a dangerous situation, forced to fight his way out.
Beyond the entertainment industry, Lance has a strong business acumen.
He studied Business Technology Management at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver and went back to the Philippines to actively be involved in his family’s food ventures, which include popular brands such as Dean and Deluca, Rice in a Box, Kyukyu Ramen, and Wangfu, among others.
Looking ahead, Lance aspires to build his brands and businesses while continuing to leave his mark in action filmmaking.
