After having involved himself in the business of show for more than 65 years now, comedian Dolphy, 81, is showing no signs of slowing down.

The veteran actor, now recognized widely as local showbiz’ King of Comedy, just finished working on his latest movie, “Nobody, Nobody But Juan,” one of the official entries in the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

According to Dolphy, he willingly took the offer not because he wanted more money or fame but rather, to simply spread cheer.

"It’s Christmas, and during this time, I always want to give joy, happiness,” he said.

At his age, Pidol—as some of his colleagues call him—is still very much able to do that albeit with some restrictions.

"I’m okay. My memory is still good…but I do need a double for dance sequences and fight scenes,” he said with a grin.

No doubt, the comedian has nothing else to prove after decades of continued success in both the small and big screen.

He is quite content with his achievements too, referring to himself--and other actors his age who have lasted for so long in the dog-eat-dog world of showbiz—as “expensive collectibles.”

"Back in the day, we’re the fresh faces, today we’re…the collector’s item. The pricey kind, of course,” he chuckled.

Early last year, Dolphy was made too look seemingly on his way to retirement when ABS-CBN honored him by renaming its Studio 1, "Dolphy Theatre" with top executive Charo Santos-Concio leading the unveiling.

The network also sponsored a special show for him dubbed “The King of Comedy at 80” as part of his birthday celebration, which coincided with the launch of the biography, “Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa,” and the non-profit, non-stock charity organization, "Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation, Inc.”

But the comedian is still very much into work.

Dolphy confessed that he could’ve actually retired years ago, if not for the continued ‘badgering’ of producers and network executives.

“If it were all up to me, I’d rather not work anymore,” he said. “But people just keep asking me to work on projects.

“Like, years ago, when ABS-CBN approached me to do a sitcom. I was like, ‘Do you still really want to get my services?’ Because I felt like I don’t have the support of the sponsors anymore. But they were insistent, so, I just gave in and said okay.”

There were detractors along the way.

“I was being attacked by critics for supposedly resurrecting a dead career, but ‘Home Along Da Riles’ did well...the ratings soared and it actually lasted for 14 long years.”

So is he eager for more work?

Smiling like a precocious kid, Dolphy merely smiled and quipped: "Why not? As long as my body allows...I sure will."