Gloria Romero (actress) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gloria Romero
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Romero in 2019
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| Born |
Gloria Anne Borrego Galla
December 16, 1933 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
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| Died | January 25, 2025 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 1949–2025 |
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Works
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Full list |
| Spouse(s) |
Juancho Gutiérrez
(m. 1960; died 2005) |
| Children | 1 |
| Relatives | Chris Gutierrez (grandson) |
| Awards | Full list |
Gloria Anne Borrego Galla (December 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025), known professionally as Gloria Romero, was a Filipino actress. With a career spanning 70 years, she has appeared in over 250 motion pictures and television productions. Often referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema", she was known for her sophisticated screen persona and restrained acting style. Romero was the highest-paid movie actress in the 1950s and was one of the top box-office draws for nearly two decades, making her one of the major stars of the first Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.
Romero began appearing as a background actor at the age of 16. After a series of minor film roles, she launched a career with a secondary role in Madame X (1952) and won her first FAMAS Award for Best Actress for playing a wacky tobacco-smoking maiden in Dalagang Ilocana (1954). She continued to gain success for her starring roles in romantic comedies, characters popularized in comic strips and remakes of pre-war musical films. Romero's other FAMAS-nominated leading roles were in Alaalang Banal (1958), Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959) and Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965).
After parting ways with Sampaguita Pictures in the mid-1960s, Romero continued playing lead and supporting roles of varying genres in the succeeding years and played darker, more morally ambiguous characters in Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988) and Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989), all of which earned her nominations for the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress; she won for the romantic drama Nagbabagang Luha. During this period, she began appearing on numerous television productions through sitcoms and dramas. Romero received newfound attention and success in the 2000s for her roles in Tanging Yaman (2000), Bahay ni Lola (2001), Magnifico (2003), Beautiful Life (2004) and Fuchsia (2009), including Tarima (2010) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018), the latter being her last film appearance.
Romero was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award by government agencies and major award-giving bodies, including the Luna Awards in 2002, FAMAS, Gawad Urian (both in 2004), the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) in 2009 and Film Development Council of the Philippines in 2024. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts also presented her with the PAMAAS Gintong Bai in 2005 for her contributions to the preservation and development of Philippine arts and culture while the Philippine Postal Corporation honored Romero with a commemorative stamp in 2022 for dedicating her life and talent to the Filipino people.
Contents
Life and career
1933–1948: Early life and background
Gloria Romero was born as Gloria Anne Borrego Galla on December 16, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, to Pedro Galla and May Borrego. Her father was a Filipino who went to the United States to pursue his education. There he met Romero's mother Mary Borrego of Spanish-American descent. In 1937, they went to the Philippines to visit their grandparents in Mabini, Pangasinan. The family's plan of going back to Denver was always postponed, and the supposed vacation was extended.
When World War II was declared, the Gallas were trapped in the Philippines. During the war, they learned how to farm. In 1943, a troop of Japanese soldiers arrested and interrogated Romero's mother. Days before the war ended, her mother died after falling down the stairs inside their residence. Gloria's father decided that the family would stay in the Philippines for good. Romero's three siblings became successful as they reached adulthood; the eldest sibling Louise became a nurse, her brother Tito Galla (1935–1979) became a popular actor, and the youngest, Gilbert, was a US-based doctor.
Romero attended Mabini Elementary School and Riverview High School in the town of Mabini. She did not finish her studies in high school.
1949–1954: Early career and breakthrough
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At age 11, Romero started aspiring to become an actress. After she left school her family moved to Manila and, with her father's consent, she tried her luck in show business. She first appeared as an extra in the 1949 film Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod, as well as in two other films under Premiere Productions, Prinsipe Don Juan (1951) and Bahay na Tisa (1951). She was eventually dismissed from the film production company and transferred to Sampaguita Pictures with the help of her distant uncle, Nardo Rosales, who was the studio's chief editor. She appeared in more films as an extra in Kasintahan sa Pangarap (1951), Bernardo Carpio (1951), Barbaro (1952), Dugong Bughaw (1951) and Prinsesa at Pulubi (1950).
After playing several other minor roles Romero finally bagged her first supporting role in Madame X (1952) and as leading lady in the film Palasig opposite Cesar Ramirez. After her breakthrough role in Monghita (1952) opposite Oscar Moreno she started to gain a massive following. In 1953, she starred in another blockbuster film Cofradia opposite Ramon Revilla. Her films also launched the careers for actors such as Lolita Rodriguez, Ric Rodrigo and Luis Gonzales for the films Pilya (1954) and Despachadora (1955).
She received her first acting award in 1954 at the FAMAS Awards as Best Actress for the film Dalagang Ilocana. It was the first time an actress from a comedy film won the award. The same year, she starred in another blockbuster film Kurdapya and won the title Miss Visayas during the Boys Town Carnival and was styled by national artist Ramon Valera.
1955–1964: Superstardom
By 1957, she had starred in 24 films which all became box-office successes, not just in the Philippines but also across Asia. According to Graphic Kislap Magazine, three of her movies were among the highest-grossing films of 1957. Sino Ang May Sala placed at No. 1 with earnings of ₱83,154, Hongkong Holiday placed at No. 2 with ₱82,793 while Paru-Parong Bukid secured the third spot with total earnings of ₱78,070 at the box-office.
In September 1960, Romero and Juancho Gutierrez were married at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Dubbed as the "Wedding of the Year", the event was covered on the radio and by all the leading newspapers and magazines.
Romero also became a bankable commercial model and was one of the pioneering endorsers of Coca-Cola in the Philippines. She was the second personality (after General Douglas MacArthur) after the war to endorse the soft drink brand. Among the other consumer products she endorsed were Talon Zipper, Dari-Crème, Sanka, Swans Down cake flour, Calumet baking power, Johnsons Medicated Talcum powder and Camay and Gloco beauty soaps.
1980–1998: Matriarch roles and television debut
Romero considered her 1984 film Condemned with Nora Aunor as a turning point in her career. After the film, she had no fear of portraying bad and cunning characters. Her portrayal earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the FAMAS Awards.
In 1987, she played as an unfaithful wife in the film Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?. Her portrayal earned her a Best Supporting Actress win at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies.
The following year, she became one of the ensemble cast of Ishmael Bernal's Nagbabagang Luha. Her performance was met with praise from the critics, winning her a second FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Romero also ventured television in the late 1980s. One of her earliest television shows was the ABS-CBN sitcom Palibhasa Lalake. It was a consistent top-rater and marked the first time she took on an offbeat role. Her performance earned her a Best Comedy Actress win at the 1988 PMPC Star Awards for Television ceremony.
In 1989, Romero appeared in another Nora Aunor vehicle, Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit. Her portrayal earned her another FAMAS Best Supporting Actress nomination.
Romero continued acting in various films while taking roles in television. In 1990, she played the matriarch Octavia in the revenge-drama film Kapag Langit ang Humatol top billed by Vilma Santos. In 1996, she starred on the television series Familia Zaragoza. It was followed by the series Labs Ko si Babe (1999). The series was the first Filipino romantic-comedy drama in television and one of the longest-running shows of ABS-CBN.
1999–2010: Resurgence
In 1999, Romero played Lola Amor in the film Dahil May Isang Ikaw, starring Aga Muhlach and Regine Velasquez. Her portrayal earned her an award at the Young Critics Circle for Best Performance. In 2000, Romero was tapped to lead the film Tanging Yaman. Her performance as the Alzheimers disease-stricken matriarch was met with praise from critics, calling her portrayal "credible" and "competent". She won "Best Actress" at the FAMAS Awards, Luna Awards, Gawad Urian Awards and Metro Manila Film Festival, including Best Performance at the Young Critics Circle. The film was also a big success at the box office, grossing ₱167 million throughout its run.
Following the success of Tanging Yaman, it was followed by another MMFF entry Bahay ni Lola (2001). The film earned ₱8.5 million within its first day at the cinemas and grossed ₱100 million throughout its run at the MMFF, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2001 at the festival.
In 2002, she received top billing in the film Singsing ni Lola under Regal Films. It reportedly had a total production budget of ₱40 million, listing it among the most expensive horror films in the country. The film opened with ₱5 million in its first day.
The same year, she starred in another sitcom OK Fine, 'To Ang Gusto Nyo! where she played the role of Lola Barbie. In 2003, Romero was handpicked by Ricky Reyes as one of the endorser of the launch of his beauty campaign "Ganda 2003" at the AFP Theater.
The same year, she starred with Jiro Manio, Lorna Tolentino and Albert Martinez in the indie film Magnifico. It received positive reviews from critics and won her "Best Supporting Actress" at the 27th Gawad Urian Awards. At the event, she was also bestowed with the a lifetime achievement award for "her contributions to Philippine cinema as an actress for more than half a century." The film was endorsed by the Department of Education and was listed by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino as one of the Top ten best films of the decade (2000-2009). In 2004, she worked with director Gil Portes in the film Beautiful Life. Her performance earned her a "Best Supporting Actress" nomination at the Luna Awards.
In 2006, she appeared in the film Moments of Love under GMA Pictures where she played the older version of Iza Calzado's character. She also participated in several other films such as Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! (2007) and Paupahan (2008), earning a Star Award nomination for the latter.
In 2009, she starred in the film Fuchsia with Eddie Garcia and Robert Arevalo. She won the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role-Musical or Comedy at the 6th Golden Screen Awards for her performance and received a nomination for "Movie Actress of the Year" at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. The same year, she reunited with Dolphy and Eddie Garcia in the film Nobody, Nobody But... Juan.
Under ABS-CBN, Romero remained active on television in the succeeding years by making special appearances and supporting roles such as May Bukas Pa (2009), Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo (2010) and Kokey @ Ako (2010).
2011–2025: Later years
After 15 years with ABS-CBN, she transferred to GMA Network and worked on her first show Munting Heredera (2011). The series drew high viewership, garnering 49.5% peak ratings in Mega Manila households and was extended for ten more weeks due to its success. In 2012, she was honored with an Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television.
The following year, she starred alongside Heart Evangelista and Geoff Eigenmann in the series Forever. The series debuted with high viewership, attaining 15.3% ratings in Mega Manila households. In 2014, she was cast in the series Niño starring Miguel Tanfelix and David Remo. According to AGB Neilsen, the series attained 30.4% TV ratings on Mega Manila households. She also played supporting roles in several television series such as The Rich Man's Daughter (2015), Juan Happy Love Story (2016) and Meant to Be (2017). In 2017, she played a supporting role as Rosa Batungbakal in the film Ang Panday starring Coco Martin.
The same year, she top billed the drama fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. The series won numerous accolades throughout its run including three PMPC Star Awards for Television as "Best Horror/Fantasy Program". Following the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Romero took a break from the series. She made a special appearance in 2022 for the fifth anniversary of the anthology series.
In 2018, she starred with Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa in the family drama LGBT-themed film Rainbow's Sunset. It was an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival and grossed an estimated 50 million at the box-office. Romero's performance was also met with praise from critics and audiences, winning "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan and MMFF, including nominations at The EDDYS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies. In 2019, she was honored with the "Mga Natatanging Bituin ng Siglo" award at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, recognizing her significant contributions to Philippine cinema.
In celebration of her 90th birthday, Romero made her first public appearance at the Sampaguita Studios in Quezon City since the global pandemic in 2020. The event was attended by Barbara Perez, Celia Rodriguez, Helen Gamboa, Liza Lorena and Gina Alajar among others. Romero was bestowed a two-hour Manila Hotel tribute on February 28, 2024, organized by Daisy Romualdez.
Legacy
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Described by The Manila Times as one of the most iconic figures in Philippine film industry, Romero was one of the last surviving stars from the first Golden Age of Philippine cinema. She was the most successful and highest paid leading actress of the 1950s, earning a reported $45,000 in 1956 (around ₱30 million in 2024 Philippine peso). Critics have named her the longest reigning Philippine movie queen for her lasting commercial appeal and acclaimed performances. Jose Javier Reyes, chairperson of Film Development Council of the Philippines, stated that "there is absolutely no better way of defining the Filipino movie queen than Gloria Romero. In her 90s right now, [she] has become the epitome not only of professionalism but everything that Filipino cinema was before in the past decades."
I think she is at par with some of the world's best actresses.
Often referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema", Romero has been cited by a number of critics as one of the greatest Filipino actresses of all time. Writing for Philippine Daily Inquirer, Behn Cervantes described her as an "underrated dramatic actress" and credited her for setting high standards in acting, noting that she "would quietly listen and deliver her lines with ease and surprising depth." Laurice Guillen commented that she "always looked forward to Gloria Romero's movies. She's truly a great actress but this is seldom noticed because her style is light and restrained." Writer Nestor Torre Jr. also added that "only an actress of Gloria's experience, sensitivity and age could have come up to the role's rigorous demands", referring to her performance in the 2000 family drama Tanging Yaman.
Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News notes her "powerful screen presence" in the 2018 family drama Rainbow's Sunset, stating that "a mere sad look or crack in her voice could already make tears well in my eyes... Anne Curtis and Kim Chiu still have miles to go to even hope to reach Romero's level of acting for the big screen." Romero's other films such as Bahay ni Lola (2001) placed second on When in Manila's list of the "10 Most Unforgettable Pinoy Horror Films". Spot PH included her scene with Nora Aunor in Condemned (1984) on their list of the "Top 10 Most Epic Dramatic Showdowns in Pinoy Movies."
Other activities
In 1954, Romero won the title Miss Visayas after placing third runner-up at the National Fair Maria Teresa Larrazabal. Also in 1954, she was recommended by the theater group Dramatic Philippines to portray the Blessed Virgin Mary in the senacle play Martir Sa Golgota, which was eventually approved by then Archbishop Rufino Santos of Manila. The play was first staged at the Manila Grand Opera House during the Holy Week and was attended by then Philippine president Ramon Magsaysay. Romero reprised her role in 1955 and 1956 for the same play.
In 2003, Romero, alongside Pilita Corrales and Barbara Perez, was chosen as image models of Ricky Reyes' Ganda ng Lola Mo (Your Grandmother is Beautiful) campaign for his hair salon chain. She became the only septuagenarian at that point to have billboards all over EDSA.
Personal life
Marriage
On September 24, 1960, Romero married fellow Sampaguita Pictures actor Juancho Gutierrez at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Romero's white gown was designed by National Artist for Fashion Ramón Valera. The entourage included the biggest stars of Sampaguita Pictures. The bridesmaids were Daisy Romualdez, Barbara Perez, Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes. The wedding was covered by all the major newspapers and magazines and radios, headlined "Wedding of the Year".
The couple had only one daughter Maritess Gutierrez, who tried acting briefly, and became a chef. Romero had a grandson, Chris Gutierrez, a former artist of Star Magic.
Separation
The couple separated after 12 years of marriage, and Gloria did not marry again. In 2000, Juancho suffered a diabetic stroke that left him paralysed and reunited him with his wife Gloria, who took care of him until Juancho's death in 2005.
Acting credits
Romero's most acclaimed and commercially successful films include Musikong Bumbong (1953), Cofradia (1953), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Kurdapya (1954), Alaalang Banal (1958), Despatsadora (1955), Hongkong Holiday (1956), Sino Ang May Sala? (1957), Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959), Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973), Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989), Tanging Yaman (2000), Bahay Ni Lola (2001), I Think I'm in Love (2002), Magnifico (2003), Beautiful Life (2004), Fuchsia (2009), Tarima (2010) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018).
Awards and honours
Romero received numerous accolades for her acting work. At age 85, she became the oldest woman to win Best Actress at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. She has won three FAMAS Awards in the competitive categories: Best Actress for Dalagang Ilocana (1954) and Tanging Yaman (2000); and Best Supporting Actress for Nagbabagang Luha (1988). She has also won two competitive Gawad Urian Awards for Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Best Supporting Actress for Magnifico (2003), as well as three competitive Metro Manila Film Festival Awards: Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018); and Best Supporting Actress for I Think I'm in Love (2002).
Romero was the recipient of three Luna Awards from the Film Academy of the Philippines in the competitive categories, winning Best Actress for Tanging Yaman, Best Supporting Actress for Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? and Magnifico. She has also won two competitive PMPC Star Awards for Movies for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987) and Tarima (2010). For her performance in the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake (1987), she won Best Comedy Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. She also received international recognition for her performance in Rainbow's Sunset, winning two International Film Festival Manhattan Awards for Best Actress and Best Ensemble Acting.
Honours
| Year | Organization(s) | Category | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Ulirang Artista Award | |
| 2001 | Cinemanila International Film Festival | Lifetime Achievement Award | |
| 2002 | Luna Awards | ||
| 2004 | FAMAS Awards | ||
| Gawad Urian Awards | |||
| 2005 | Office of the Presidential Advisor on Culture and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts | PAMA-AS Gintong Bai Award | |
| Eastwood City Walk of Fame | Inductee | ||
| 2008 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award | |
| 2009 | FAMAS Awards | Huwarang Bituin Award | |
| Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) | Lifetime Achievement Award | ||
| 2011 | Golden Screen Awards | Movie Icons of Our Time | |
| 2015 | FAMAS Awards | Iconic Movie Queens of Philippine Cinema | |
| 2017 | Inding Indie Film Festival | Bayani ng Pinilakang Tabing | |
| 2019 | Box Office Entertainment Awards | Golden Jury Award for All Time Favorite Actress | |
| PMPC Star Awards for Movies | Outstanding Star of the Century | ||
| 2021 | Film Ambassador's Night | Ilaw ng Industriya Award | |
| 2022 | Philippine Postal Corporation | Commemorative stamp | |
| 2024 | FDCP's Parangal ng Sining | Lifetime Achievement Award |
Death
Romero died on January 25, 2025, at the age of 91. Her wake was held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.
Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan declared a three-day mourning period in honor of Romero, who wrote in part: "Manila is grateful to Gloria Romero for having served as a guiding star of Filipino performing arts, culture, and family values". Many people in the entertainment industry also paid tribute to Romero, including media executive Charo Santos-Concio, who wrote: "Tita Glo had this remarkable way of making everyone around her feel valued and respected. She treated every role with the same reverence".
