Fernando Poe Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Fernando Poe Jr.
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| Party Leader of Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino | |
| In office 2003–2004 |
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| Co-Party Leader | Loren Legarda |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Ronald Allan Kelley Poe
August 20, 1939 Manila, Philippine Commonwealth |
| Died | December 14, 2004 (aged 65) Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Resting place | Manila North Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines |
| Political party | Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino |
| Spouse | |
| Children | Grace Poe Ronian Poe Lovi Poe |
| Parents |
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| Occupation | actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, politician |
| Awards |
List
 Order of National Artists of the PhilippinesNatatanging Alagad ng Sining FAMAS Hall of Fame 5× FAMAS Award for Best Actor 2× FAMAS Award for Best Director |
Ronald Allan Kelley Poe (born August 20, 1939 – died December 14, 2004) was a very famous Filipino actor, film director, producer, screenwriter, and politician. He was known by his stage name Fernando Poe Jr. or simply FPJ. People often called him "Da King" because he was so popular as an action star in Philippine movies. He also wrote, directed, and produced many of the films he starred in. He used the names Ronwaldo Reyes and D'Lanor for these roles.
FPJ appeared in about 300 films from 1955 to 2003. He started in the film industry as a stuntman when he was a teenager. This happened after his father, also an actor named Fernando Poe Sr., passed away too soon. His first film was Anak ni Palaris (1955). He became very popular with the 1956 film Lo Waist Gang. He then starred in many action films where he played a hero who helped the poor and those who were treated unfairly.
Some of his most famous films include Ang Panday (1980), Ang Probinsyano (1996), and Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko... (1999). He won many awards, including five FAMAS Awards for Best Actor. This led to him being inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame. He also won Best Director for two of his films. After he passed away, he was named a National Artist of the Philippines in 2006.
In 2004, FPJ ran for president of the Philippines. He lost by a small number of votes to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Seven months later, he passed away from a stroke. Hundreds of thousands of people attended his funeral. He was married to actress Susan Roces and had daughters, including Senator Grace Poe and actress Lovi Poe.
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Early Life and School
Ronald Allan "Ronnie" Kelley Poe was born in Manila on August 20, 1939. His father was the famous Filipino actor and director Fernando Poe Sr.. His mother was Elizabeth "Bessie" Kelley.
He was the second of six children. He used his brother Andy's given name, Fernando Poe Jr., as his own professional name. This was to honor his father, who was a top actor.
FPJ finished elementary school at San Beda College in 1953. He went to San Sebastian College for high school. He also studied theater arts at Mapua Institute of Technology and University of the East.
When his father died at a young age, FPJ had to help support his family. He left the University of the East during his second year of college to work.
Becoming a Movie Star
FPJ started working in the Philippine film industry as a messenger. Soon, he began getting acting roles. He started as a stuntman and got his first starring role at age 14 in Anak ni Palaris.
In 1956, the film Lo' Waist Gang made him very popular. This movie was such a hit that low-waist pants became a popular style.
FPJ was known for playing heroes who defended the poor. He also directed films using the names D'Lanor and Ronwaldo Reyes. The name Reyes came from his grandmother's last name.
He started his own film company, FPJ Productions, in 1961. He later created other film companies. In 1963, he spoke out against criminal gangs who were trying to get money from the film industry.
His Famous Films and Awards
FPJ won many awards for Best Actor at the FAMAS Awards. Some of his award-winning films include Mga Alabok sa Lupa (1967) and Asedillo (1971). He also won for Durugin si Totoy Bato (1979) and Muslim .357 (1986).
In the 1980s, FPJ was one of the highest-paid actors in the Philippines. He earned over one million pesos for each film.
He played many memorable characters, like Flavio in the Ang Panday fantasy movie series. His last film was Pakners, where he starred with billiards champion Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Trying for President
Fernando Poe Jr. decided to run for president of the Philippines in the 2004 election. He was the candidate for the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino (KNP) party. He accepted the nomination in December 2003.
He lost the election to the current president, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The difference in votes was very small, making it the closest presidential election in Philippine history.
Family Life
FPJ married actress Susan Roces in a civil ceremony in December 1968. They later had a religious wedding. Among their main sponsors were then-President Ferdinand Marcos and First Lady Imelda.
FPJ and Susan Roces adopted a daughter, Grace Poe. Grace later became a senator. FPJ also had a son named Ronian and another daughter, Lourdes Virginia.
His Passing and Lasting Impact
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FPJ was taken to St. Luke's Medical Center on December 11, 2004. He felt dizzy during a Christmas party at his studio. He suffered a stroke and went into a coma. Doctors said he had a brain clot and his organs were failing. He passed away on December 14, 2004, at the age of 65.
Many people attended his wake and funeral. Organizers said up to two million people came to pay their respects. His funeral procession drew tens of thousands of people to the streets of Quezon City. He was buried in his family plot at the Manila North Cemetery with his parents.
On December 14, 2012, a monument was built to honor FPJ. It stands at the corner of Roxas Boulevard and Arquiza Street. His wife, Susan Roces, and daughter, Grace Poe, were there for the unveiling.
In 2022, Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City was renamed Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue. This was done to remember his contributions to the country.
See also
- Fernando Poe Jr. presidential campaign, 2004
