Gloria Romero (actress) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Gloria Romero
Romero in 2019
Born	Gloria Anne Borrego Galla (1933-12-16)December 16, 1933 Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Died	January 25, 2025(2025-01-25) (aged 91) Philippines
Nationality	Filipino
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1949–2025
Works	Full list
Spouse(s)	Juancho Gutiérrez ​ ​ (m. 1960; died 2005)​
Children	1
Relatives	Chris Gutierrez (grandson)
Awards	Full list

Gloria Anne Borrego Galla (born December 16, 1933 – died January 25, 2025), known as Gloria Romero, was a famous Filipino actress. She worked for 70 years and appeared in over 250 movies and TV shows. People often called her the "Queen of Philippine Cinema" because of her elegant style and calm acting. In the 1950s, she was the highest-paid actress and a top star for almost 20 years. This made her one of the biggest names during the first Golden Age of Philippine Cinema.

Gloria Romero started acting at 16, first in small background roles. She got her first important part in Madame X (1952). She won her first big award, the FAMAS Award for Best Actress, for playing a funny, tobacco-smoking girl in Dalagang Ilocana (1954). She became very popular for her main roles in romantic comedies and movies based on comic strips. Some of her other award-nominated roles were in Alaalang Banal (1958), Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959), and Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965).

After working with Sampaguita Pictures for many years, Gloria Romero continued to play both main and supporting roles. She took on more complex characters in films like Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), and Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989). These roles earned her nominations for the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress, and she won for Nagbabagang Luha. Around this time, she also started appearing in many TV shows, including comedies and dramas. In the 2000s, she gained new attention for her roles in Tanging Yaman (2000), Bahay ni Lola (2001), Magnifico (2003), Beautiful Life (2004), and Fuchsia (2009). Her last film was Rainbow's Sunset (2018).

Gloria Romero received many special awards for her long career. These included Lifetime Achievement Awards from groups like the Luna Awards (2002), FAMAS, and Gawad Urian (both in 2004). The National Commission for Culture and the Arts also gave her the PAMAAS Gintong Bai award in 2005 for helping to keep Philippine arts and culture alive. In 2022, the Philippine Postal Corporation honored her with a special stamp for her dedication to the Filipino people.

Life and Career

Early Life and Family Background

Gloria Anne Borrego Galla was born on December 16, 1933, in Denver, Colorado. Her father, Pedro Galla, was a Filipino who went to the United States for his studies. There, he met Gloria's mother, Mary Borrego, who was of Spanish-American descent.

In 1937, the family visited their grandparents in Mabini, Pangasinan, Philippines. Their plan to return to Denver was delayed. When World War II started, the Gallas were stuck in the Philippines. During the war, they learned how to farm to survive. In 1943, Gloria's mother died after an accident. Her father decided that the family would stay in the Philippines for good. Gloria had three siblings who became successful: Louise became a nurse, Tito Galla (1935–1979) became a popular actor, and Gilbert became a doctor in the U.S.

Gloria went to Mabini Elementary School and Riverview High School in Mabini. She did not finish high school.

Starting Her Acting Journey

Romero with Dolphy in the 1954 film Dalagang Ilocana.

At age 11, Gloria Romero dreamed of becoming an actress. After leaving school, her family moved to Manila. With her father's permission, she tried to enter show business. She first appeared as an extra in the 1949 film Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod. She also had small roles in two other films.

Later, she moved to Sampaguita Pictures with help from her distant uncle, Nardo Rosales, who was a chief editor there. She continued to appear as an extra in several more films. Finally, Gloria got her first supporting role in Madame X (1952). She then played a main character in Palasig alongside Cesar Ramirez.

After her breakthrough role in Monghita (1952), she started to gain many fans. In 1953, she starred in the hit film Cofradia with Ramon Revilla. Her films also helped launch the careers of actors like Lolita Rodriguez and Luis Gonzales.

In 1954, she won her first acting award at the FAMAS Awards for her role in Dalagang Ilocana. This was special because it was the first time an actress from a comedy film won this award. That same year, she starred in another popular film, Kurdapya.

Becoming a Superstar

By 1957, Gloria Romero had starred in 24 films, all of which were very successful. They were hits not just in the Philippines but also across Asia. According to Graphic Kislap Magazine, three of her movies were among the highest-earning films of 1957. Sino Ang May Sala was number one, Hongkong Holiday was number two, and Paru-Parong Bukid was number three.

In September 1960, Gloria Romero married fellow actor Juancho Gutierrez. Their wedding was a big event, called the "Wedding of the Year." It was covered by radio, newspapers, and magazines.

Gloria also became a popular model for advertisements. She was one of the first people to endorse Coca-Cola in the Philippines, after General Douglas MacArthur. She also promoted other products like Talon Zipper, Dari-Crème, and Camay beauty soaps.

Taking on New Roles and TV

Gloria Romero saw her 1984 film Condemned as a turning point. After this movie, she was not afraid to play challenging characters. Her performance earned her a nomination for FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress.

In 1987, she played a complex character in the film Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?. This role won her a Best Supporting Actress award at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies. The next year, she was part of the cast of Ishmael Bernal's Nagbabagang Luha. Critics praised her acting, and she won another FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Gloria also started acting on television in the late 1980s. One of her first TV shows was the ABS-CBN comedy series Palibhasa Lalake. It was very popular and showed her in a different kind of role. She won a Best Comedy Actress award for it in 1988.

In 1989, Gloria appeared in another film with Nora Aunor, Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit. Her performance earned her another FAMAS Best Supporting Actress nomination. She continued to act in many films while also taking on TV roles. In 1990, she played the family leader Octavia in the drama film Kapag Langit ang Humatol. In 1996, she starred in the TV series Familia Zaragoza, followed by Labs Ko si Babe (1999). The latter was one of the longest-running romantic-comedy dramas on ABS-CBN.

Later Career and Recognition

In 1999, Gloria Romero played Lola Amor in the film Dahil May Isang Ikaw. Her role earned her an award from the Young Critics Circle. In 2000, she starred in Tanging Yaman. Her acting as a mother with Alzheimer's disease was highly praised by critics. She won "Best Actress" at the FAMAS Awards, Luna Awards, Gawad Urian Awards, and Metro Manila Film Festival. The film was also a huge success at the box office.

After Tanging Yaman, she starred in another hit film, Bahay ni Lola (2001), which was also very successful. In 2002, she was the main star in the film Singsing ni Lola. It was one of the most expensive horror films in the country. That same year, she played Lola Barbie in the TV comedy OK Fine, 'To Ang Gusto Nyo!.

In 2003, Gloria starred in the independent film Magnifico. It received great reviews, and she won "Best Supporting Actress" at the 27th Gawad Urian Awards. At this event, she also received a lifetime achievement award for her contributions to Philippine cinema. The Department of Education supported the film, and it was named one of the top ten best films of the decade. In 2004, she worked on the film Beautiful Life, earning a "Best Supporting Actress" nomination.

In 2006, she appeared in Moments of Love. She also acted in other films like Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! (2007) and Paupahan (2008). In 2009, she starred in Fuchsia and won an award for Best Performance. She also reunited with Dolphy and Eddie Garcia in Nobody, Nobody But... Juan.

On TV, she continued to make special appearances and play supporting roles in shows like May Bukas Pa (2009) and Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo (2010).

Later Years

Romero at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival

After 15 years with ABS-CBN, Gloria Romero moved to GMA Network in 2011 for her first show, Munting Heredera. This series was very popular and was extended because of its success. In 2012, she received the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television.

The next year, she starred in the series Forever. In 2014, she was cast in the series Niño, which also had high ratings. She played supporting roles in other TV series like The Rich Man's Daughter (2015) and Meant to Be (2017). In 2017, she played Rosa Batungbakal in the film Ang Panday.

That same year, she was the main star of the fantasy TV show Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. This series won many awards. Gloria took a break from the show in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She made a special appearance in 2022 for the show's fifth anniversary.

In 2018, she starred in the family drama film Rainbow's Sunset. It was a part of the Metro Manila Film Festival and earned a lot of money. Gloria's performance was highly praised, and she won "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan and the MMFF. In 2019, she received the "Mga Natatanging Bituin ng Siglo" award for her important contributions to Philippine cinema.

To celebrate her 90th birthday, Gloria Romero made a public appearance at Sampaguita Studios in 2023. Many famous actors attended the event. She was also honored with a special tribute in February 2024.

Her Amazing Legacy

Romero, as depicted in a PhilPost commemorative post stamp

The Manila Times called Gloria Romero one of the most important people in the Philippine film industry. She was one of the last stars from the first Golden Age of Philippine cinema. She was the most successful and highest-paid leading actress of the 1950s. Critics have called her the longest-reigning Philippine movie queen because of her lasting popularity and great performances.

Jose Javier Reyes, who leads the Film Development Council of the Philippines, said that Gloria Romero perfectly defines what a Filipino movie queen is. He noted her professionalism and how she represents the best of Filipino cinema.

Often called the "Queen of Philippine Cinema," Gloria Romero is seen by many critics as one of the greatest Filipino actresses ever. Behn Cervantes, writing for Philippine Daily Inquirer, called her an "underrated dramatic actress." He said she set high standards in acting, always listening quietly and delivering her lines with ease and surprising depth. Laurice Guillen said she always looked forward to Gloria Romero's movies, calling her a truly great actress whose calm style is often overlooked. Writer Nestor Torre Jr. added that only an actress with Gloria's experience and sensitivity could handle the tough demands of roles like her performance in Tanging Yaman (2000).

Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News pointed out her "powerful screen presence" in the 2018 film Rainbow's Sunset. He said that just a sad look or a crack in her voice could make tears come to his eyes. He believes younger actresses still have a long way to go to reach her level of acting. Gloria Romero's films have also been recognized in other ways. Bahay ni Lola (2001) was listed as one of the "10 Most Unforgettable Pinoy Horror Films." Her scene with Nora Aunor in Condemned (1984) was included in a list of the "Top 10 Most Epic Dramatic Showdowns in Pinoy Movies."

Other Activities

In 1954, Gloria Romero won the title Miss Visayas. She also placed third runner-up at the National Fair. That same year, a theater group asked her to play the Blessed Virgin Mary in the play Martir Sa Golgota. The Archbishop of Manila approved this. The play was first shown during Holy Week and was attended by then-President Ramon Magsaysay. Gloria played the role again in 1955 and 1956.

In 2003, Gloria Romero, along with Pilita Corrales and Barbara Perez, became models for Ricky Reyes' beauty campaign called "Ganda ng Lola Mo" (Your Grandmother is Beautiful). She was the only person in her seventies at that time to have billboards all over EDSA, a major highway.

Personal Life

Marriage and Family

On September 24, 1960, Gloria Romero married fellow Sampaguita Pictures actor Juancho Gutierrez. Their wedding took place at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Gloria's white wedding gown was designed by National Artist for Fashion Ramón Valera. Many big stars from Sampaguita Pictures were part of the wedding party. The bridesmaids included Daisy Romualdez, Barbara Perez, Susan Roces, and Amalia Fuentes. The wedding was a huge event, covered by all major newspapers, magazines, and radio stations, and was called the "Wedding of the Year."

The couple had one daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, who briefly tried acting and later became a chef. Gloria also had a grandson, Chris Gutierrez, who was a former artist for Star Magic.

Caring for Her Husband

Gloria and Juancho separated after 12 years of marriage. Gloria did not marry again. In 2000, Juancho had a stroke that left him unable to move well. Gloria took care of him until his death in 2005.

Acting Credits

Some of Gloria Romero's most famous and 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 with then Film Development Council of the Philippines chairperson Mary Liza Diño in 2018.

Gloria Romero received many awards for her acting. At 85, she became the oldest woman to win Best Actress at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. She won three FAMAS Awards: Best Actress for Dalagang Ilocana (1954) and Tanging Yaman (2000); and Best Supporting Actress for Nagbabagang Luha (1988).

She also won two Gawad Urian Awards: Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Best Supporting Actress for Magnifico (2003). She received three 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).

Gloria Romero received three Luna Awards from the Film Academy of the Philippines. She won Best Actress for Tanging Yaman and Best Supporting Actress for Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? and Magnifico. She also won two PMPC Star Awards for Movies for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987) and Tarima (2010). For her role in the TV show Palibhasa Lalake (1987), she won Best Comedy Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. She also gained international recognition for her role in Rainbow's Sunset, winning two International Film Festival Manhattan Awards for Best Actress and Best Ensemble Acting.

Special Honours

Death

Gloria Romero passed away on January 25, 2025, at 91 years old. Her wake was held in Quezon City.

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan announced a three-day mourning period to honor Gloria Romero. She said that Manila was thankful to Gloria Romero for being a guiding star in Filipino performing arts, culture, and family values. Many people in the entertainment industry also paid tribute to her. Media executive Charo Santos-Concio wrote that "Tita Glo" (Auntie Glo) made everyone feel important and respected. She treated every role with great care.