Mona Lisa (actress) facts for kids

Gloria Lerma Yatco (born June 22, 1922 – died August 25, 2019) was a famous actress from the Philippines. Most people knew her by her screen name, Mona Lisa. Before and during World War II, she was also known as Fleur de Lis. She was one of the most well-known Filipina actresses in the late 1930s and 1940s.

A Star's Journey: Mona Lisa's Acting Career

Mona Lisa started her acting journey in the 1930s. She became famous for her roles in many movies.

Early Career and Firsts

She starred with Ely Ramos in the movie Giliw Ko from LVN Pictures. In this movie, she made history. She was the first actress in a Filipino film to wear a bathing suit! This was a big deal at the time.

After World War II, she returned to acting. She used her new screen name, Mona Lisa. She played the main role in movies like Kalbario ng Isang Ina (1946) and Siyudad sa Ilalim ng Lupa (1949). She acted alongside other big stars like Teddy Benavidez and Fernando Royo.

Working with Top Actors

Mona Lisa worked with many of the best Filipino actors of the 1940s. She starred with Ricardo Brillantes in Batang Lansangan. She also appeared in Pag-ibig at Patalim (1948) and Hanggang Langit (1947). In Hanggang Langit, she acted with Leopoldo Salcedo, who was known as "The Great Profile."

In the mid-1940s, she often worked with action and drama actor Fernando Poe. They made movies together like Intramuros (1946), The 13th Sultan, and Sagur (both in 1949).

Before the war, Mona Lisa also worked with Serafin Garcia in Tinangay ng Apoy (1940). She was also a second lead to Paraluman in a movie with Fernando Poe.

Later Roles and Awards

In 1952, Mona Lisa played a civilian affected by war in Ulila ng Bataan. She also acted in Buhay Alamang (Paglukso'y Patay) with Fred Montilla and Anita Linda.

After almost 20 years, she returned to movies in 1970. She continued acting and even won awards. She received a Best Supporting Actress Award for her role in Insiang. She won another Best Supporting Actress Award at the Metro Manila Film Festival in 1977. In Insiang, she played the mother of the main character, played by Hilda Koronel.

In the 1970s, she often played supporting roles. She acted with stars like Rio Locsin in Risa Jones: Showgirl! (1979). She also worked with Nora Aunor in Atsay (1978) and Vilma Santos in Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978). Her last movie, Mother Ignacia, came out in 1998. In this film, she played a nun.

In 2013, a book about her life was published. It was called Mona Lisa: A Portrait (From the Memoirs of a Grandmother). Her granddaughter wrote the book.

Awards and Recognition

Mona Lisa received several important awards for her acting.

• In 1983, she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Cain at Abel.
• In 1999, she won the Gawad Urian for Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors actors for their long and successful careers.
• In 2005, she also won a Lifetime Achievement Award from Gawad Lino Brocka.

Final Years

Mona Lisa passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 25, 2019. She was 97 years old. She had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease three years before her death. She died at her home in Manila.

Selected Filmography

See also

In Spanish: Mona Lisa (actriz) para niños