Susan Roces facts for kids

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Quick facts for kids Susan Roces
Susan in a postage stamp of the PhilPost
Born	Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora (1941-07-28)July 28, 1941 Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Commonwealth of the Philippines
Died	May 20, 2022(2022-05-20) (aged 80) San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines
Resting place	Manila North Cemetery, Manila, Philippines
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1952–2022
Spouse(s)	Fernando Poe Jr. ​ ​ (m. 1968; died 2004)​
Children	Grace Poe (adopted daughter)
Relatives	Rosemarie Sonora (sister) Sheryl Cruz (niece)

Susan Roces, whose real name was Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora-Poe (born July 28, 1941 – died May 20, 2022), was a famous Filipino actress. People often called her the "Queen of Philippine Movies." She was married to another well-known actor, Fernando Poe Jr..

Susan Roces acted in more than 130 movies and TV shows. She won many awards, including five FAMAS Awards. Two of these were for Best Actress, showing how talented she was. She also received a Lifetime Achievement Award for her long career in Philippine cinema. In 2005, she was honored on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.

Later in her career, Susan Roces became very popular for playing "Lola Flora" in the TV series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano. She was part of the show from its start in 2015 until she passed away in 2022. Before her death, the Philippine Post Office even released a special stamp to honor her.

Susan Roces' Early Life and School

Susan Roces was born on July 28, 1941, in Bacolod, Negros Occidental. Her birth name was Jesusa Purificacion Levy Sonora. Her parents were Jesus Tonggoy Sonora and Purificacion Levy.

She finished high school at La Consolacion College (LCC) in Bacolod in 1956. During her time there, she decided she wanted to be an actress. Her teacher, Luisa Medel, saw her talent in speaking and acting. She told Susan to study acting in college. After high school, Susan Roces moved to Manila to follow this advice.

Susan Roces' Personal Life

Susan Roces married Fernando Poe Jr. on December 25, 1968. Their wedding was held in Greenhills, San Juan del Monte. They adopted a daughter named Grace Poe, who is now a Senator. Susan Roces also had a sister named Rosemarie Sonora.

Susan Roces strongly supported her husband when he ran for president in 2004. Sadly, he passed away in December 2004. After the election, Susan Roces believed that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo had won unfairly. In June 2005, she asked President Arroyo to step down.

In 2007, ABS-CBN Corporation bought the rights to Fernando Poe Jr.'s movie collection. Susan Roces signed the contract, with ABS-CBN leaders and her daughter Grace Poe present. Later that year, ABS-CBN aired a special show about Fernando Poe Jr. Susan Roces shared stories about their life together in this special. She also spoke the Hiligaynon language.

Susan Roces' Acting Career

Susan Roces with Eddie Gutierrez in 1966

Susan Roces started acting when she was a child. Her first movie was Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan in 1952, when she was 11 years old. In 1956, she visited Sampaguita Pictures to meet her favorite actress, Gloria Romero. The studio head, Jose Perez, immediately offered Susan a movie contract.

Her first main role was in the movie Boksingera. She also starred in many other famous Filipino films. Some of these include Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965), Gumising Ka Maruja (1967), and Patayin Mo Sa Sindak Si Barbara (1974). She also appeared in Maligno and Mano Po 2: My Home (2003).

Susan Roces won five FAMAS Awards during her career. Two of these were for Best Actress, showing her great talent. She also appeared in commercials for popular brands like Coca-Cola and Lux.

Susan Roces' Television Roles

Susan Roces acted in two episodes of the drama series Maalaala Mo Kaya. She also hosted parts of Sineserye Presents: The Susan Roces Cinema Collection (2008–2009). In this series, she played "Amanda" in the TV version of Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara.

She was "Lola Aura" in Iisa Pa Lamang (2008). She also made guest appearances in May Bukas Pa (2009) and 100 Days to Heaven (2011). She played the main role of "Helena" in the TV5 drama series Babaeng Hampaslupa.

Susan Roces became well-known to new audiences as "Lola Henya" in Walang Hanggan (2012). She worked with actors like Coco Martin and Julia Montes in this show. Walang Hanggan was a huge success. Her role earned her a nomination for Best Drama Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for TV.

She worked again with Julia Montes in Muling Buksan ang Puso (2013). She also appeared with Coco Martin in a Christmas episode of Wansapanataym in 2013. Later, she co-starred as "Ruth" in Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon (2014).

Her last TV role was as "Lola Flora" in FPJ's Ang Probinsyano (2015). This show was based on her late husband's movie. It became the longest-running Philippine drama series ever. She played the grandmother of the main characters, Ador de Leon and Cardo Dalisay. She was part of the show for six years until her death in 2022.

Susan Roces' Passing

Tomb of Roces and her husband Fernando Poe Jr. at the Manila North Cemetery on November 1, 2022

Susan Roces passed away on May 20, 2022, at 80 years old. She died because of heart failure. The day before, she was taken to the hospital due to chest pain and trouble breathing. Her daughter, Grace Poe, mentioned that her mother was already old.

Both the Senate and the House of Representatives honored her contributions. There was also a proposal to give her the National Artist of the Philippines Award after her death. Susan Roces was buried next to her husband, Fernando Poe Jr., at the Manila North Cemetery.

Filmography

Television

Film

Awards and Nominations