Here are 7 famous actors from Philippines were born in 1939:
Vic Vargas (March 28, 1939 Philippines-July 19, 2003 Pasay) also known as Jose Maria Marfori Asuncion, Victor Vargas, Pinggoy or Jose Maria Mafori Ascuncion was a Filipino actor.
He started his career in the entertainment industry in the early 1960s and became known for his roles in action films. Vargas was also a talented dancer and singer, having started out as a member of his school's choir.
Throughout his career, he starred in over 200 movies and television shows. Some of his most memorable films include "Geron Busabos: Ang Batang Quiapo," "Sino ang May Karapatan?," and "Sambahin ang Ngalan Mo."
Aside from acting, Vargas was also involved in politics. He served as a councilor of Makati City from 1992 to 1995 and was also appointed by former President Joseph Estrada as the Presidential Adviser for Northern Luzon.
Despite his success, Vargas' life was not without controversy. He was known for his hot temper and was involved in several fistfights and altercations throughout his career.
Vargas passed away on July 19, 2003, at the age of 64, due to complications from diabetes. He was survived by his wife, four children, and several grandchildren.
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Fernando Poe, Jr. (August 20, 1939 Manila-December 14, 2004 Quezon City) a.k.a. Da King, Ronwaldo Reyes, Ronnie, FPJ, Panday, Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, D'Lanor, R. Reyes, Ronald Allan Poe, King of Philippine Movies, F.P.J. or Ronald Allan Poe y Kelley was a Filipino politician, actor, film producer, film director and screenwriter. He had three children, Lovi Poe, Ronnian Poe and Grace Poe.
Fernando Poe Jr. was one of the most prominent actors in the history of Philippine cinema, appearing in over 300 films throughout his career. He began his acting career in the early 1950s and became a household name in the Philippines for his iconic roles in action movies such as "Ang Panday" and "Dito Sa Pitong Gatang". Poe was also a prolific film producer, director and scriptwriter. He established his own film production company, FPJ Productions, which produced many of the movies he starred in.
In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Poe also entered politics. He ran for President of the Philippines in the 2004 elections, but lost to incumbent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. His supporters claimed that the elections were rigged and challenged the results, but their protests were ignored by the government. Poe's sudden death later that year sparked widespread mourning and controversy, as many believed he was a victim of foul play.
Poe's legacy as an actor and cultural icon in the Philippines lives on today. His daughter Grace Poe, also a politician, has followed in his footsteps and is one of the most prominent lawmakers in the country.
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Lino Brocka (April 3, 1939 Pilar, Sorsogon-May 21, 1991 Quezon City) a.k.a. Lino Brocka Ortiz, Catalino Ortiz Brocka or Lino O. Brocka was a Filipino film director, screenwriter and actor.
Considered as one of the greatest directors in the history of Philippine cinema, Lino Brocka directed over 60 films throughout his career, including some notable works such as "Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang" (You Were Weighed But Found Wanting), "Maynila sa mga Kuko ng Liwanag" (Manila in the Claws of Light), and "Insiang". He was also a vocal social activist and a critic of Ferdinand Marcos' government, which led him to be arrested and detained during the martial law era in the Philippines. In 1983, he was the first Southeast Asian filmmaker to be invited to the Cannes Film Festival, where his film "Bayan Ko: Kapit sa Patalim" (My Country: Hanging by a Thread) was screened. Brocka died in a car accident in 1991 at the age of 52, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence Philippine cinema today.
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George Estregan (July 10, 1939 Manila-August 8, 1999 Manila) a.k.a. Emilio Marcelo Ejercito, George St.Reagan, George Regan, George St. Reagan, Emilio Marcelo Ejercito, Jr., George Estregan, Sr., Emilio Ejercito, Jr., Jorge "George" Marcelo Ejercito, Jorge Marcelo Ejercito, Emilio Marcelo Estregan Jr. or George Ejercito was a Filipino actor. His children are called Gary Estrada, Gherome Ejercito, ER Ejercito, Maria Georgina Ejercito, Kurt Joseph Ejercito and George Gerald Ejercito.
Estregan was primarily known for his roles in action films and was labelled as the "King of Manila's action movies" during the 1970s and 1980s. He starred in more than 100 films throughout his career and was a popular figure in Philippine cinema. Aside from his acting career, Estregan also served in the political scene and was once the mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna from 1998 to 2000. He passed away at the age of 60 due to a heart attack.
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Bernard Bonnin (September 8, 1939 Himamaylan-November 21, 2009 Quezon City) a.k.a. Bernard Bodine, Bernard Bonning or Bernard Manuel Iglesia Bonnin was a Filipino actor. He had seven children, J.C. Bonnin, Charlene Gonzales, Gabriel Bernard Bonnin Llora, Melvin Bonnin, France Bonnin, Maria Antonia Bonnin and Richard Bonnin.
Bernard Bonnin started his acting career as a child star in the movie "Dakilang Punglo" in 1957. He then went on to appear in various films and television shows such as "Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday", "Oo na... Mahal na kung mahal", and "Batya't Palu-Palo". Aside from acting, he was also a successful businessman and owned a popular restaurant in Quezon City. Bonnin was known for his versatility in portraying different roles, from drama to comedy. He was posthumously awarded the Best Supporting Actor award at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television for his role in the TV series "Iisa Pa Lamang".
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Agapito Aquino (May 20, 1939 Manila-) a.k.a. Agapito Aquino Aquino, Butz Aquino, Agapito 'Butz' Aquino, Butch Aquino or Agapito A. Aquino is a Filipino actor and politician. He has two children, Jackie M. Aquino and Bobby M Aquino.
Agapito Aquino is best known for his political career, having served as a Senator of the Philippines from 1987 to 1992. Prior to his political career, he was an accomplished actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows in the Philippines throughout the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. Aquino was also a prominent figure in the labor movement, advocating for workers' rights and serving as a member of the National Executive Board of the Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement). His legacy as a political figure and advocate for social justice is still celebrated in the Philippines today, and he continues to be remembered for his contributions to Filipino society.
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Fred Panopio (February 2, 1939 Nueva Ecija-April 22, 2010 Quezon City) a.k.a. Alfredo Panopio was a Filipino actor, singer and comedian. He had one child, Jennifer Panopio.
Fred Panopio became popular in the 1970s for his unique style in singing folk songs with a husky voice. He was one of the most recognized faces and voices among Filipino folk musicians. He was also known for his role as a comedian in various Filipino movies during the 1980s. In 1976, his song "Anak" became a huge hit and garnered him an international recognition. He received numerous awards including the Metro Pop Song Festival Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He continued to perform until his death in 2010.
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