Filipino actors who were born in 1947
Here are 7 famous actors from Philippines were born in 1947:
Raul Aranas
Raul Aranas (October 1, 1947 Manila-) also known as Raul Arañas is a Filipino actor.
He began his career as an actor in the Philippines before moving to the United States in the late 1970s. Arañas has appeared in numerous stage productions on and off Broadway, including the original production of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Pacific Overtures." He is also known for his film and television work, with credits including "The King and I," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," and "Madam Secretary." Additionally, Arañas is an accomplished playwright, having written several plays that have been produced both in the Philippines and the United States. He continues to work in the entertainment industry and is regarded as one of the most accomplished Filipino actors of his generation.
Arañas was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and graduated from the University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Psychology. He initially pursued a career in advertising before transitioning to acting. In the Philippines, he starred in a number of television shows and films, including "Cherubim," "Damong Ligaw," and "Gamu-gamo sa Dilim."
In 1978, Arañas moved to the United States and began his theater career in New York City. He made his Broadway debut in "The King and I" in 1979 and went on to perform in productions of "Miss Saigon," "The Threepenny Opera," and "The King and I" revival. He also appeared in the 1991 film adaptation of "The King and I," starring Jodie Foster.
Arañas is particularly known for his work in Stephen Sondheim's musicals, having appeared in the original production of "Pacific Overtures" in 1976, as well as in revivals of "Company" and "Into the Woods."
Aside from acting, Arañas is also a prolific playwright. His works include "Flower Drum Song: The Legacy," "Perlas ng Silangan," and "Below the Beltway." Several of his plays have been produced in New York and in the Philippines, including a 2015 production of "Paper Dolls" at the Luna Stage theater in West Orange, New Jersey.
Throughout his career, Arañas has been recognized for his contributions to the theater and entertainment industry. In 2003, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine American Congress for his achievements in theater and the arts.
Ricky Belmonte
Ricky Belmonte (December 24, 1947 Tondo-October 3, 2001 Parañaque) also known as Jesse Cruz was a Filipino actor. He had three children, Sheryl Cruz, Patrick Sonora and Renzo Cruz.
Ricky Belmonte started his career as a child actor in the 1950s and later became a popular leading man in Philippine cinema in the 1970s and 80s. He starred in films such as "Santiago!" and "Ang Lalaki...Ang Alamat...Ang Baril" in the 1980s. He also appeared in several television shows and variety programs throughout his career.
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Belmonte was known for his philanthropic efforts. He was actively involved in charitable organizations and helped raise funds for the benefit of underprivileged communities in the Philippines.
Belmonte passed away on October 3, 2001, at the age of 53 due to cardiac arrest. His contributions to Philippine cinema and his altruistic endeavors have left a lasting impact on the industry and the people he helped through his philanthropy.
In addition to his acting career and philanthropic efforts, Ricky Belmonte was also a well-known businessman in the Philippines. He owned several successful companies and became known for his entrepreneurship and business acumen. In the later years of his life, he invested in real estate and became a prominent figure in the industry. Despite his success, however, Belmonte remained humble and dedicated to helping others, using his wealth and influence to give back to his community. His legacy continues to inspire many Filipinos and his contributions to Philippine cinema, business, and philanthropy will not be forgotten.
Pepe Smith
Pepe Smith (December 25, 1947 Angeles-) also known as Joseph William Feliciano Smith, Joey Smith, Joseph William Smith, Joey 'Pepe' Smith or Joey Pepe Smith is a Filipino guitarist, musician, actor, singer-songwriter, drummer and film score composer. He has five children, Queenie Smith, Sanya Smith, Beebop Smith, Desiderata Smith and Delta Smith.
Known as the "Father of Philippine Rock and Roll," Pepe Smith began his music career in the 1960s as the drummer of the Juan Dela Cruz Band, which produced some of the most iconic rock songs in the country such as "Beep Beep," "Titser's Enemi No. 1," and "Himig Natin." After the band disbanded in the mid-1970s, he pursued a solo music career and became a sought-after songwriter for both Filipino and international artists. Smith also appeared in numerous Filipino films as an actor and scored music for several movies. Beyond his music and acting, Pepe Smith has delved into activism and environmental causes. He continues to perform and inspire younger generations of Filipino musicians.
Pepe Smith was born in Angeles, Pampanga in the Philippines on December 25, 1947, to a Filipino mother and an American soldier father. He started playing drums at a young age and later learned how to play the guitar. As a teenager, Smith moved to Manila to pursue a career in music, eventually joining the Juan Dela Cruz Band in the early 1970s.
Aside from his music and acting career, Pepe Smith has also been involved in various social and environmental causes. He has been an advocate for the protection of the environment, including the preservation of Philippine forests and the conservation of marine life. He was also a vocal supporter of the Philippine revolution in the 1980s and has been involved in various political and social movements throughout his career.
In recognition of his contributions to Filipino music and culture, Pepe Smith has received numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry and the Parangal Lingkod Sining Award from the City of Manila. Despite battling health issues in recent years, Pepe Smith continues to perform and inspire audiences with his music and activism.
Franco Guerrero
Franco Guerrero (February 3, 1947 Laguna-) a.k.a. Francisco Almodovar Liwanag, Chito Guerrero, Franco “Chito” Guerrero or Chito is a Filipino actor.
He started his career in the entertainment industry as a member of the prestigious Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) in the 1970s. Guerrero is known for his versatile acting skills, playing a variety of roles in films, television series, and stage productions. He has won several awards throughout his career, including a Best Actor award from the Metro Manila Film Festival for his performance in the film "Alipin ng Aliw". He has also worked as a director and writer, contributing to various TV shows, films, and theater productions. Guerrero is highly respected in the Philippine entertainment industry and is considered one of the country's finest actors.
Guerrero is particularly praised for his theatrical performances, which have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. He has performed in numerous plays throughout his career, including productions of "Macbeth," "Rizal X," and "Noli Me Tangere." In addition to his acting work, Guerrero is also a well-respected acting coach, and has taught at several prestigious institutions, including the De La Salle University and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Outside of his work in the entertainment industry, Guerrero is also known for his advocacy work, particularly in the areas of education and human rights. He has been involved in a number of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities in the Philippines, and has been recognized for his contributions to these causes. Despite his long and successful career, Guerrero remains a humble and dedicated actor, and is widely regarded as a true icon of Philippine cinema and theater.
Ronaldo Valdez
Ronaldo Valdez (November 27, 1947 Manila-) also known as Ronald James Gibbs, Ronaldo Valdes, Ronaldo James Gibbs or Ronald Gibbs is a Filipino comedian and actor. He has two children, Janno Gibbs and Melissa Gibbs.
Valdez started his showbiz career in the 1970s as a member of the gag show "Champoy". He then appeared in various television programs and movies, showcasing his exceptional talent in comedy acting. Some of his notable films include "Buddy en Sol" (1972), "Bitayin si Baby Ama" (1976), and "Working Boys" (1985). Valdez has also received recognition for his dramatic performances and won the Best Supporting Actor award from Gawad Urian for his role in the film "Sana Maulit Muli" (1995). Apart from his acting career, Valdez also ventured into business and established his own production company. Despite his success and fame, Valdez keeps a low-profile and maintains a quiet personal life.
Valdez, who began his education at San Beda College, initially wanted to become a lawyer but eventually pursued a career in show business. He rose to prominence as a member of the pioneering comedy group "The Bodabil Brothers". Apart from being an actor, Valdez is also a talented writer and director, having directed several films such as "Kambal Tuko" (1988) and "Anika Dolonius: Ama Ina Anak" (2019). In addition, he has also been a producer and has produced a variety of television programs and films. Valdez's contribution to the entertainment industry has been recognized by various award-giving bodies including the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). With over five decades in the industry, Valdez remains active and continues to appear in television shows and movies.
Willy Cruz
Willy Cruz (January 30, 1947 San Miguel, Manila-) also known as Willie Cruz or Wilfredo Buencamino Cruz is a Filipino film score composer, composer and actor.
He is best known for composing hit songs for various Filipino films and TV shows, including "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas," "Bituing Walang Ningning," and "May Minamahal." He has won numerous awards for his contributions to the music industry, including the Gawad Urian Award for Best Music in "Himala" and "Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin?"
Aside from his music career, Cruz has also appeared in several films and TV shows as an actor. He starred in the film "Bagets" and had supporting roles in "May Minamahal" and "Mga Anghel na Walang Langit." He also served as a judge on the show "Tawag ng Tanghalan" and was a mentor to young aspiring singers.
In addition to his accomplishments in the creative arts, Cruz is also a graduate of the University of the Philippines with a degree in Business Administration. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field of music and was awarded a lifetime achievement award by the Filipino Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (FILSCAP).
Cruz had a prolific career as a composer, with over 300 songs to his name. Some of his notable songs include "Kapantay Ay Langit," "Kumusta Ka," "Ikaw Lang ang Mamahalin," and "Paano na Kaya." He was also involved in the production of several critically acclaimed films, including "Himala," "Moral," and "Oro, Plata, Mata."
Aside from his work in the entertainment industry, Cruz was also a social activist and a devout Christian. He was known for his involvement in various charitable causes, including the Philippine Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. He also served as a worship leader at Victory Christian Fellowship and was instrumental in the establishment of the Music and Arts Ministry of the church.
Cruz passed away on April 16, 2017, at the age of 70, due to complications from diabetes. He was remembered by his colleagues and fans as a prolific musician, a dedicated servant of God, and a kind-hearted person who touched the lives of many.
Johnny Manahan
Johnny Manahan (February 11, 1947 Quezon City-) also known as Johnny L. Manahan or Mr. M is a Filipino film director, television director, actor and screenwriter.
He is best known as the founder and director of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, the talent management and training subsidiary of the media conglomerate. Manahan started his career in show business as an actor in the 1970s before transitioning to directing and producing. He has directed numerous Filipino TV dramas and variety shows and has been credited with discovering and launching the careers of many famous actors and actresses in the Philippines. In recognition of his contributions to the industry, Manahan has received several awards and honors, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Movie Press Club. He continues to work in the entertainment industry and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Philippine show business.
Manahan was born and raised in Quezon City, Philippines. He attended the University of the Philippines, where he studied theater arts. After graduation, he worked as a professional actor in various Filipino films and TV shows. It was during this time that he realized the potential of talent management and founded Star Magic in 1992.
Under his leadership, Star Magic has become one of the most successful talent agencies in the Philippines, representing some of the country's biggest celebrities. Manahan has been instrumental in launching the careers of stars such as Bea Alonzo, John Lloyd Cruz, and Kathryn Bernardo, among others.
Aside from his work at Star Magic, Manahan has also been a prolific director and producer of Filipino TV shows. He has directed some of the most successful dramas and entertainment shows in Philippine TV history, including "Maalaala Mo Kaya," "ASAP," and "The Voice of the Philippines."
Manahan's contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized by various award-giving bodies. In addition to his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Movie Press Club, he has also been awarded the Gawad Plaridel from the University of the Philippines and the Manuel L. Quezon Gawad Parangal from the Quezon City government.
Despite his success, Manahan remains humble and committed to his craft. He continues to work to discover and develop new talent in the Philippines, ensuring the sustainability of the industry for generations to come.