Mario Montenegro (born Roger Collin Macalalag; July 25, 1928 – August 27, 1988) was a Filipino actor and painter. He rose to stardom during the Golden Age of Philippine cinema as a heroic lead in historical and adventure films. He was dubbed "Brown Adonis" for his physique and portraying a number of culturally important Philippine figures, including Diego Silang, Andres Bonifacio, Macario Sakay, Ramon Magsaysay, Francisco Dagohoy, and Lapulapu.
Early life Montenegro was born in Pagsanjan, LagunaCCP Encyclopedia, p. 279
Montenegro was a Fine Arts student at the University of the Philippines upon the invasion of the Philippines by Japan during World War II. At the age of fourteen, he joined the armed resistance against the Imperial Japanese Army as a member of the Hunters ROTC guerilla unit. He was only sixteen when he, along with the Hunters ROTC, participated in the famed raid on the Japanese internment camp at Los Baños, Laguna on February 23, 1945. He received multiple medals for distinction before he rejoined civilian life in 1946.
Film career In 1949, Montenegro was cast in his first film role in the World War II drama Capas. The following year, he was cast by director Manuel Conde in his first leading role, in Apat na Alas (1950).
During the 1950s, Montenegro was among the mainstays of LVN Pictures studio headed by Doña Sisang de León. He was often cast in costume dramas and action films, dabbling occasionally in comedy roles. He portrayed heroic leads in such historical films as Dagohoy (1953), Lapulapu (1955), Kilabot ng Makiling (1959) and Alyas Sakay (1959). Throughout his career, Montenegro would be nominated for a total of three FAMAS acting awards, including two Best Actor nominations.
As he aged, Montenegro found himself cast in character roles. Among his more notable later roles was in Mike de Leon's Itim (1976), for which he received a Best Supporting Actor nomination from the Gawad Urian.
His last film was Madonna: Ang Babaeng Ahas, filmed in 1988, but it was released posthumously in 1991.
Political views Montenegro campaigned for Corazon Aquino and Salvador Laurel during the 1986 snap presidential election.
Death Montenegro died of a heart attack on August 20, 1988, in Manila, Philippines.
Legacy His surviving granddaughter Valeen Montenegro is also an actress following the footsteps of his legacy.
Filmography Year Title Role Notes 1949 Capas 1950 Apat Na Alas 1952 Correccional Armando Bathaluman Rodrigo de Villa 1953 3 Labuyo Sa Kuwintas ng Pasakit Makabuhay Based on the novel by M. S. Martin and S. G. Bautista (serialized in Liwayway) Luha at Musika Dagohoy Francisco Dagohoy 1954 Pasiya ng Langit Dambanang Putik 1955 Lapu-Lapu Lapu-Lapu Pilipino Kostum: No Touch! 1956 Ilaw sa Karimlan Ulilang Bituin Everlasting Medalyong Perlas Segment: "Sa Pusod ng Dagat" Among Tunay Higit sa Korong 1957 Walang Sugat Based on the zarzuela of the same name by Severino Reyes Topo-Topo Pintor Kulapol Nasaan Ka Irog 1958 Balae Rebelde Mario Ay, Pepita Casa Grande Segment: "Herederos" Venganza 1959 Cover Girl Amazona Teddy Kilabot sa Makiling Oscar/Kilabot Based on a novel (serialized in Liwayway) 1960 Ang Inyong Lingkod, Gloria Romero Segment: "Ang Buhay ng Tao'y Gulong ang Kabagay...." Limang Misteryo ng Krus Segment: "Koronang Tinik" Pagpatak ng Ulan Ginang Hukom Segment: "Case No. 3: 'Paglipas ng Dilim'" Gumuhong Bantayog 7 Amores Segment: "Igorot Story" 1961 Angelica 5 Yugto ng Buhay Segment: "Balatkayo" Dalawang Kalbaryo ni Dr. Mendez Alyas Sakay Ito Ba ang Aking Ina? Waldo Karugtong ng Kahapon 1962 Walang Susuko Capt. Bert Gabriel Labanan sa Balicuatro Apat Na Kilabot "Unang Handog" (initial offering) of LEA Productions Thor Thor Based on the comic of the same name (serialized in Liwayway) Jose Bandido Jose 1963 Mga Batong Hiyas Anak, ang Iyong Ina! Haliging Bato Ang Asawa Kong Barat Ang Manananggol ni Ruben 1964 Duwag ang Sumuko Based on the novel by Francisco V. Coching (serialized in Liwayway) Lalaine Mahal Kita 1965 Operation Manila 1966 Itinakwil Man Kita Totoy Bingi The Passionate Strangers Ito ang Dahilan! Ito ang Pilipino Rene 1968 Manila, Open City Mindanao Liku-likong Landas 1972 Poor Little Rich Girl 1976 Itim Dr. Torres 1977 Mga Bilanggong Birhen 1979 Isa para sa Lahat, Lahat para sa Isa 1980 4 Na Maria 1987 Pasan Ko ang Daigdig Ignacio Aboitiz, Jr. 1991 Madonna: Ang Babaeng Ahas Released posthumously
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