Gloria Romero (December 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025) was an American-born Filipino actress who appeared in around 300 film and television productions throughout her career that spanned seven decades. She began appearing as a background actor in the late 1940s until her first major film part in Madame X (1952). Her major breakthrough came later that year with starring roles in Monghita and Palasig. She steadily gained fame and success in the succeeding years and expanded her work to radio and theater. According to St. Petersburg Times, her films during the first Golden Age of Philippine cinema were all commercially successful throughout Asia.
From 1950s to 1960s, Romero achieved great success at the box-office through her starring roles in romantic comedies, films based on comic strips and remakes of pre-war musical films: Cofradia (1953), Pilya (1954), Musikong Bumbong (1954), Dalagang Ilocana, where she won the FAMAS Award for Best Actress, Kurdapya (both in 1954), Despatsodora (1955), Mariposa (1955), Vacacionista (1956), Miss Tilapya (1956), Hongkong Holiday (1957), Sino ang Maysala?, which was the highest grossing film of 1957 in the Philippines, Paru-parong Bukid (1957), Alaalang Banal (1958) and Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959) for which she earned FAMAS Award for Best Actress nominations, Hani-hanimun (1961), Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), and Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969).
She continued playing lead and supporting roles of varying genres in the following years: For You, Mama (1970), Lumuha Pati Mga Anghel, Nardong Putik (both in 1972), Lipad, Darna, Lipad!, Pepeng Agimat (both in 1973), Karugtong ang Kahapon (1975), Sakada (1976), Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? (1982) and Exploitation (1983). She received critical praise for her performances in Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988) and Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989). In 1987, she ventured television through the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake and simultaneously appeared in a number of film and television productions in the 1990s, such as Familia Zaragoza (1996) and Labs Ko Si Babe (1999).
Romero's career saw a resurgence in the early 2000s with starring roles in the blockbusters Tanging Yaman (2000) and Bahay ni Lola (2001). She began appearing more often in a number of television series in the succeeding years and earned recognition for her roles in I Think I'm in Love (2002), Magnifico (2003), Fuchsia (2009), Tarima (2010) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018), where she won Best Actress at the International Film Festival Manhattan and Metro Manila Film Festival. From 2017 to 2020, she presented the fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko. The films she appeared in have reportedly generated billions throughout her career, making her one of the highest grossing box office stars of all time.Box office figures are supported by available official reports: Tanging Yaman (2000) — ₱167 million: Bahay ni Lola (2001) — ₱100 million: Rainbow's Sunset (2018) — ₱50 million: Ang Panday (2017) — ₱379 million: Petrang Kabayo (2010) — ₱115.4 million: Let the Love Again (2005) — ₱106 million: Nobody, Nobody But... Juan (2009) — ₱31.9 million: Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973) — ₱8 million: Just One Summer (2012) — ₱6.1 million:
Film 1940s + Year Title Role Notes 1944Liwayway ng KalayaanBackground actor1949Ang Lumang Bahay sa Gulod
1950s + Year Title Role Notes 1951Prinsipe Don JuanBahay na TisaBernardo CarpioKasintahan sa PangarapKasaysayan ni Dr. Ramon SelgaPrinsesa at ang PulubiDugong BughawAnghel ng Pag-ibig1952RebeccaKerubinTulisang PugotBarbaroMadame XPalasigFlorindaMonghitaSiklab sa Batangas1953CofradiaCofradiaApat na TagaMay Umaga pang DaratingMister KasintahanHerculesRecuerdo1954Musikong BumbongPilyaDalagang IlocanaBidayAng Biyenang Hindi TumatawaTriningAnak sa PanalanginNita/LitaKurdapya1955ArtistaMariposaMariposaDespatsodoraHindi Basta-bastaHootsy KootsyBim Bam Bum1956VacacionistaTeresaTeresaSeñoritaMiss TilapiaPagdating ng Takipsilim1957Hongkong HolidayAnaSino ang Maysala?GloriaColegialaEternallyParu-parong BukidMga Anak ng Diyos1958Mga Reyna ng VicksLuisa EstrellaBelovedMga Kwento ni Lola BasyangSegment: "Ang Prinsesang Naging Pulubi"Dewey BoulevardAlaalang BanalPagodaPalaboy 1959 Kahapon Lamang Wedding Bells Ikaw ang Aking Buhay Pangarap Ko'y Sa'yo Lamang Pitong Pagsisisi Sa Libis ng Nayon Vicky
1960s + Year Title Role Notes 1960 Lawiswis Kawayan Lupa sa Lupa Sumpaan NatinPagpatak ng Ulan7 AmoresAng Inyong Lingkod, Gloria Romero 1961 Alyas Sakay Apat Na Yugto ng Buhay Hani-hanimun SerenataMother Dearest 1962 Mga Anak ng Diyos Tugtuging Bukid Hampaslupang Anghel Nagbalik na Kahapon 1963 Esperanza at Caridad Haliging Bato Dance-O-Rama Sinisinta Kita Ikaw at Ikaw RinAnak, Ang Iyong Ina 1964Ang Rosaryo at ang Tabak Fighting Warays sa Ilokos Jukebox Jamboree Show of Shows Mga Kanyon ng Corregidor 1965 Iginuhit ng Tadhana (The Ferdinand E. Marcos Story) Imelda Marcos Eskuwelahang Munti Paano Kita Lilimutin Alaala ng Lumipas Hamon sa Kampeon Kung Wala na ang PagibigBakit Kita Iibigin? 1966Miranda: Ang Lagalag na Sirena Pitong Gabi sa Hong Kong Bakit Pa Ako Isinilang?Sabado ng Gabi, Linggo ng UmagaTill The End of TimeHuwag Kang SumingitPaano Kita Lilimutin 1967Hinango Kita sa Lusak Anong Ganda MoKaibigan kong Sto. NiñoMartaLove, This is My SongBukod Kang PinagpalaSomewhere, My LoveDalawang Mukha ang Pag-ibigNag-aapoy na Dambana 1968De Colores Liku-likong Landas Kamatayan Ko ang Ibigin KaBatang Muntinlupa 1969Paula Patria Adorada: Dugo ng Bayani Pinagbuklod ng LangitImelda MarcosDanny BoySister Flora
1970s + Year Title Role Notes 1970Haydee For You, MamaLord Forgive Me 1971Robina Auring Lumuha Pati Mga AnghelTinay Pagdating sa Dulo DaluyongAvenida BoyBanal na Pag-ibigKung Anong Puno, Siyang Bunga 1972Nardong Putik My Blue HawaiiDestiny of the Living Dead Just Married, Do Not Disturb 1973Lipad, Darna, Lipad! Pepeng Agimat Fight Batman Fight! Anak ng AswangCofradia1974Bandila ng MagigitingAng Bituin at ArawHuwag Tularan: Pito ang Asawa Ko Shazam Boom1975The WitchNakakahiya? Karugtong ang KahaponSan Simeon Niño Valiente Ang Kailangan Ngayon ng Daigdig ay Pag-ibig Happy Days Are Here Again 1976 SakadaDoña Consuelo Montemayor Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? Makahiya at Talahib Aling Idad Isinumpa Daigdig ng Lagim Ligaw Tingin, Halik HanginHindi Nakakahiya Part II 1978 Nasa Lupa ang Langit at ImperynoIsang Ama Dalawang Ina 1979 Bakit May Putik ang Bulaklak? Biyak na Manyika
1980s + Year Title Role Notes 1980 Kasal? Elisa 1981Kamay ni Hilda1982 Mother Dear ElenaJust Say You Love Me Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? 1983 To Mama with Love AmeliaKickouts: The Inside Story Exploitation VirginiaHulaGuest appearance 1984 Condemned Connie Teenage Marriage Mrs. Alonzo Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap Minda Acuesta Bulaklak sa City Jail Patricia's mother Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday Ilocano Manang Biday Dear Mama Sinner or Saint 1985 Hindi Nahahati ang Langit Agnes Grivas Inday Bote Mrs. Salameda Miguelito: Batang Rebelde Kay Dali ng Kahapon, Kay Bagal ng Bukas Mga Kwento Ni Lola BasyangLilac, Bulaklak sa Magdamag 1986 Payaso 1987 Alabok sa Ulap Mona Abad Once Upon a Time Reyna Kamkam Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? Carmen Bloody Mary: The Movie 1988 Paano Tatakasan ang Bukas? Rodora Garcia Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Esperanza / Panchang Nagbabagang Luha Mrs. Imelda Montaire Kapag Napagod ang Puso Sandakot na Bala Elena Lord, Bakit Ako Pa? Nasaan Ka, Inay Mrs. Isabel Villarama 1989 Huwag Kang Hahalik sa Diablo Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit Doña Martina Santos Kung Maibabalik Ko Lang Gemma Impaktita Roselia Oras-oras, Araw-araw Si Aida, si Lorna, o si Fe Tita Chuchi Lady L. Doña Amanda
1990s + Year Title Role Notes 1990 Bakit Ikaw Pa Rin? Cora Tayo Na sa Dilim Fe Vallejo Kapag Langit ang Humatol Doña Octavia I Have 3 Eggs Donya Concha Kahit Isumpa Mo Ako Atorni Agaton (Abogadong de Kampanilya) My Other Woman 1991 Kislap sa Dilim Adela Dinampot Ka Lang sa Putik Katabi Ko'y Mamaw Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntilupa Ang Siga at ang Sosyal Makiusap Ka sa Diyos Doña Encarnacion Aguirre vda. de Leveriza Disgrasyada 1992 Alabang Girls Doña Consuelo Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal 1993 Pulis Patola Ayaw Ko Ng Mangarap Azul 1994 Kadenang Bulaklak Mrs. Doctolero Forever Sana'y Laging Magkapiling 1995 Ikaw Pa... Eh Love Kita! Mrs. Samonte Rollerboys Lola Martha Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi Mrs. Carillo Sana Dalawa ang Puso Ko Rose 1996 A. E. I. O. U. Lola Julia Ang Misis Kong Hoodlum Olympia Rubberman Madam Rita 1997 Takot Ako sa Darling Ko! Doña Medusa Laging Naroon Ka Do Re Mi Reggie's grandma 1999 Dahil May Isang Ikaw Lola Amor Maldita Letty
2000s + Year Title Role Notes 2000 Tanging Yaman Dolores "Lola Loleng" Rosales The film has reportedly grossed ₱167 million at the box-office. Daddy O, Baby O! Brenda 2001 Bahay ni Lola Lola With ₱100 million total earnings, Bahay ni Lola was the highest-grossing entry at the 2001 Metro Manila Film Festival. American Adobo Gerry's mom Bakit 'Di Totohanin Lola Eping Narinig Mo na Ba ang L8est? 2002 Singsing ni Lola Lola I Think I'm In Love Amor Cass & Cary: Who Wants to Be a Billionaire? Donya Gracia Imperial 2003 Magnifico Lola Magda Spirit Warriors: The Shortcut Red's grandmother 2004 Beautiful Life Magda Annie B. Lola Karay 2005 Bahay ni Lola 2 Amelia Go Let the Love Begin Lola Shake, Rattle & Roll 2k5 Lola Episode: "Poso" 2006 Moments of Love Rosa Santos/Old Divina Tulay I Wanna Be Happy Mameng Domingo 2007 Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! Lola Ida M.O.N.A.Y (Misteyks Obda Neyson Address Yata) ni Mr. Shooli 2008 Paupahan Gloria 2009 Nobody, Nobody But... Juan Aida Tarot Lola Auring Kamoteng Kahoy Lola Idang Fuchsia Mameng
2010s + Year Title Role Notes 2010 Petrang Kabayo Lola Idang Tarima Lola Imang 2012 Just One Summer Lola Meding Reyes 2013 Alfredo S. Lim (The Untold Story) Lola Flora 2017 Carlo J. Caparas' Ang Panday Rosa Batungbakal 2018 Rainbow's Sunset Sylvia Estrella
Television + Year Title Role Notes 1986 Mansyon 1987–1998 Palibhasa Lalake Minerva Chavez 1992 50 Carats, O Di Ba? 1993 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bola Cita 1995 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Alampay Pacita 1996–1997 Familia Zaragoza Doña Amparo Zaragoza 1997 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Agiw Polly 1999–2001 Labs Ko Si Babe Aurora Mabuenas 2001–2003 Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan Carmela Estocapio 2002–2006 OK Fine, 'To Ang Gusto Nyo! Lola Barbie 2003–2004 Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas Doña Valeria Valencia 2005–2006 Mga Anghel na Walang Langit Doña Elena 2006 Crazy for You Star Magic Presents: Tender Loving Care Lola Coring Komiks Presents: Momay Ana 2006–2007 Da Adventures of Pedro Penduko Lola Maria Penduko 2007 Pedro Penduko at ang mga Engkantao 2007–2008 Lastikman Amon Labao 2008 Maalaala Mo Kaya (Singsing Episode) Etrona Palos Alfonsina Riviera 2008–2009 I Love Betty La Fea Doray 2009 Nasaan Ka Maruja? Lola Rosing Rivera May Bukas Pa Aling Soledad 2010 Kokey @ Ako Barbara "Madam Barbra" Reyes Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo Barbara De Jesus Your Song Presents: My Last Romance Rose Suarez 2011 100 Days to Heaven Lola Pilar Salviejo Spooky Nights: Singil Linda Rodriguez Andres de Saya Coring "Mama Coring" Golpe de Oro 2011–2012 Munting Heredera Doña Anastacia "Ana" Montereal-Lobregat 2012–2013 Cielo de Angelina Sor Margaret 2012 Makapiling Kang Muli Señora Soledad Vda. de Silvestre-Caballero 2013 Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas Doña Cristina Alperos Sarap Diva Herself One Day Isang Araw Grandma Gracia Forever Doña Adora Del Prado 2014 Niño Lola "V" Violeta 2014–2016 The Half Sisters Elizabeth McBride 324 episodes 2015 Kalyeserye Doña Paquita Beveliana Zobeyala / Tiya Bebeng The Rich Man's Daughter Cecilia "Ama" Tanchingco 2016 Juan Happy Love Story Imelda "Mameng" Valencia-Dela Costa 2017 Meant to Be Madonna 'Lola Madj' Sta. Maria 2017–2020, 2022 Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko Gloria "Lola Goreng" Espino 2017–2018 Kambal, Karibal Anicia Enriquez 2017 Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special Herself
Selected radio appearances