Dindo Fernando (born Jose Tacorda Chua Surban; November 19, 1940 – August 27, 1987) was a Filipino film and television actor. He began his career as a matinee idol associated with Sampaguita Pictures and its group of performers known as “Stars ’66”, before becoming known principally for dramatic roles. His performance in Ikaw at ang Gabi received the Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor, while his role in Langis at Tubig earned Best Actor awards from the Metro Manila Film Festival and the FAMAS Awards.
Early life and education Fernando was born Jose Tacorda Chua Surban on November 19, 1940, in Virac, Catanduanes. A 2020 profile in The Philippine Star identified his home community as Salvacion in Virac.
He attended the Colegio de San Juan de Letran, Far Eastern University and the University of the East. According to a retrospective published by The Philippine Star, he completed a Master of Business Administration degree at the University of the East.
Career During the 1960s, Fernando was one of the performers promoted by Sampaguita Pictures as “Stars ’66”. The group also included Gina Pareño, Rosemarie Sonora, Pepito Rodriguez, Ramil Rodriguez, Bert Leroy Jr., Loretta Marquez and other young contract performers. Among Fernando's more serious films for the studio was 4 ang Anak ni David, in which he appeared with Eddie Garcia, Luis Gonzales, Eddie Gutierrez and Bert Leroy Jr.
After becoming a freelance actor, Fernando concentrated on dramatic films. His credits included Ikaw at ang Gabi, Langis at Tubig, Mortal, Init sa Magdamag, Baby Tsina, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan? and Muling Buksan ang Puso. He received the Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Ikaw at ang Gabi.
Fernando played Bobby Jarlego in the 1980 marital drama Langis at Tubig, directed by Danny Zialcita. The role earned him Best Actor at the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival and a FAMAS Award for Best Actor.
On television, Fernando was known for portraying Major Leo Alicante, the father of the title character played by Janice de Belen, in the RPN drama series Flordeluna. He also appeared with Tony Santos Sr. in The Dindo–Tony Show. A 2013 retrospective in the Philippine Daily Inquirer described Fernando as the most successful male dramatic actor to emerge from the Stars ’66 group and noted his extensive work on Flordeluna.
Death Fernando died on August 27, 1987, at the age of 46.
Selected filmography The following is a selection of Fernando's film credits. YearFilm1970Guerilla Strike Force1972Black Mama, White Mama1974Fe, Esperanza, Caridad1977Pacific Inferno1978Bomba Star1979Ikaw at ang Gabi1980Langis at Tubig1981Mahinhin vs. Mahinhin1982Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?1983Init sa MagdamagNagalit ang Buwan sa Haba ng Gabi1984Baby Tsina1985Muling Buksan ang Puso1986Magdusa Ka!Gabi Na, Kumander1987Alabok sa Ulap
Accolades YearAwardCategoryWorkResult1980Gawad Urian AwardsBest Actor 1980Metro Manila Film FestivalBest ActorLangis at Tubig| 1981FAMAS Awards
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