Christopher Strauss de León (born October 31, 1956) is a

Philippine The Philippines (; fil, Pilipinas, links=no), officially the Republic of the Philippines ( fil, Republika ng Pilipinas, links=no), * bik, Republika kan Filipinas * ceb, Republika sa Pilipinas * cbk, República de Filipinas * hil, Republ ...

film actor An actor or actress is a person who portrays a character in a performance. The actor performs "in the flesh" in the traditional medium of the theatre or in modern media such as film, radio, and television. The analogous Greek term is (), lite ...

and politician. He is recognized as the “''King of Philippine Drama''” has appeared in over 120 films since the early 1970s. Regarded as an "acting genius" and one of the pillars of the industry, De Leon is a recipient of the prestigious “Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award” at the 27th PMPC Star Awards. He has won 7

FAMAS Awards The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (also known as the FAMAS Awards) are the annual honors given by the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), an organization composed of award-winning writers and movie columni ...

including five "Best Actor" wins and a Hall of Fame trophy. He has also won 2

Gawad Urian Awards The Gawad Urian Awards are annual film awards in the Philippines held since 1977. It is given by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP, "the Filipino Film Critics") and is currently regarded as the counterpart of the United States' New York Fi ...

, 4 FAP Awards and an MMFF Hall of Fame plaque. On June 30, 2010, he was sworn into office as the board member of the 2nd district of

Batangas Batangas, officially the Province of Batangas ( tl, Lalawigan ng Batangas ), is a province in the Philippines located in the Calabarzon region on Luzon. Its capital is the city of Batangas, and is bordered by the provinces of Cavite and La ...

Early life and education

De Leon is the son of Gil de León and

Lilia Dizon Claire Dizon Strauss (1928 – June 15, 2020) professionally known as Lilia Dizon was a Filipina actress active in the 1940s and 1950s. Personal life She was the only daughter of Regina Dizon, a Filipino, and Abraham "Abe" Strauss, an Ameri ...

. He is of

German Jewish The history of the Jews in Germany goes back at least to the year 321, and continued through the Early Middle Ages (5th to 10th centuries CE) and High Middle Ages (''circa'' 1000–1299 CE) when Jewish immigrants founded the Ashkenazi Jewish ...

descent from his maternal grandfather. On May 11, 1999, he was given a US Certificate of Citizenship. The U.S. Certificate of Citizenship says that the holder was a U.S. Citizen at birth. His citizenship was passed through his maternal grandfather and his mother. He studied fine arts at the

University of the East The University of the East ( fil, Pamantasan ng Silangan), also known as UE, is a leading private university located in Manila, Philippines. Founded in 1946, business tycoon Lucio Tan acquired the university in 1990. UE was once labeled as the ...

in Manila.

Acting career

In the 1980s to 1990s, he was part of the all-male show '' Goin' Bananas'' with veteran actors

Jay Ilagan Julius Abad Ilagan (January 20, 1955 – February 4, 1992) was a Filipino actor. He hosted ''Stop, Look and Listen'' and starred in ''My Son, My Son'' and '' Goin' Bananas'', and starred and participated in a number of movies. Born Julius Abad ...

and

Johnny Delgado Juan Marasigan Feleo (February 28, 1948 – November 19, 2009), better known as Johnny Delgado, was a Filipino television and movie actor, comedian, and writer. He is best known for his television work on the TV gag show ''Goin' Bananas''. Othe ...

and

Edgar Mortiz Edgardo Mortiz (born August 30, 1954) is a Filipino actor, comedian, singer and director who is currently affiliated with GMA Network and Brightlight Productions. He previously directed numerous shows under ABS-CBN, until its shutdown where he ...

. In September 1990, de Leon was reportedly cast in a film based on the song "Anak" by

Freddie Aguilar Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar (born February 5, 1953), better known as Freddie Aguilar or Ka Freddie Aguilar, is a Filipino folk musician. He is best known for his rendition of "Bayan Ko", which became the anthem of the opposition against the regi ...

. It would have been directed by Willy Milan, and starred Susan Lozada,

Orestes Ojeda Orestes Ojeda (January 3, 1956 − July 27, 2021) was a Filipino actor in movies and television. Career Born Luis C. Pagalilauan at Cagayan Valley, he was 17 years old when he was persuaded by director Joey Gosiengfiao to join show business. He ...

, and Dinah Dominguez in addition to de Leon, but the film went unreleased. In 2000, he hosted the first Philippine version of the quiz show ''

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'' (often informally called ''Millionaire'') is an international television game show franchise of British origin, created by David Briggs, Mike Whitehill and Steven Knight. In its format, currently owned and l ...

'' (also known as ''WW2BAM'') on

IBC IBC is an initialism that can stand for: Broadcasting *Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, Channel 13, Philippines * International Beacon Project, Worldwide network of radio propagation beacons *International Broadcast Centre *International ...

until 2002. In 2003–2004, he became part of GMA-7 primetime soap/television series ensemble '' Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw'' which became successful and continued with '' Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Pa Rin''. with fellow actors

Alice Dixson Alice Dixson (born Jessie Alice Dixson; ; July 28, 1969) or often misspelled Alice Dixon, is a Filipino American actress, commercial model, and former beauty queen. Biography Born to an American father and a Filipino mother, she was the Philipp ...

and

Lani Mercado Lani Mercado-Revilla (born Jesusa Victoria Garcia Hernandez; April 13, 1968) is a Filipino actress and politician serving as representative of Cavite's 2nd district, which comprises only the city of Bacoor, from 2010 to 2016. Personal life She ...

who he both starred in a 1992 film entitled ''My Other Woman'' with

Richard Gomez Richard Frank Icasiano Gomez (; born April 7, 1966) is a Filipino actor, television presenter and director, politician, and épée fencer. He has been serving as the Representative of Leyte's 4th district since 2022, and was mayor of Orm ...

. In 2005, he became part of the very successful television franchise of Mars Ravelo's ''

Darna Darna () is a Filipina superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. The character's first appearance was in ''Pilipino Komiks'' (Ace Publications, Inc.) #77 on May 13, 1950. Darna is a retooling of Ravelo's earlier cha ...

'' as Dr. Zombie. In 2006, he became part of the very successful primetime soap opera ''

Maging Sino Ka Man ''Maging Sino Ka Man'' (International title: ''More Than Love'' / ) is a 2006 Philippine melodrama romantic television series directed by FM Reyes Romilla Balmaceda and Mae Czarina Cruz-Alviar. The series stars John Lloyd Cruz, Bea Alonzo, Anne ...

'' with

John Lloyd Cruz John Lloyd Espidol Cruz (born June 24, 1983) is a Filipino actor, model and occasional TV host. He was a member of ABS-CBN's Star Magic, where he is an alumnus of Batch 5. He starred in the teen drama '' Tabing Ilog'', and is best known for his ...

and

Bea Alonzo Phylbert Angelli Ranollo Fagestrom (born October 17, 1987), professionally known as Bea Alonzo (), is a Filipino actress. Alonzo first gained recognition for the 2002 teleserye ''Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay''. She is best known for her portrayals ...

with

Sam Milby Samuel Lloyd Milby (; born May 23, 1984) is a Filipino American, Filipino-American actor, musician, guitarist, model, recording artist, and businessman. In 2005, Milby decided to seriously pursue a career in show business and modeling. Biograph ...

and

Anne Curtis Anne Curtis-Smith(; born 17 February 1985) is a Filipino-Australian actress, model, television host, entrepreneur and recording artist. She is dubbed as the "''Multimedia Superstar''" for her talent and influence. Curtis has received numerou ...

the series also continued after 6 months later with '' Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik'' the series ended successfully on March 28, 2008 after airing for 3 years. In 2007, he appeared in the pilot episode of the primetime series, '' Pangarap na Bituin''. In 2008, he was part of the ABS-CBN and double vision primetime series ''

Kahit Isang Saglit ''Kahit Isang Saglit'' (International title: ''A Time For Us'' / ) is a Filipino drama television series produced by ABS-CBN and Double Vision. It aired in the Philippines in primetime from Monday through Friday and was aired both in Malaysia and ...

'' with

Jericho Rosales Jericho Vibar Rosales (; born September 21, 1979), also known as Echo, is a Filipino actor. He is currently a freelance actor. Primarily a film and television actor, he is known by his stage name "Echo" cousin of Jefferson C. Rosales. He beg ...

Carmen Soo Soo Wai Ming (; born 14 October 1977), better known by her stage name Carmen Soo, is a Malaysian model and actress. Life and career Soo was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to a Chinese father and to a half-Chinese, half-British ...

Cristine Reyes Ara Cristine Pascual Klenk (born February 5, 1989), known professionally as Cristine Reyes, is a Filipino actress, model, dancer and endorser. She is often called as the "Ultimate Star" by the local media for her acting prowess and popularity. ...

Isabel Rivas Marilou Yap Gumabao (; born December 20, 1958), professionally known as Isabel Rivas () is a Filipino actress and businesswoman. She is the younger sister of former actor Dennis Roldan. Career She was introduced as a sexy nymphet in Celso Ad. C ...

and

Albert Martinez Alberto Pineda Martinez (born April 19, 1961), is a Filipino actor, director and producer. Early life He was born in Manila on April 19, 1961 to Bert Martinez, and Margarita Pineda. Career Martinez began as a film actor. He took his first te ...

. In 2009, he returned to GMA Network for 2 shows '' Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition'' and its Christmas special ''

Sana Ngayong Pasko ''Sana Ngayong Pasko'' (International title: ''A Christmas Hope'' / ) is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Mike Tuviera, it stars Susan Roces. It premiered on December 7, 2009 on the network's Telebaba ...

''. He was also part of ''

Lovers in Paris ''Lovers in Paris'' () is a 2004 South Korean television series starring Kim Jung-eun, Park Shin-yang and Lee Dong-gun. It aired on SBS from 12 June to 15 August 2004 on Saturdays and Sundays at 21:55 for 20 episodes. The series is the firs ...

''. In 2010, he was part of primetime fantasy television series ''

Panday Kids ''Carlo J. Caparas's Panday Kids'' (), or simply ''Panday Kids'', is a 2010 Philippine television drama fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is a television sequel to the 2009 film '' Ang Panday''. Directed by Mike Tuviera and Dom ...

'' and '' Ilumina''. In 2011, he was cast on afternoon shows such as ''

Bantatay ''Bantatay'' (International title: ''The Guardian'') is a Philippine television drama comedy fantasy series broadcast by GMA Network. The series was inspired by the 1995 Film ''Fluke'' and ''100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd''. Directed by Don Michae ...

'' and '' Captain Barbell'' on its comeback. He was also a guest on the long-running primetime television series of the year '' 100 Days to Heaven''. In the 4th quarter of 2011, he was part of the TV5 mini-TV series and political primetime drama ''

Sa Ngalan ng Ina ''Sa Ngalan ng Ina'' (English: ''In the Name of the Mother'') is a Filipino drama series by TV5. This is the first offering of TV5 Mini Serye which aired only for a month. It aired on October 3 after Wil Time Bigtime. Production Casting This m ...

'' with estranged wife and protagonist in the series Award Winning Actress Nora Aunor. In 2012, he was part of ABS-CBN's initial drama offering and Primetime TV Series '' Dahil sa Pag-Ibig'', with

and

Piolo Pascual Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual (, born January 12, 1977) is a Filipino film and television actor, singer, model, and producer. Early life Piolo Jose Nonato Pascual was born on January 12, 1977, in Ospital ng Maynila Medical Center located in Malat ...

. In 2013, he had a special participation in '' Muling Buksan Ang Puso'' as Anton "El Patron" Silvestre, he played the father of Leonel Beltran played by young actor

Enchong Dee Ernest Lorenzo Velasquez Dee (, born November 5, 1988), professionally known as Enchong Dee, is a Filipino actor, model, and swimmer. Dee is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic. He came to prominence after starring in his first major TV ...

. In 2014, de Leon starred in ''

The Legal Wife ''The Legal Wife'' is a 2014 Philippine drama television series directed by Rory B. Quintos and Dado C. Lumibao, starring Angel Locsin, Jericho Rosales, Maja Salvador and JC de Vera. The series aired on ABS-CBN's ''Primetime Bida'' evening bloc ...

'' with

Angel Locsin Angelica Locsin Colmenares (born April 23, 1985) is a Filipino actress and humanitarian. She is known for her dramatic roles and portrayals of heroines and mythological characters in film and television. She is a recipient of various accolades ...

and

, and later played as the older version of

Jake Cuenca Juan Carlos Cuenca (; born December 30, 1987) popularly known as Jake Cuenca is a Filipino-American actor and model. Born in San Jose, California and was raised in Manila, Philippines. He also played for United Football League Division 2 sides ...

's character in the second season of ''

Ikaw Lamang ''Ikaw Lamang'' (International title: ''No Greater Love'' / ) is a 2014 Philippine period drama television series, directed by Malu L. Sevilla and Avel E. Sunpongco, starring Kim Chiu and Coco Martin, together with an ensemble cast. The series wa ...

'' starring Kim Chiu and

Coco Martin Rodel Pacheco Nacianceno (born November 1, 1981), known professionally by his stage name Coco Martin (), is a Filipino actor, director, and film producer. He is best known for playing the lead roles in ''Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin'', '' Walang H ...

Acting and influences

He has won the

FAMAS The FAMAS (''Fusil d'Assaut de la Manufacture d'Armes de Saint-Étienne'', "Assault Rifle from the Saint-Étienne Weapon Factory") is a bullpup assault rifle designed and manufactured in France by MAS in 1978, a year after the Austrian Ste ...

Best Actor award five times. He appeared in as lead actor in

Lino Brocka Catalino Ortiz Brocka (April 3, 1939 – May 22, 1991) was a Filipino film director. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and significant filmmakers in the history of Philippine cinema. He co-founded the organization Concerned Art ...

's ''

Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang ''Weighed But Found Wanting'' ( Filipino: ''Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang''; also known as ''Human Imperfections'' ) is a 1974 Filipino drama film directed by Lino Brocka. The films stars Christopher De Leon (in his debut role), Hilda Koronel, Lolita ...

'' and

Eddie Romero Edgar Sinco Romero, (July 7, 1924 – May 28, 2013), commonly known as Eddie Romero, was a Filipino film director, film producer and screenwriter. Early life Romero was born on July 7, 1924. His father was José E. Romero, the first Philippi ...

's ''

Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon? ''Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon?'' () is a 1976 Philippine period drama film set in the end of Spanish colonization and the start of American colonization in the Philippines. Directed by Eddie Romero and written by Romero and Roy C. Igle ...

'' (he won the FAMAS Best Actor awards for both films). He is also one of the only leading men to work with successful award-winning actress "Mega Star"

Sharon Cuneta Sharon Gamboa Cuneta-Pangilinan ( , ; born January 6, 1966) is a Filipino actress, singer, television host, and socialite. Regarded as one of the most successful and highest-earning individuals in the Philippine entertainment industry, she has ...

from 1985 to 2009, for three different studio outfits (

Viva Films Viva Films is a Philippine film production company established under Viva Communications. It was founded on November 11, 1981, by Vic del Rosario Jr. History Veering away from the Sharon Cuneta-Gabby Concepcion tandem, Viva became home to qual ...

Star Cinema ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc. (doing business as Star Cinema or ABS-CBN Films) is a Philippines, Filipino film studio and film and television production company and film distributor headquartered in Quezon City. It is one of the major film ...

and

Regal Entertainment Regal Entertainment, Inc. (formerly and more commonly known as Regal Films) is a Philippine film production company based in Pasig. It was founded by Lily Monteverde on August 19, 1962. It has produced movies of all genres; and is the oldest s ...

) and ex-wife Nora Aunor in 1977–1988 who even guest-starred on his sitcom '' Goin' Bananas'' and the longest loveteam with "Star for All Seasons" actress-turned-mayor

Vilma Santos Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto (, born November 3, 1953) is a Filipino actress, singer, dancer, TV host, producer, and politician. She served as a House Deputy Speaker since 2019 to 2022 and as the Representative of Batangas' 6th district since ...

who has starred in more than 24 films since in the 1970s all Box-Office they even took the big screen with their captivating performances in 1992' The Dolzura Cortez Story an OctoArts Film Produced and Directed by

Laurice Guillen Laurice Ilagan Guillen-Feleo (born January 31, 1947) is a Filipino actress, film and television director, and college professor. Early life and acting career Guillen studied at St. Theresa's College, Cebu City, earned an AB English degree before ...

in 1997 they played Ex Lovers in Ike Jarlego Jr.'s ''Hanggang Ngayon Ika'y Minamahal'' as their comeback to the bigscreen and 2004' Mano Po 4. De Leon has also influenced today's biggest actors such as co workers such as Top Leading Man

Dingdong Dantes Jose Sixto Raphael Gonzalez Dantes III (born August 2, 1980), professionally known as Dingdong Dantes (), is a Filipino actor, television presenter, dancer, commercial model and film producer who is currently working as an employment contract, ...

Aga Muhlach Ariel Aquino Muhlach"Aga Muchlach biography"
''IMDB''. Retrieved June 13, 2014. (; born August ...

, and

Political career

2007 elections

In 2007, he decided to run as Vice Governor of Batangas. This claims that if his former on screen partner, Vilma Santos won the governorship, then he might win as Vice Governor. He was supposed to be the running mate of incumbent Vice Governor Ricky Recto, his on-screen partner's brother-in-law, however, became the running mate of former Batangas Police Director Nestor Sanares. However, he lost to

Mark Leviste Jose Antonio "Mark" Sermonia Leviste II is a Filipino people, Filipino politician. A member of PDP–Laban, he was elected as Vice Governor of Batangas in 2007 and was re-elected in 2010, 2013 and 2022. He was elected as a Member of the Batan ...

2010 elections

He once again run, but this time for board member of the Second District of Batangas, which he won. Garnering the highest number of votes among those elected, he became Senior Board Member of Batangas.

2013 elections

De Leon was a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District of the Province of Batangas but lost the race to Rep. Mandanas' Chief of Staff,

Raneo Abu Raneo "Ranie" Enriquez Abu (born October 28, 1970) is a Filipino politician serving as the Representative of Batangas's 2nd congressional district from 2013 to 2022. He served as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippi ...

Personal life

De Leon's first marriage was with actress Nora Aunor. The couple, who eventually separated, produced five children Matet, Lotlot, Ian, Kenneth, and Kiko. De Leon's second marriage is with another actress,

Sandy Andolong Melisande "Sandy" Andolong-de Leon (born Melisande Pinga Andolong; January 16, 1959) is a Filipino actress and producer, where she is mostly seen on GMA Network. She has also been currently seen on ABS-CBN TV programs. Personal life Sandy An ...

. The couple produced five children Rafael, Miguel,

Gabriel In Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity and Islam), Gabriel (); Greek: grc, Γαβριήλ, translit=Gabriḗl, label=none; Latin: ''Gabriel''; Coptic: cop, Ⲅⲁⲃⲣⲓⲏⲗ, translit=Gabriêl, label=none; Amharic: am, ገብር� ...

, Mariel, and Mica. De Leon is a practicing

Roman Catholic Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy *Ancient Rome, Roman civilization from 8th century BC to 5th century AD *Roman people, the people of ancient Rome *'' Epistle to the Romans'', shortened to ''Romans'', a lette ...

. On March 17, 2020 amidst the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...

, De Leon announced that he had been diagnosed with

COVID-19 Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease caused by a virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first known case was COVID-19 pandemic in Hubei, identified in Wuhan, China, in December ...

. He claimed to be asymptomatic and was not in contact with any COVID-19 carriers. He recovered from the disease and was released from the hospital on March 24.

Filmography

Film

Television

, 2023 FPJ's Batang Quiapo

Theater

Christopher de Leon has recently started producing theater plays through Green Wings Entertainment. Green Wings' first project is ''LORENZO'', a musical on the life of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, with music by

Ryan Cayabyab Raymundo Cipriano Pujante Cayabyab (born ; May 4, 1954), known professionally as Ryan Cayabyab, is a Filipino musician, composer and conductor. He was the Executive and Artistic Director for several years for the defunct San Miguel Foundation ...

, book and lyric by Juan Ekis and Paul Dumol with the collaboration of Joem Antonio, and direction by Nonon Padilla. Lorenz Martinez plays

Lorenzo Ruiz Lorenzo Ruiz ( fil, Lorenzo Ruiz ng Maynila; zh, link=no, 李樂倫; es, link=no, Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila; November 28, 1594 – September 29, 1637), also called Saint Lorenzo of Manila, is a Filipino saint venerated in the Catholic Church. ...

, the first Filipino saint. ''LORENZO's'' maiden run was held in September 2013 at DLS-CSB's SDA Theater.LORENZO official website http://www.lorenzorocks.com

Albums

*1977 – ''Christopher De Leon'' *1978 – ''Sisikat Na Naman?'' *1979 – ''In Love with Christopher de Leon'' *1981 – ''Ikaw Lamang'' *1982 – ''Umaga Na Naman'' *1983 – ''Nasaan ang Pangako'' *1984 – ''Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising'' *1985 – ''Bituing Walang Ningning'' *1987 – ''Maligayang Pasko at Masaganang Bagong Taon!'' *1988 – ''Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap'' *1989 – ''Umaga Na Naman: The Best of Christopher de Leon'' *1991 – ''Ipagpatawad Mo: The Soundtrack'' *1992 – ''8:00 AM Na Naman'' *1994 – ''Boyet sings Christopher Cross'' *1996 – ''Greatest Hits: Live'' *1998 – ''15 Classic Platinum Hits'' *2000 – ''Original Gold'' *2001 – ''Premium Gold Collection'' *2003 – ''The Platinum Collection'' *2006 – ''Mga Awit Pelikula''

Awards and nominations

References

External links

*

Christopher de Leon to receive Gawad Lino Brocka Award
LORENZO, a musical on St. Lorenzo Ruiz
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leon, Christopher de 1956 births Living people 20th-century Filipino male actors 21st-century Filipino male actors ABS-CBN personalities Christopher Filipino actor-politicians Filipino male television actors Filipino people of American descent Filipino people of American-Jewish descent Filipino people of German-Jewish descent Filipino Roman Catholics Filipino television directors GMA Network personalities Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation personalities Liberal Party (Philippines) politicians Male actors from Manila Members of the Batangas Provincial Board University of the East alumni Viva Artists Agency