Marvin Edward Gardner (July 7, 1907 – November 17, 1955) professionally known as Eduardo de Castro, was a Filipino actor and filmmaker of American descent.

Early life

Eduardo de Castro was born Marvin Edward Gardner in Sampaloc, Manila on July 7, 1907 to William Henry Gardner, a police officer in Manila and to Ceferina De Castro. His father was an American soldier who fought in the

Philippine–American War The Philippine–American War or Filipino–American War ( es, Guerra filipina-estadounidense, tl, Digmaang Pilipino–Amerikano), previously referred to as the Philippine Insurrection or the Tagalog Insurgency by the United States, was an arm ...

who decided to settle in the islands after the conflict and worked as police officer in 1901. Marvin's parents had six children, two whom died at infancy with two boys and two girls being the remaining children. In the 1920s, de Castro worked as a seafarer who worked in a freighter which sails to the United States before starting his acting career in the 1930s.

Career

De Castro is known for directing the 1937 film '' Zamboanga'', which is among the first studio-type film production in the Philippines. He was also a noted actor during the Philippines' silent film era. Among the films he starred was ''The Moro Pirate'' by Malayan Movies, the ''Brides of Sulu'' (1937) by Universal Pictures, and ''Andres Bonifacio'' by Manila Talkatone.

Later years and death

De Castro fought as a guerilla against the Imperial Japanese forces during World War II. He became a prisoner of war and was interned by the Japanese at Fort Santiago. When he was released he was in poor health. He died on November 17, 1955, at the

Baguio General Hospital Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center (BGHMC), also known as Baguio General Hospital (BGH), is a hospital in Baguio, Philippines. It is the largest government funded tertiary hospital in the Northern Luzon Region. History The hospital was ...

after suffering from a stroke while at his residence in Baguio. He was working on a script for a new film, entitled ''Maskara''.

Personal life

De Castro was of American descent through his father. He was married to actress Rita Rica, whose real name was Florence Little, with whom he had two sons. He also had a son with Mona Lisa, another Filipino actress.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:de Castro, Eduardo Filipino film directors Filipino male silent film actors Filipino people of American descent Filipino prisoners of war World War II prisoners of war held by Japan 1907 births 1955 deaths