Keempee de Leon
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Joseph Joachim Tugas de Leon (born January 8, 1973), better known as Keempee de Leon, is a Filipino actor, comedian, singer, songwriter and TV host. He is the son of
Joey de Leon Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr. (born October 14, 1946), professionally known as Joey de Leon, is a Filipino comedian, actor, television presenter and songwriter. He hosts the noontime variety show ''Eat Bulaga!'' He is a member of the comedy trio ...
and Daria Ramirez.


Career

Keempee de Leon started his career in the entertainment industry in 1988 via the
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 ...
film ''
I Love You 3x a Day ''I Love You 3x a Day'' (stylized onscreen as ''I ♥ You 3x a Day'') is a 1988 Filipino fantasy comedy film co-written and directed by Mike Relon Makiling and starring Jimmy Santos in his first lead role. It also stars Carmi Martin, Nova Villa, R ...
'', where he was paired with
Gelli de Belen Gelli may refer to: People Given name *Gelli de Belen (born 1973), Filipina actress and former child star *Gelli Meyrick (also Gelly or Gilly) (1556?–1601), Welsh supporter of Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex, and conspirator in Essex's rebell ...
and worked with soon-to-be-co-host of ''
Eat Bulaga! ''Eat Bulaga!'' (), formerly ''Eat... Bulaga!'', is a noontime Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. Produced by TAPE Inc., it is the longest running variety show in the Philippines with over 13,000 episodes. Originally ...
'',
Jimmy Santos Jimmy Santos may refer to: * Jimmy Santos (singer), Afro-Uruguayan vocalist * Jimmy Santos (actor) Jaime Santos (born October 8, 1951), professionally known as Jimmy Santos, is a Filipino actor, comedian, TV host, and former professional basketb ...
. Soon after, he became a regular fixture in three TV shows: ''
Eat Bulaga! ''Eat Bulaga!'' (), formerly ''Eat... Bulaga!'', is a noontime Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. Produced by TAPE Inc., it is the longest running variety show in the Philippines with over 13,000 episodes. Originally ...
'', '' That's Entertainment'' and '' Agila''. In April 1989, he signed his first recording contract with OctoArts International (now
PolyEast Records PolyEast Records (formerly Canary Records, OctoArts International, OctoArts EMI Music Inc. and EMI Philippines) is a record label in the Philippines. It is a member of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry and from 2008 until 2013, ...
). In 1990, he was a subject of a tug-of-war between
Regal Films 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 Viva Films when Regal got Keempee to appear as lead role in the romantic comedy movie ''Romeo Loves Juliet'' opposite
Aiko Melendez Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez (), is a Filipina actress and politician. Her father, Jimmy Melendez (born Jim Shinoji), was an actor. Her half-brother, Jam Melendez (son of Jimmy Melende ...
. In the end, Keempee chose to remain with Viva Films and signed a contract. In 1992, he was launched as a junior action star via the movie ''Jesus dela Cruz at ang mga Batang Riles'' with
Ana Roces Ana Roces (born on February 2, 1976) is a Filipino actress. Roces was formerly a teen idol in the 1990s and a cast member of '' That's Entertainment''. Career She was discovered in the Colgate commercial she appeared in opposite Eric Banes in t ...
as his leading lady. The action film was a mild success and it was followed up with ''Blue Jeans Gang'' with Dennis Padilla and Leah Orosa as co-stars. However, unlike ''Batang Riles'', ''Blue Jeans Gang'' was a flop at the box-office. Keempee openly admitted to the public in 1993 that he became a victim of drug abuse and as a result, he underwent rehabilitation at New Beginnings in Sucat,
Parañaque Parañaque, officially the City of Parañaque ( fil, Lungsod ng Parañaque, ), is a first class Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, highly urbanized city in the Metro Manila, National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to t ...
. Despite this however, he managed to finish two big movies before he went on sabbatical. The two big movies were: Viva's ''Sana'y Ikaw na Nga'' with
Christopher de Leon Christopher Strauss de León (born October 31, 1956) is a Philippine film actor 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 ...
and
Vina Morales Sharon Garcia Magdayao (born October 17, 1975), known by her stage name Vina Morales (), is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and model. Dubbed as the “''Ultimate Performer''” by various media outlets, she has won 2 Awit ...
, and ''
Alyas Batman en Robin ''Alyas Batman en Robin'' () is a 1991 Filipino musical-comedy film which spoofs the titular superheroes from DC Comics, Batman and Robin. It stars Joey de Leon as Batman, Rene Requiestas as the Joker, Dawn Zulueta as Angelique Legarda, Vina ...
'' with dad Joey de Leon. After his rehabilitation, he became a member of Victory Christian Fellowship while resuming his stalled showbiz career in 1994. He had his biggest break on TV by playing a leading role in GMA's ''
Villa Quintana ''Villa Quintana'' is a Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Gil Tejada Jr., it stars Donna Cruz and Keempee de Leon. It premiered on November 6, 1995. The series concluded on January 24, 1997 with ...
'' with
Donna Cruz Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal professionally known as Donna Cruz is a Filipina singer and actress. She is a member of the Philippine showbiz family Cruz. Her self-titled debut album ''Donna'' was well received by the general public and earn ...
as his leading lady. He is a former
VIVA Viva may refer to: Companies and organisations * Viva (network operator), a Dominican mobile network operator * Viva Air, a Spanish airline taken over by flag carrier Iberia * Viva Air Dominicana * VIVA Bahrain, a telecommunication company * ...
contract star along with other members of ''That's Entertainment'' with Donna Cruz,
Jessa Zaragosa Richelle Ann Mallari Loyola-Avanzado (born January 31, 1979), better known by her stage name Jessa Zaragoza, is a Filipina commercial model, singer and actress. She is known as the "Phenomenal Diva" and "Jukebox Queen of the 90s" for her first ...
,
Vina Morales Sharon Garcia Magdayao (born October 17, 1975), known by her stage name Vina Morales (), is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and model. Dubbed as the “''Ultimate Performer''” by various media outlets, she has won 2 Awit ...
and others. He became Best Drama Actor for ''Villa Quintana'' in Star Awards for television. He was also a co-host in ''
GMA Supershow ''GMA Supershow'', formerly titled as ''Germside'' and ''Germspesyal'', is a Philippine television variety show broadcast by GMA Network. The show was the longest-running Sunday noontime variety show in Philippine television until 2015. Hosted ...
'' from 1995 to 1997 and a gag performer in IBC 13's ''Goin' Bayabas'', a remake of the '80s gag show '' Goin' Bananas'' in 1998. In 2002, after he graduated and finished his studies at college, he returned to the small screen via
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
's ''Klasmeyts'' and ''
Recuerdo de Amor ''Recuerdo de Amor'' (International title: ''Memories of Love'') is a Philippine daytime drama crime series which aired on ABS-CBN's ''Dramathon sa Hapon'' afternoon block on May 14, 2001, to January 10, 2003, replacing ''Marinella'' and was re ...
'', but in 2004, he returned to
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
where he was signed up to portray the gay Harold in ''Bahay Mo Ba 'To?''. In the sitcom he was paired with
Francine Prieto Anna Marie Falcon (born September 17, 1982 in Las Piñas, Philippines), known by her stage name Francine Prieto is a Filipino actress, fashion model, radio DJ, and singer. She is Chinese Filipino of half Norwegian descent. Education Prieto s ...
. Their tandem became a hit and he continued playing gay roles in the reality sitcom ''
Kung Ako Ikaw ''Kung Ako Ikaw'' () is a Philippine television reality comedy television show broadcast by GMA Network. It premiered on July 16, 2007 replacing '' Who's Your Daddy Now?'', '' Bahay Mo Ba 'To'' and '' HP: To the Highest Level Na!'' on the networ ...
'' and in films. In 2008, Keempee returned to primetime via ''
LaLola ''Lalola'' was an Argentine television comedy show that aired from 28 August 2007 to 29 April 2008. It was broadcast by TV channel América 2. It starred Carla Peterson and Luciano Castro as protagonists. The show won nine Martín Fierro Awards f ...
'' which stars
Rhian Ramos Rhian Denise Ramos Howell (; born October 3, 1990), professionally known as Rhian Ramos, is a Filipino actress, commercial model, singer, host and race car driver. She is an exclusive talent of GMA Network Career Ramos started working in com ...
and
JC de Vera John Carlo de Vera (born March 10, 1986), better known by his screen name JC de Vera, is a Filipino actor, host and model. Personal life De Vera was offered a basketball scholarship in Colegio de San Juan de Letran after he graduated from high ...
. He also returned to comedy film for his comeback movie, ''Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After'', an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, together with
Tito Sotto Vicente Castelo Sotto III (; born August 24, 1948), professionally known as Tito Sotto, is a Filipino politician, entertainer and athlete who served as Senate President from 2018 to 2022. Before that, had two stints each as Senate Majority Lea ...
,
Vic Sotto Marvic Valentin Castelo Sotto (; born April 28, 1954), professionally known as Vic Sotto, is a Filipino actor, singer and comedian known far and wide for his various television and film projects on the major Philippine television networks GMA ...
and his father,
Joey De Leon Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr. (born October 14, 1946), professionally known as Joey de Leon, is a Filipino comedian, actor, television presenter and songwriter. He hosts the noontime variety show ''Eat Bulaga!'' He is a member of the comedy trio ...
. After ''LaLola'', he plays Paul in the Philippine remake of Korean drama ''
All About Eve ''All About Eve'' is a 1950 American Drama (film and television), drama film written and directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It is based on the 1946 short story "The Wisdom of Eve" by Mary Orr, although Orr does ...
''. The following year, he became part of another Korean remake drama
Full House ''Full House'' is an American television sitcom created by Jeff Franklin for ABC. The show is about widowed father Danny Tanner who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and childhood best friend Joey Gladstone to help raise his three dau ...
which stars
Heart Evangelista Love Marie Payawal Ongpauco (born February 14, 1985), known professionally as Heart Evangelista (, alternately ), is a Filipino actress, artist, businesswoman, and socialite. Early life Heart Evangelista was born as Love Marie Payawal Ongpau ...
and
Richard Gutierrez Richard Kristian Gutierrez (born January 21, 1984), known professionally as Richard Gutierrez, is a Filipino actor, environmentalist and model. He is one of the sons of actor Eddie Gutierrez. Early life Richard Gutierrez was born on January ...
. Keempee co-hosts a singing competition ''
Are You The Next Big Star? ''Are You the Next Big Star?'' is a 2009 Philippine television reality competition show broadcast by GMA Network. Hosted by Regine Velasquez and Keempee de Leon, it premiered on May 16, 2009 replacing '' Kakasa Ka Ba Sa Grade 5?''. The show conc ...
'' where he works with famous singer,
Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipina singer, actress, and record producer. She is considered one of the most influential figures in Philippine popular culture and is known for her vocal range and beltin ...
. In 2013, he appeared in the TV series ''
My Husband's Lover ''My Husband's Lover'' is a 2013 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is the first gay themed drama series in Philippine television. Directed by Dominic Zapata, it stars Dennis Trillo in the title role, ...
'' where he portrayed Zandro Soriano. Netizens laud Keempee for Zandro role in ''
My Husband's Lover ''My Husband's Lover'' is a 2013 Philippine television drama romance series broadcast by GMA Network. The series is the first gay themed drama series in Philippine television. Directed by Dominic Zapata, it stars Dennis Trillo in the title role, ...
''. In the series, Zandro is the cross dresser cousin of Vincent
Tom Rodriguez Bartolome Alberto Mott (born October 1, 1987), known professionally as Tom Rodriguez, is a Filipino-American model, actor, host and singer. Biography Rodriguez is from Catbalogan, Samar. He was born in Subic Naval Base in Zambales to an Ameri ...
, who is a closet bisexual at this point in the story. Zandro's and Vincent's dads are both "allergic" to having gay members in the family but Vincent's father, Gen. Armando Soriano, a retired general, is more vocal – and violent – with regard to the issue. In March 2016, he was expelled from ''Eat Bulaga!'' after 12 years of hosting due to AlDub's popularity along with
Michael V. Beethoven Del Valle Bunagan (born December 17, 1969), known professionally as Michael V. and also known as Bitoy, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and recording artist, who appears in the GMA Network show ''Bubble Gang'' and '' Pepito Manaloto ...
However, he stayed with
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
from 2015 to 2018 as he appeared on the network's different soap operas. His most notable latest works were ''
Little Nanay ''Little Nanay'' (International title: ''Little Mommy'' / ) is a Philippine television drama series broadcast by GMA Network. Directed by Ricky Davao, it stars Kris Bernal and Chlaui Malayao. It premiered on November 16, 2015 on the network's T ...
'', where he got to work for the first time with the Superstar
Nora Aunor Nora Cabaltera Villamayor (born May 21, 1953), professionally known as Nora Aunor (), is a Filipino actress, recording artist, and film producer. Aunor has also appeared in several stage plays, television shows and concerts. She is known as Ph ...
; and '' Meant to Be'' where he worked for the first time with former ''That's Entertainment'' cast members, most notably
Manilyn Reynes Manilyn Reynes-Jimenez (born April 27, 1972), simply known as Manilyn Reynes, is a Filipino actress, singer, TV host and commercial model. In the Philippines, Reynes has been referred to as "The Star of All Decades" and is recognized as one of ...
and
Janno Gibbs Janno Ronaldo Ilagan Gibbs (born September 16, 1969) is a singer-songwriter, actor, and comedian in the Philippines. He was a regular host of GMA Network television shows ''SOP Rules'', ''Nuts Entertainment'', ''Eat Bulaga!'', '' Kakasa Ka Ba ...
. In 2018, he transferred back to
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN (an initialism of its two predecessors' names, Alto Broadcasting System and Chronicle Broadcasting Network) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine Commercial broadcasting, commercial broadcast broadcast network, network tha ...
where he reunited with erstwhile girlfriend
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. ...
in the drama '' Nang Ngumiti ang Langit'' in 2019. In 2020, Keempee became part of the drama series, Bagong Umaga with co stars former PBB housemates
Heaven Peralejo Heaven Lyan Salvador Peralejo ( ; ; born November 25, 1999) is a Filipina actress and television personality known for joining the reality show '' Pinoy Big Brother: Lucky 7'' in 2016. Early life Heaven Lyan Salvador Peralejo was born on Nove ...
&
Barbie Imperial Barbara Concina Imperial (; born August 1, 1998) is a Filipino actress and model from Daraga, Albay. She is best known for her lead role in ''Araw Gabi''. Career In 2015, Imperial joined the '' Pinoy Big Brother: 737'' and was dubbed as ''"The ...
.


Keempee's hairstyle

Keempee de Leon sported a
curtain A curtain is a piece of cloth or other material intended to block or obscure light, air drafts, or (in the case of a shower curtain), water. A curtain is also the movable screen or drape in a theatre that separates the stage from the auditorium ...
haircut back in the 90s that was imitated by young men at the time. Named after him, Keempee, is parted in the middle of the head and long bangs reach as far as the ears. Up until today, Keempee, the hairstyle, is considered a trademark of the era.


Personal life

De Leon has a child named Samantha with his former girlfriend. His past relationships were
Manilyn Reynes Manilyn Reynes-Jimenez (born April 27, 1972), simply known as Manilyn Reynes, is a Filipino actress, singer, TV host and commercial model. In the Philippines, Reynes has been referred to as "The Star of All Decades" and is recognized as one of ...
,
Carmina Villarroel María Carmina Muñiz Villarroel-Legaspi (; August 17, 1975) is a Filipinos, Filipino actress, television presenter, and product endorser. Personal life Villarroel was previously married to Rustom Padilla in 1994; the two had no children, and ...
,
Vina Morales Sharon Garcia Magdayao (born October 17, 1975), known by her stage name Vina Morales (), is a Filipino singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and model. Dubbed as the “''Ultimate Performer''” by various media outlets, she has won 2 Awit ...
,
Ara Mina Ara Mina (born Hazel Pascual Reyes-Almarinez; May 9, 1979) is a Filipino people, Filipino actress, singer, endorser, and entrepreneur. Career Mina became part of the Philippine entertainment industry at 14 years of age via the youth-oriented ...
,
Jessa Zaragoza Richelle Ann Mallari Loyola-Avanzado (born January 31, 1979), better known by her stage name Jessa Zaragoza, is a Filipina commercial model, singer and actress. She is known as the "Phenomenal Diva" and "Jukebox Queen of the 90s" for her first ...
, Bernadette Allyson, Angelika Dela Cruz and
Pauleen Luna Marie Pauleen Luna Sotto (born Marie Pauleen Javier Luna; born November 10, 1988) is a Filipino actress and television personality. She appears on GMA Network, particularly as one of the regular hosts of the long-running Philippine variety sho ...
. In an interview, De Leon reveals that
Ina Raymundo Rina Marie Padilla Raymundo (born December 9, 1975), known professionally as Ina Raymundo ( ), is a Filipina film and television actress, commercial model, and singer. She is best known for her appearance on the 1995 San Miguel Beer's television ...
and
G. Toengi Giselle Anne Töngi-Walters (born June 14, 1978) is a Swiss-Filipino actress, dancer, singer, host, VJ and model. Early life and education Töngi was born on June 14, 1978 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France to a Swiss father, Erich, and Filipina m ...
were his ex-girlfriends also. De Leon is a part owner of two restaurants, Locavore and Kermit Manila. Locavore is located in Bonifacio Global City while Kermit Manila is in Poblacion, Makati.


Discography


Also Featured on


Filmography


Film


Television


TV specials

*That's Entertainment Anniversary Special (
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
) *Kapamilya: ABS-CBN at 50 TV Special *Eat Bulaga Silver Special (
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
) *GMA at 55: The GMA Anniversary Special *Dolphy Alay Tawa: A Musical Tribute to the King of Philippine Comedy *Tribute to the Master Showman Kuya Germs (
GMA Network GMA Network (Global Media Arts or simply GMA) is a Philippine free-to-air television and radio network. It is the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network, Inc. Its first broadcast on television was on October 29, 1961. GMA Network (f ...
)


Awards and nominations


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Leon, Keempee De Filipino male child actors Filipino male comedians Filipino male television actors Male actors from Manila That's Entertainment (Philippine TV series) That's Entertainment Thursday Group Members 20th-century Filipino male singers Filipino songwriters 1973 births Filipino people of Spanish descent ABS-CBN personalities GMA Network personalities Viva Artists Agency Living people Filipino male film actors