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 (), lit ...

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 including five "Best Actor" wins and a Hall of Fame trophy. He has also won 2 Gawad Urian Awards, 4

FAP Awards The Luna Awards are awards given annually by the Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) to recognize the outstanding achievements of the Filipino film industry. The first awards were presented in 1983 in Pasay. It is considered to be the Philippine ...

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 ...

Early life and education

De Leon is the son of

Gil de León Guillermo Evangelista de León, simply known as Gil de León, was a Filipino film actor and director. Career He made his first movie after World War II. The movie is ''Orasang Ginto'' aka Golden Clock under LVN Pictures where he stayed in the ...

and Lilia Dizon. He is of German 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 In European academic traditions, fine art is developed primarily for aesthetics or creative expression, distinguishing it from decorative art or applied art, which also has to serve some practical function, such as pottery or most metalwo ...

at the University of the East 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 and Edgar Mortiz. In September 1990, de Leon was reportedly cast in a film based on the song "Anak" by Freddie Aguilar. It would have been directed by Willy Milan, and starred Susan Lozada, Orestes Ojeda, 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 ...

'' (also known as ''WW2BAM'') on IBC 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 and Lani Mercado 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'' as Dr. Zombie. In 2006, he became part of the very successful primetime soap opera '' Maging Sino Ka Man'' with John Lloyd Cruz 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 actor, musician, guitarist, model, recording artist, and businessman. In 2005, Milby decided to seriously pursue a career in show business and modeling. Biography Samuel Lloyd Milb ...

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'' with Jericho Rosales, Carmen Soo,

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 and Albert Martinez. In 2009, he returned to GMA Network for 2 shows '' Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition'' and its Christmas special '' Sana Ngayong Pasko''. He was also part of '' Lovers in Paris''. In 2010, he was part of primetime fantasy television series '' Panday Kids'' and ''

Ilumina The Ilumina Festival is an annual chamber music festival held in Brazil. The festival combines the objective of producing high-end classical music with a deep-rooted social mission. Professional soloists from multiple nationalities converge in a s ...

''. In 2011, he was cast on afternoon shows such as '' Bantatay'' 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 ''100 Days to Heaven'' is a 2011 Philippine fantasy comedy drama television series directed by Malu L. Sevilla, Jojo A. Saguin, and Don M. Cuaresma. The series stars Coney Reyes and Xyriel Manabat as Anna Manalastas, and Jodi Sta. Maria as Soph ...

''. In the 4th quarter of 2011, he was part of the TV5 mini-TV series and political primetime drama '' Sa Ngalan ng Ina'' with estranged wife and protagonist in the series Award Winning Actress

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 P ...

. In 2012, he was part of ABS-CBN's initial drama offering and Primetime TV Series '' Dahil sa Pag-Ibig'', with Jericho Rosales and Piolo Pascual. 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. In 2014, de Leon starred in '' The Legal Wife'' with Angel Locsin and Jericho Rosales, and later played as the older version of Jake Cuenca's character in the second season of '' Ikaw Lamang'' starring

Kim Chiu Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, model, host, singer, dancer, and vlogger. She is currently managed by Star Magic, ABS-CBN's home-based talent agency. Recognized as one ...

and Coco Martin.

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 Steyr A ...

Best Actor award five times. He appeared in as lead actor in Lino Brocka's '' Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang'' 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 Philipp ...

's '' Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?'' (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 qu ...

, Star Cinema and Regal Entertainment) and ex-wife

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 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 befor ...

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 John Lloyd Cruz, Coco Martin, Dingdong Dantes,

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.

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.

Personal life

De Leon's first marriage was with actress

. The couple, who eventually separated, produced five children

Matet Matet is a municipality in the ''comarca'' of Alto Palancia, Castellón, Valencia, Spain , image_flag = Bandera de España.svg , image_coat = Escudo de España (mazonado).svg , national_motto = ''Plus ultra'' ( ...

, Lotlot, Ian, Kenneth, and Kiko. De Leon's second marriage is with another actress, Sandy Andolong. 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, ገብ� ...

, 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 letter ...

. 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 identified ...

, 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 identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease quickl ...

. 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, book and lyric by Juan Ekis and

Paul Dumol Paul A. Dumol is a Philippine playwright, historian and educator. He is a member of the Philippine Center for Civic Education and Democracy and has served as its chair. He is author of the ''A History of the Filipino People for High Schools''. H ...

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 Christopher is the English language, English version of a Europe-wide name derived from the Greek language, Greek name Χριστόφορος (''Christophoros'' or ''Christoforos''). The constituent parts are Χριστός (''Christós''), "Jesus ...

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