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 and also known as Henyo Master, is a Filipino comedian, actor, television host and songwriter. He is one of the members of the comedy trio, collectively ...
and Daria Ramirez.


Career

He started his career in the entertainment industry in 1988 via the
Viva Films Viva Films, Inc. (also known as Viva Films, stylized as VIVA Films) is a Philippine film production and distribution company owned by Viva Communications. It was founded in 1981 by Vic del Rosario Jr. and his sister Tess Cruz. Viva Films is o ...
film '' I Love You 3x a Day'', where he was paired with Gelli de Belen and worked with soon-to-be-co-host of ''
Eat Bulaga! ''Eat !'' (; stylized as ''Eat... Bulaga!'') is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine television variety show broadcast by Radio Philippines Network, ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5 (Philippine TV network), TV5. Originally hosted by Tito S ...
'', Jimmy Santos. Soon after, he became a regular fixture in three TV shows: ''
Eat Bulaga! ''Eat !'' (; stylized as ''Eat... Bulaga!'') is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine television variety show broadcast by Radio Philippines Network, ABS-CBN, GMA Network and TV5 (Philippine TV network), TV5. Originally hosted by Tito S ...
'', '' That's Entertainment'' and '' Agila''. In April 1989, he signed his first recording contract with OctoArts International (now PolyEast Records). In 1990, he was a subject of a tug-of-war between Regal Films and Viva Films when Regal got Keempee to appear as lead role in the romantic comedy movie ''Romeo Loves Juliet'' opposite Aiko Melendez. 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 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. De Leon 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 (, ), is a Cities of the Philippines#Legal classification, highly urbanized city in the Metro Manila, National Capital Region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of ...
. 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), also known as Boyet, is a Filipino actor, filmmaker and politician. Often referred to as the "King of Philippine Drama", he gained stardom for his leading man roles in numerous film and te ...
and Vina Morales, and '' Alyas Batman en Robin'' 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'' with
Donna Cruz Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal (born February 14, 1977) (), is a Filipina singer and actress. Since the middle of the 1990s, she has released 8 studio albums, and featured as an actress in local films. She has also appeared on four soundtrac ...
as his leading lady. He is a former VIVA contract star along with other members of ''That's Entertainment'' with Donna Cruz, Jessa Zaragosa, Vina Morales and others. He became Best Drama Actor for ''Villa Quintana'' in Star Awards for television. He was also a co-host in '' GMA Supershow'' 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 in college, he returned to the small screen via
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...
's ''Klasmeyts'' and '' Recuerdo de Amor'', but in 2004, he returned to
GMA Network GMA Network (an acronym of its legal name, Global Media Arts and commonly known as GMA) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine commercial broadcast network, serving as the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network (company), ...
where he was signed up to portray the gay Harold in ''Bahay Mo Ba 'To?''. In the sitcom he was paired with Francine Prieto. Their tandem became a hit and he continued playing gay roles in the reality sitcom '' Kung Ako Ikaw'' and in films. In 2008, De Leon returned to primetime via '' LaLola'' which stars
Rhian Ramos Rhian Denise Ramos Howell (born October 3, 1990), known as Rhian Ramos (), is a Filipino actress, commercial model, singer, host and race car driver. Life and career Rhian Denise Ramos Howell was born in Makati on October 3, 1990 to Gareth H ...
and JC de Vera. 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), is a Filipino politician and television personality who is a Senate of the Philippines, senator-elect of the Philippines. He is the longest-serving senator in the history of the upper chamb ...
,
Vic Sotto Marvic Valentin "Vic" Castelo Sotto (born April 28, 1954), popularly known as Bossing, is a Filipino actor, comedian, and television personality. Prolific in film and television in the Philippines since the 1970s, he is known for playing comed ...
and his father,
Joey De Leon Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr. (born October 14, 1946), professionally known as Joey de Leon and also known as Henyo Master, is a Filipino comedian, actor, television host and songwriter. He is one of the members of the comedy trio, collectively ...
. 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 (and subsequent 1949 radio drama) "The Wisdom of E ...
''. 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 American Broadcasting Company, ABC. The show is about the recently widowed father Danny Tanner who enlists his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis and childhood best friend ...
which stars Heart Evangelista and
Richard Gutierrez Richard Kristian Gutierrez (born January 21, 1984) is a Filipino actor. He is regarded as the original "''Fantaserye King''" for top billing multiple hit television series. Gutierrez is a recipient of a FAMAS Award and three PMPC Star Awards fo ...
. Keempee co-hosts a singing competition '' Are You The Next Big Star?'' where he works with famous singer,
Regine Velasquez Regina Encarnacion "Regine" Ansong Velasquez-Alcasid ( ; born April 22, 1970) is a Filipino singer and actress. 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'' where he portrayed Zandro Soriano. Netizens laud Keempee for Zandro role in '' My Husband's Lover''. In the series, Zandro is the cross dresser cousin of Vincent Tom Rodriguez, 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 14 years of hosting. However, he stayed with
GMA Network GMA Network (an acronym of its legal name, Global Media Arts and commonly known as GMA) is a Television in the Philippines, Philippine commercial broadcast network, serving as the flagship property of publicly traded GMA Network (company), ...
from 2015 to 2018 as he appeared on the network's different soap operas. His most notable latest works were '' Little Nanay'', where he got to work for the first time with the Superstar
Nora Aunor Nora Cabaltera Villamayor (May 21, 1953 – April 16, 2025), known professionally as Nora Aunor (), was a Filipino actress, producer and singer. Known for her leading roles with patriotic, feminist and Political sociology, socio-political th ...
; and '' Meant to Be'' where he worked for the first time with former ''That's Entertainment'' cast members, most notably Manilyn Reynes and Janno Gibbs. In 2018, he transferred back to
ABS-CBN ABS-CBN is a leading Philippine media and content company. It serves as the flagship media brand of ABS-CBN Corporation, a subsidiary of Lopez Holdings Corporation. Once the country's largest free-to-air television network, ABS-CBN has since ...
where he reunited with erstwhile girlfriend
Cristine Reyes Ara Cristine Pascual Klenk (born February 5, 1989) is a Filipino actress. She has been dubbed as the "Ultimate Star" by the local media for her acting prowess and popularity. Her films have collectively earned ₱1.05 billion, making her one o ...
in the drama '' Nang Ngumiti ang Langit'' in 2019. In 2020, De Leon became part of the drama series, '' Bagong Umaga'' with co stars former PBB housemates Heaven Peralejo and Barbie Imperial.


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. Curtains are often hung on the inside of a building's windows to block the passage of light. For instan ...
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, Carmina Villarroel, Vina Morales, Ara Mina,
Jessa Zaragoza Richelle Ann Mallari Loyola-Avanzado (born January 31, 1979), better known by her stage name Jessa Zaragoza, is a Filipino 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. In an interview, De Leon reveals that Ina Raymundo and G. Toengi 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


Television specials

*That's Entertainment Anniversary Special *Kapamilya: ABS-CBN at 50 TV Special *Eat Bulaga Silver Special *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


Awards and nominations


References


External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:de Leon, Keempee Filipino male child actors Filipino male comedians Filipino male television actors Male actors from Manila 20th-century Filipino male singers Filipino songwriters 1973 births Filipino people of Spanish descent ABS-CBN people GMA Network (company) people Viva Artists Agency Living people Filipino male film actors Comedians from Manila