Movie and TV actress Gloria Romero has passed away. The news was confirmed by her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, who told media outlets that the superstar went peacefully on January 25, 2025.
"In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages and heartfelt condolences that we've received. She will surely be missed dearly,” expressed Maritess.
Gloria’s wake will be set at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.
In honor of the late superstar’s memory, we listed down 10 facts you need to know about Gloria Romero.
Who Was Gloria Romero?
1. She was a Sagittarius
Born on December 16, 1933 with the full name Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, she was conceived in Denver, Colorado to Pedro Galla and her Spanish-American mother, Mary Borrego. Their family visited the Philippines in 1937 and was unable to return to the United States after the outbreak of World War II.
2. She was known as the "First Lady of Philippine Cinema”
Also hailed as the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” Gloria’s illustrious career spanned over 70 years. She appeared in more than 250 movies and television shows, which included popular titles like Tanging Yaman (2000), Magnifico (2003), and most recently, Rainbow’s Sunset (2018).
3. She won over 50 awards for her acting
Beloved for her sophisticated and restrained acting prowess, Gloria won over 50 major awards in her career, including seven FAMAS Awards. She was also given state honors by the Film Development Council of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for her unparalleled contribution to Philippine cinema.
4. She started acting at age 11
Gloria dreamt of becoming an actress ever since she was a pre-teen. When her family moved to Manila, she appeared as an extra in several films until she was transferred to Sampaguita Pictures. Under their guidance, she scored her first leading lady role opposite Cesar Ramirez in Palasig. Her breakthrough project soon followed for the movie Monghita in which she starred alongside Oscar Moreno.
5. She was one of the most sought-after commercial actresses of her time
By the late 1950s, Gloria’s films consistently fetched box-office hit-worthy numbers. In total, the movies she starred in grossed P2.1 billion, making her one of the highest-grossing stars in the country. Brands flocked to her for endorsement deals, not least of all Coca-Cola who tapped the actress to be one of their first ambassadors in the Philippines.
6. She was the highest paid Filipino actress in the 1950s
Gloria’s golden acting years earned her big bucks in the 1950s. She was reportedly paid up to $45,000 in talent fees by 1956, which amounts to P30 million in 2024.
7. She married fellow actor Juancho Gutierrez
Their nuptials was dubbed “Wedding of the Year” in 1960 as covered by leading radio stations, newspapers, and magazines. The two tied the knot at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. For her big day, Gloria was a vision in a white gown designed by National Artist for Fashion Ramon Valera.
8. She has one daughter
Gloria gave birth to one daughter in the name of Maritess Gutierrez. Following her parents’ footsteps, she tried her hand at acting but eventually transitioned to becoming a chef.
9. She used only one makeup brand for over 65 years
You’ll be astounded to know that one of the most bankable stars of Philippine cinema stayed loyal to one beauty brand for most of her life. "For the past 65 years I’ve been working, isa lang ang makeup ko, isa lang ang foundation, isang brand lang. I never changed,” she said in a 2018 interview. Her lifelong pick? Max Factor, a cosmetics line founded in 1909.
10. She was a beloved fashion icon
Gloria was a favorite model of state-honored fashion designer Ramon Valera. She always exuded a regal aura no matter what she wore, winning her the favor of many sartorial artists and invites to walk several fashion shows. Among the events she participated in are the Calendar of Stars fashion show at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Oka-Valera fashion show at the Manila Hotel, and the Kariligan fashion show at the now defunct PhilamLife Theater.
We send our heartfelt condolences to Gloria's loved ones. May her soul rest in peace.
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