Gloria Romero, Queen of Philippine Cinema, dies at 91
Updated, 11:58 p.m.
Gloria Romero, an award-winning actress whose career spanned nearly eight decades, has died, her family confirmed on Saturday, January 25. She was 91 years old.
Romero’s death was first announced by her niece, Lovely Rivero II, on her Facebook page while sharing photos of the late film star. The cause of death has yet to be disclosed, as of press time.
“Rest well, our Movie Queen, Tita Gloria Romero. Praying for the repose of your soul [and] for strength for Maritess Gutierrez, Chris & the whole family during this very difficult time,” her post read.
Romero’s sole child, Maritess Gutierrez, also confirmed the screen veteran’s death on the same day, saying the screen veteran will be “missed dearly” by her family, friends, and loved ones.
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“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of my beloved Mother, Gloria Galla Gutierrez aka Gloria Romero who peacefully joined our Creator earlier today January 25, 2025,” she said. “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.”
The late film star’s death was also announced in a report by PTV and GMA’s “Tunay Na Buhay” program.
The veteran actress was survived by her daughter Maritess and her grandson, Chris Gutierrez. One of her final public appearances was a tribute event dedicated to her life and legacy in celebration of her 90th birthday in February 2024.
Romero’s wake will be held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City starting on Sunday, January 26, although it will be strictly exclusive for family and friends. A public viewing will be held on the morning of January 27 and 28 and will be closed on the afternoon for the late film star’s loved ones.
Born Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, Romero was born in Denver, Colorado before settling in the Philippines during the height of the war. Romero has always dreamt of being an actress and has earned her father’s approval to enter the entertainment industry. She started her acting career in the 1940s either as an extra or minor role until she entered Sampaguita Pictures in 1952 under her notable screen persona.
Since then, Romero established herself as a formidable actress in films and TV. Among the films that propelled her into superstardom were the 1952 film “Madame X,” and “Dalagang Ilocana” two years later which earned her first FAMAS Award for Best Actress award.
Among her most notable films include “Hongkong Holiday,” “Condemned,” “Nagbabagang Luha,” “Tanging Yaman,” “Magnifico,” “Moments of Love,” “Beautiful Life,” and “Rainbow’s Sunset,” to name just a few. She also appeared in TV dramas such as “Familia Zaragoza,” “Mga Anghel na Walang Langit,” “May Bukas Pa,” and “I Love Betty La Fea.”
Romero appeared in several film and TV productions throughout her career and reaped several accolades, including two FAMAS Award for Best Actress awards, one FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress, two Gawad Urian acting awards, and two Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Actress awards, among many others.