Fernando Poe Jr.
Filipino action film icon and 2004 presidential candidate.
Ronald Allan Kelley Poe, known to millions as Fernando Poe Jr. or simply FPJ, was born in Manila on August 20, 1939, and died on December 14, 2004. A Filipino actor, director, and screenwriter, he earned the nickname "Da King" for his reign over Philippine action cinema. From the 1960s through the 1990s, he was the country's top box-office draw, playing the role of a champion for the poor and oppressed. His cultural impact was recognized posthumously when he was named a National Artist of the Philippines in 2006.
Poe appeared in roughly 300 films between 1955 and 2003. His career began after his father, actor Fernando Poe Sr., died. To support his family, he dropped out of college and entered the film industry as a stuntman. His first film was *Anak ni Palaris* (1955), a sequel to one of his father's movies. His big break came the following year with *Lo Waist Gang*, which was so popular it sparked a fashion trend for low-waisted pants. He went on to star in iconic action films such as *Only the Brave Know Hell* (1965), *Santiago!* (1970), *Asedillo* (1971), *Bato sa Buhangin* (1976), *Durugin si Totoy Bato* (1979), *Aguila* (1980), his self-directed *Ang Panday* (1980) and its sequels, *Roman Rapido* and *Isang Bala Ka Lang!* (both 1983), *Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite*, *Muslim .357*, and *Batang Quiapo* (all 1986), *Kahit Konting Pagtingin* (1990), *Ang Probinsyano* (1996), *Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko...* (1999), *Ang Dalubhasa* (2000), and *Batas ng Lansangan* (2002).
His accolades include five FAMAS Awards for Best Actor, a joint record that earned him a spot in the FAMAS Hall of Fame in 1988. He also won Best Director for *Ang Padrino* (1984) and *Kahit Butas ng Karayom, Papasukin Ko* (1995). In 2004, FAMAS gave him a posthumous Natatanging Alagad ng Sining Award. His family accepted the National Artist award on his behalf in 2012.
In 2004, Poe ran for president of the Philippines. He lost to incumbent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by just over one million votes—a margin of 3.48%, the closest in Philippine presidential election history. Seven months after the election, he died of a stroke. Hundreds of thousands attended his wake and funeral.
Poe was married to actress Susan Roces, who played his onscreen love interest in 17 films.
Quick Facts
- Birth Name
- Ronald Allan Kelley Poe
- Birth Date
- 1939-08-20
- Birth Place
- Manila, Philippine Commonwealth
- Death Date
- 2004-12-14
- Death Place
- Quezon City, Philippines
- Years Active
- 1955–2004
- Resting Place
- Manila North Cemetery, Santa Cruz, Manila, Philippines
- Occupation
- Actor · film director · producer · screenwriter
- Spouse
- Susan Roces · December 25, 1968
- Children
- 3, including Grace and Lovi
- Political Party
- KNP (2003–2004)
- Awards
- Order of National Artists of the Philippines
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Fernando Poe Jr. entered the film industry as a stuntman after his father's death, making his debut in 1955 with 'Anak ni Palaris'. His breakout came in 1956 with 'Lo Waist Gang', and he went on to star in around 300 films from 1955 to 2003. His roles often portrayed him as the 'champion and defender of the poor and oppressed', and he directed films under the pseudonyms D'Lanor and Ronwaldo Reyes. He established FPJ Productions in 1961 and was one of the highest-paid Filipino actors in the 1980s.
Poe ran for president in the 2004 election under the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino, losing to incumbent Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by just over one million votes—the closest margin by percentage in Philippine presidential history. Seven months after the election, he died of a stroke. Hundreds of thousands attended his wake and funeral. He was married to actress Susan Roces and is the father of Senator Grace Poe and actress Lovi Poe.
Reader's Guide
Fernando Poe Jr. remains a towering figure in Philippine popular culture, having shaped the action film genre for decades. His on-screen persona as a defender of the poor resonated deeply with Filipino audiences, earning him the nickname 'Da King'. His political career, though brief, was historic: his 2004 presidential bid ended in the closest election margin in the country's history, and his death shortly after sparked massive public mourning. Posthumously declared a National Artist in 2006, his legacy endures through his films, his family's political involvement, and his status as a cultural icon. The article notes that his political opponents sought to disqualify him based on his birth status, but this did not prevent his enduring popularity.
Did You Know?
- He was posthumously declared a National Artist of the Philippines in 2006, with the award accepted by his family in 2012.
- His 2004 presidential loss to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was the closest margin by percentage in Philippine presidential election history.
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