# Keempee de Leon

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 and Daria Ramirez.

## Career

He started his career in the entertainment industry in 1988 via the Viva Films 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!, Jimmy Santos. Soon after, he became a regular fixture in three TV shows: Eat Bulaga!, 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. 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 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 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 at college, he returned to the small screen via ABS-CBN's Klasmeyts and Recuerdo de Amor, but in 2004, he returned to GMA Network 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 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, Vic Sotto and his father, Joey De Leon. After LaLola, he plays Paul in the Philippine remake of Korean drama All About Eve. The following year, he became part of another Korean remake drama Full House which stars Heart Evangelista and Richard Gutierrez. Keempee co-hosts a singing competition Are You The Next Big Star? where he works with famous singer, Regine Velasquez.
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 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; 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 where he reunited with erstwhile girlfriend Cristine Reyes 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 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, 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

| Title | Album details |
| Keempee de Leon | Released: 1991 Label: OctoArts Records |
| Better Believe It | Released: 1996 Label: OctoArts Records Formats: CD, Digital Download |

### Also featured on

| Title | Album details |
| OctoArts All Stars – Pasko Para Sa Lahat | Released: 1990 Label: OctoArts Records |
| Voices | Released: 1995 Label: PolyEast Records |
| Homegroan | Released: 1999 Label: PolyEast Records |
| Awit Mula sa Puso | Released: 2000 Label: PolyEast Records |

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1985 | Mama Said, Papa Said I Love You | Himself | |
| 1988 | I Love You 3x a Day | Tomas Cruz | |
| 1989 | Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati Na ang Langit | Kenneth | |
| 1989 | SuperMouse and the Robo-Rats | | cameo |
| 1989 | Aso't Pusa | Edong | |
| 1989 | Romeo Loves Juliet (But Their Families Hate Each Other) | Romeo | |
| 1990 | Tootsie-Wootsie: Ang Bandang Walang Atrasan | Dick | |
| 1990 | Titser's Enemi No. 1 | Junjun | |
| 1990 | Tangga and Chos: Beauty Secret Agents | | |
| 1990 | Petrang Kabayo 2: Anong Ganda Mo! Mukha Kang Kabayo | Sylverster | |
| 1990 | Love at First Sight | | |
| 1991 | Humanap Ka ng Panget | Elvin | |
| 1991 | Angelito San Miguel: Ang Batang City Jail | Banjo | |
| 1991 | Alyas Batman en Robin | Kevin / Robin | |
| 1992 | Miss Na Miss Kita (Utol Kong hoodlum II) | | cameo |
| 1992 | Jesus dela Cruz at ang Mga Batang Riles | Jess | |
| 1992 | Blue Jeans Gang | Brian | |
| 1993 | Sana'y Ikaw Na Nga | Gary | |
| 1993 | Gagay ang Prinsesa ng Brownout | Jesus Dela Cruz | cameo |
| 1994 | Pintsik | Benjie | |
| 1994 | Cuadro de Jack | Jericho | |
| 1995 | Barkada Walang Atrasan | Jojo | |
| 1995 | Okey si Maam | Jess | |
| 1995 | Love Notes the Movie | Norman | |
| 1997 | The Sarah Balabagan Story | | |
| 1997 | Nag-iisang Ikaw | Aaron Buenaventura | |
| 1997 | Ten Little Indians | | |
| 2001 | Bahay ni Lola | Bob | |
| 2003 | Message Sent | Delfin | |
| 2005 | Happily Ever After | Pampee | |
| 2005 | Lovestruck | Oscar | |
| 2005 | Ispiritista: Itay, May Moomoo | Ghost | cameo |
| 2006 | Shake, Rattle and Roll 8 | Cesar | |
| 2008 | Iskul Bukol 20 Years After: The Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure | Wimpee | |
| 2021 | Yorme: The Isko Domagoso Story | JOhn Nite | cameo |
| 2022 | Mahal Kita, Beksman | Popshie | |
| 2023 | Here Comes the Groom | Rodrigo Sr. | |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Network |
| 2025 | Prinsesa ng City Jail | Dado Pascual | GMA Network |
| 2022 | 2 Good 2 Be True | Jay/Joey Fajardo | Kapamilya Channel, TV5 & A2Z |
| 2022 | Dear Uge | | GMA Network |
| 2021 | It's Showtime | Himself/Hide and Sing Mystery Celebrity Singer | Kapamilya Channel & A2Z |
| 2020 | Bagong Umaga | Joselito "Jose" Magbanua | Kapamilya Channel & A2Z |
| 2019 | Magandang Buhay | Himself/Guest | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | Tonight with Boy Abunda | Himself/Guest | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | It's Showtime | Himself/Guest KapareWHO/Mr. Q & A Hurado | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | Nang Ngumiti ang Langit | Benjie Dimagmaliw | ABS-CBN |
| 2019 | Dok Ricky, Pedia | | ABS-CBN |
| 2018 | Home Sweetie Home | Steven | ABS-CBN |
| 2018 | Inday Will Always Love You | Joaquin | GMA Network |
| 2018 | Wagas: Matandang Dalaga No More | Lani | GMA News TV |
| 2018 | Tonight with Arnold Clavio | Himself/Guest | GMA News TV |
| 2018 | MARS | Himself/Guest | GMA News TV |
| 2017 | All Star Videoke | Himself/Guest | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Meant to Be | Wilton "Pawie" Bendiola | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Dear Uge: Aso't Pusa | Henry | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Lip Sync Battle Philippines | | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Pepito Manaloto: Stepmom | Raymond | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Little Nanay | Edgar San Pedro | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Pepito Manaloto: Rainbow | Raymond | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Sabado Badoo | | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Sunday All Stars | Himself/Guest Performer | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Biro Ng Kapalaran: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Rocky | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Once Upon a Kiss | Jimmy Rodrigo | GMA Network |
| 2014 | The Ryzza Mae Show | Himself/Guest | GMA Network |
| 2014 | Kulungan Kanlungan: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Ebber | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Magpakailanman: Ang Tatay Kong Beki | Ruben Marasigan | GMA Network |
| 2013 | My Husband's Lover | Zandro Soriano | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Toda Max | Wella | ABS-CBN |
| 2012 | Video Incredible | | TV5 |
| 2011 | Iskul Bukol: Kuwelang Kwela 'To | Wacky Roque | TV5 |
| 2011 | Lucky Numbers | Himself/Host | TV5 |
| 2010 | My Driver Sweet Lover | Von | TV5 |
| 2010 | Lady Dada | Macario/Kylie | TV5 |
| 2010 | Comedy Bar | Himself/Guest | GMA Network |
| 2009 | Full House | Mr. H | GMA Network |
| 2009 | Are You the Next Big Star? | Himself/Co-host | GMA Network |
| 2009 | All About Eve | Paul | GMA Network |
| 2008 | LaLola | Josano "Gary" Therico Jose/Grace/Narrator | GMA Network |
| 2008 | Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition 2 | Himself/Joey Marquez Duet Partner | GMA Network |
| 2008 | GoBingo | Himself/Guest Player | GMA Network |
| 2008 | Whammy! Push Your Luck | Himself/Contestant | GMA Network |
| 2008 | SOP Rules | Himself/Guest Performer | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Kung Ako Ikaw | Himself/Host/Harold | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Bubble Gang | Himself/Various | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Sa Iyong Paglaya: Eat Bulaga Lenten Special | Monchit | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Ful Haus | | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Sabi Ni Nanay | Various | RPN-9 |
| 2007 | Nuts Entertainment | Occasional Cast Member | GMA Network |
| 2007 | Fantastic Man | Budol | GMA Network |
| 2006 | Ay, Robot! | Various | QTV |
| 2006 | Extra Challenge | Himself | GMA Network |
| 2006 | SiS | Himself/Guest | GMA Network |
| 2006 | Magpakailanman: Joey de Leon Story | Young Joey de Leon | GMA Network |
| 2006 | Kakabaka-Boo | Various | GMA Network |
| 2006 | Mama: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Julio | GMA Network |
| 2006 | Ang sarap ng Paskong Kapuso: The GMA Christmas Special | Harold | GMA Network |
| 2005 | Tahanan: Eat Bulaga Lenten Drama Special | Jack | GMA Network |
| 2005 | Bongga Ka Star | Host/Harold | QTV |
| 2005 | Kakabakaba Adventures | Various | GMA Network |
| 2005 | Maynila | | GMA Network |
| 2005 | Love to Love | Jason Patrick/Patricia | GMA Network |
| 2004–2007 | Bahay Mo Ba 'To? | Harold Manguluntoy | GMA Network |
| 2004 | Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako | Alfonse | GMA Network |
| 2004 | Magpakailanman: Instant Millionaire | | GMA Network |
| 2004 | Daisy Siete | | GMA Network |
| 2004 | O-Ha! | Various | ABC-5 |
| 2003 | MMK: The Rene Requestas Story | | ABS-CBN |
| 2003 | Recuerdo de Amor | Ricardo "Carding" Castillo | ABS-CBN |
| 2002 | Klasmeyts | Host/Himself | ABS-CBN |
| 2001 | Hayop Na Hayop | Various | ABC-5 |
| 2001 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Birth Certificate | Raymond | ABS-CBN |
| 2000 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Apples, Oranges and Bananas | Raffy | ABS-CBN |
| 2000 | Relaks Lang | Various | PTV |
| 2000 | Kagat ng Dilim | Various | IBC |
| 1999–2002 | Ang Munting Paraiso | | ABS-CBN |
| 1999 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tula | | ABS-CBN |
| 1998 | Wow! | Himself/Host | IBC |
| 1998 | Back To Iskul Bukol | Various | IBC |
| 1998 | Que Horror | Various | ABC-5 |
| 1998 | Lihim Ng Gabi | Various | GMA Network |
| 1998 | Walang Kukurap | Various | GMA Network |
| 1998 | Campus Romance | Various | GMA Network |
| 1997 | Goin' Bayabas | Gag Performer | IBC |
| 1995–1997 | Villa Quintana | Isagani Samonte | GMA Network |
| 1996 | GMA Supershow | Himself/Co-Host | GMA Network |
| 1996 | GMA Telesine Specials (Sugat ng Inakay) | JB | GMA Network |
| 1996 | Tropang Trumpo | | ABC-5 |
| 1996 | Palibhasa Lalake | Various | ABS-CBN |
| 1996 | Mana | Nida Blanca's son | ABS-CBN |
| 1996 | The Sharon Cuneta Show | Himself/Guest | ABS-CBN |
| 1996 | 1896 | | ABC-5 |
| 1995 | Love Notes The Series | | ABC-5 |
| 1995 | GMA Telesine Specials (Nasaan si Mr. Perfect?) | Karlo | GMA Network |
| 1994 | 17 Bernard Club | | ABC-5 |
| 1993 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Christmas Card | Roldan | ABS-CBN |
| 1992 | Purungtong | | RPN |
| 1992 | Buddy En Sol | | RPN |
| 1992 | Mana-Mana | | ABS-CBN |
| 1991 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: Sanggol | | ABS-CBN |
| 1991 | Cebu | | RPN |
| 1990 | Ang Tabi Kong Mamaw | | IBC |
| 1990 | Pandakekoks | Pilo | GMA Network |
| 1989 | The Sharon Cuneta Show | Himself/Guest | ABS-CBN |
| 1989 | That's Entertainment | Himself/Co-Host, Thursday Group | GMA Network |
| 1989 | Lovingly Yours | | GMA Network |
| 1989 | Lucky | Jake | IBC |
| 1989 | Young Love, Sweet Love | Various | RPN |
| 1989–1997 2004–2016 | Eat Bulaga! | Himself/Host | ABS-CBN and GMA Network |
| 1988 | Agila | Bobet | RPN |

### Television specials

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

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Critics | Category | TV Show / Program | Status |
| 1991 | 5th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actor | Agila | Nominated |
| 1995 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actor | Villa Quintana | Won |
| 1996 | PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Drama Actor | Villa Quintana | Won |
| 2005 | 19th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actor | Bahay Mo Ba 'To | Won |
| 2005 | 2nd Golden Screen Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Bahay Mo Ba 'To | Won |
| 2006 | 20th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actor | Bahay Mo Ba 'To | Nominated |
| 2006 | Asian TV Awards | Best Comedy Performance by an Actor | Bahay Mo Ba 'To | Highly Commended |
| 2007 | 21st PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actor | Bahay Mo Ba 'To | Nominated |
| 2008 | 22nd PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Reality Competition Program Host | Kung Ako Ikaw | Nominated |
| 2013 | 27th PMPC Star Awards for Television | Best Single Performance by an Actor | (Magpakailanman Presents "Ang Tatay Kong Beki: The Ruben Marasigan Story"; GMA-7) | Nominated |
| 2015 | 13th Gawad Tanglaw Awards | Best Performance by an Actor by a Single Performance | "Kulungan, Kanlungan" (The Eat Bulaga Lenten Special) | Won |
| 2015 | Dabarkads Awards | Best Actor | "Biro ng Kapalaran" | Nominated |
| 2023 | First Summer Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2023 | Best Supporting Actor | "Here Comes the Groom" | Won |
| 2024 | 7th EDDYS 2024 | Best Supporting Actor | "Here Comes the Groom" | Nominated |