# Anita Linda

Anita Linda (born Alice Bueñaflor Lake; November 23, 1924 – June 10, 2020), was a Filipino actress whose career spanned nearly eight decades and had done close to 400 motion pictures. A romantic lead in her early years, she gained widespread acclaim for her portrayals of maternal, elderly roles depicting Filipino struggles and their lifestyle. Often described as the face of Philippine cinema, she was one of the top box-office draws for two decades and has received numerous accolades from international film festivals and domestic award-giving bodies.

## Early career

Linda was born Alice Bueñaflor Lake in Pasay to James Lake, an American soldier and mining engineer, and Gorgonia Bueñaflor of Iloilo.
Linda was discovered by renowned director Lamberto Avellana while watching a stage show at the Avenue Theater starring Leopoldo Salcedo, Lopito, among others. Then an Ilongga teenager that couldn't speak Tagalog, she had second thoughts when she was asked backstage if she wanted to become an actress. Avellana then told her to report for rehearsals for the next show and later had her fetched when she didn't appear.
Linda first did High School with no dialogue, then Biyernes sa Quiapo with Jaime dela Rosa as her leading man, then Aksesorya with Leopoldo Salcedo onstage. Avellana later gave her the screen name Anita Linda and cast her in Tia Juana, her first film at LVN Pictures. The film was completed shortly before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, but released only in 1943.
With the film studios being shut down for the duration of the war, Linda spent the war years performing on bodabil at Avenue Theater in Manila. After the war in 1947, she was later offered a contract by Premiere Productions where she was cast by Avellana in Sekretang Hong Kong with Pugo and Togo. Her first lead role in Alyas Sakim with Pol Salcedo in 1947 was directed by Moises Cagin.
In 1951, Linda portrayed the title character in Gerardo de Leon's Sisa, a film based on the tragic character in Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere. The role garnered her the Best Actress Maria Clara award (a precursor of the FAMAS). De Leon then cast Linda in Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952), a role for which Linda would be nominated for a FAMAS Best Actress Award.

## Later career

In the 1970s, Linda gained renewed critical acclaim in maternal roles she played for director Lino Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Isa Dalawa Tatlo (1974) and Jaguar (1979). She would win the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress for Isa Dalawa Tatlo. Linda would also be nominated for the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress Award for Jaguar, which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. In 1982 she was given the Natatanging Gawad Urian ng Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
Linda would appear in several leading films of the 1980s and 1990s, including Joey Gosiengfiao's Temptation Island (1980), Mike de Leon's Sister Stella L. (1984), Chito S. Roño's Itanong Mo sa Buwan and Brocka's Gumapang ka sa Lusak (1990). For her portrayal of an aging film actress in Mario O'Hara’s Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata (1998), Linda would receive a Star Award for Best Supporting Actress and her second FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award. For this, she set a record as the oldest actress to ever win a FAMAS at age 74. In 1987, Linda also won a Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress award for Takaw Tukso.
Linda remained active in the film industry as she reached her eighties, appearing in such films as Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004), You Are the One (2006) and Ouija (2007). In 2009, she returned to television, starring in the ABS-CBN drama Tayong Dalawa as Kim Chiu's ruthless Chinese grandmother Lily.
Linda garnered widespread acclaim in 2008, she starred in the independent film, Adela (2008), directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. For her performance playing the loneliness of a woman celebrating her 80th birthday alone when her children failed to visit her, she was cited as Best Actress in the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival (Southeast Asia Film Competition), as Best Actress by the Young Critics Circle, and as Best Actress (tied with Judy Ann Santos) at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards. The New York Times film critic Stephen Holden praised Linda's performance as "quietly transfixing". In 2009, Anita Linda was given the ENPRESS Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award.
She won the Best Supporting Actress award, for her performance in Sta. Niña, at the Cinemalaya 2012 under the New Breed Full Length Feature Category.
In 2014, she made a comeback on primetime television in an ensemble drama Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon as Paulo Avelino's grandmother Lola Patchi.

## Personal life

She was married to actor Fred Cortes Sr. (stage name). The marriage lasted 2 years. They had a son Fred Cortes Jr. (stage name)
In January 2009, Linda was unhurt in a mugging incident that occurred while she was aboard a taxicab. In October 1950, Linda's sister Mamey was murdered in a robbery attempt at the home they had shared; Linda herself was unharmed after she and her nieces had locked themselves in a bedroom to evade the burglars.

## Death

Linda died on June 10, 2020. She was 95. The news was confirmed by her daughter, Francesca Legaspi by a text message to STAR news.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role(s) | Production Company |
| 1943 | Tiya Juana | | LVN Pictures |
| 1947 | Alias Sakim | | Premiere Productions |
| 1947 | Sekretang Hong Kong | | Premiere Productions |
| 1947 | Ngayon at Kailan Man | | Premiere Productions |
| 1948 | Labi ng Bataan | | |
| 1948 | Perfidia: Kataksilan | | Premiere Productions |
| 1948 | Anghel sa Lupa | | Premiere Productions |
| 1948 | Hiram na Pangalan | | |
| 1948 | Wala Na Akong Luha | | |
| 1949 | Ang Lumang Bahay sa Gulod | | |
| 1949 | Bakit Ako Luluha? | | |
| 1949 | Bandilang Basahan | | |
| 1949 | Ina ng Awa | | |
| 1949 | Dugo ng Katipunan | | |
| 1949 | Kay Ganda ng Umaga | | |
| 1949 | Kung Sakali Ma't Salat | | |
| 1949 | Magkapilas ng Langit | | |
| 1949 | Suwail (Naglaro ang Ligaya) | | |
| 1950 | 3 Balaraw | | |
| 1950 | Hiwaga ng Tulay na Bato | | |
| 1950 | Punglo at Pag-ibig | | |
| 1951 | Kadakilaan | | |
| 1951 | Kapitan Bagwis | | |
| 1951 | Prinsipe Don Juan | | |
| 1951 | Sisa | Sisa | Premiere Productions |
| 1952 | Luha ng Langit | | |
| 1952 | Bulaklak ng Nayon | | |
| 1952 | Tatlong Kabanata sa Buhay Ko | | Associated Artists |
| 1952 | Ngipin sa Ngipin | | |
| 1953 | Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo | | Manuel Vistan Production |
| 1953 | Agilang Itim | | |
| 1953 | Siga-Siga | | |
| 1953 | Makabuhay | | |
| 1953 | Nenita Unit | | |
| 1954 | Ri-Gi-Ding | | |
| 1954 | Lourdes: Ang Mutya ng Paaralan | | |
| 1954 | Playboy | | |
| 1954 | Guwapo | | |
| 1954 | Por Bida Gid | | |
| 1954 | Basagulera | | |
| 1954 | Bandolero | | |
| 1955 | Bandilang Pula | Commander Dalia | Bonifer Productions |
| 1955 | Magia Blanca | | |
| 1955 | 7 Maria | | |
| 1956 | Takya | | |
| 1956 | Ambrocia | | |
| 1956 | Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Dr. Jose Rizal | | |
| 1956 | Hokus-Pokus | | |
| 1956 | Haring Tulisan | | Everlasting Pictures |
| 1957 | Viva Las Señoritas | | |
| 1957 | Ukulele Boy | | Larry Santiago Productions |
| 1958 | Mga Liham Kay Tiya Dely | | Larry Santiago Productions |
| 1958 | Obra Maestra ("Singapore" segment) | | People's Pictures |
| 1958 | Matandang Tinale | | Larry Santiago Productions |
| 1961 | Nag-uumpugang Bato | | Larry Santiago Productions |
| 1963 | Madugong Paghihiganti (The Massacre) | | MML Productions |
| 1964 | Naligaw na Anghel | | Larry Santiago Productions |
| 1964 | Callejon Delinquente | | RV Productions |
| 1964 | Deadly Brothers | | JE Productions |
| 1964 | Pamatay: Kaliwa at Kanan | | Larry Santiago Productions |
| 1965 | Darna at ang Babaing Tuod | Marta | People's Pictures |
| 1969 | Bimbo | | Junar Productions |
| 1969 | Born to Be Wild | | Aladdin Production |
| 1970 | Omar Cassidy and the Sandalyas Kid | | Balatbat Productions |
| 1970 | The Alvarados | | Tower-Viltra Elk's Productions |
| 1970 | Mga Dugong Simaron | | LEA Productions |
| 1970 | Because You Are Mine | | Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions |
| 1970 | Johnny Baby, Please Come Home! | | Tower Productions |
| 1974 | Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa | | Cinemanila Corporation |
| 1974 | Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang | Gng. Ortega | Cinemanila Corporation |
| 1975 | Lumapit, Lumayo ang Umaga | | LEA Productions |
| 1976 | Mrs. Teresa Abad, Ako Po si Bing | | N. V. Productions |
| 1976 | Isang Pag-ibig, Isang Pangarap, at Isang Bulaklak | | Ednore Films International |
| 1978 | Katawang Alabok | Kalapati | Agrix Films Productions |
| 1978 | Boy Apache | | Regal Films |
| 1978 | Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko | | Regal Films |
| 1978 | Katawang Alabok | | Agrix Films Production |
| 1979 | Jaguar | Mother | Bancom Audiovision Productions |
| 1979 | Alabok na Ginto | | MBM Productions |
| 1979 | Kadete | | Agrix Films Production |
| 1980 | 4 Na Maria | | Agrix Films Production |
| 1980 | Candy | | |
| 1980 | Dolphy's Angels | | RVQ Productions |
| 1980 | Kung Tawagin Siya'y Bathala | | |
| 1980 | Temptation Island | | Regal Films |
| 1980 | Milyon | | |
| 1980 | Good Morning, Sunshine | | |
| 1980 | Ang Galing Galing Mo ... Mrs. Jones | | HPS Film Production |
| 1981 | Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? | Sofia | Four Seasons Films International |
| 1981 | Alfredo Sebastian | The Mother | Supreme Motion Pictures |
| 1982 | Pretty Boy Charlie | | Emperor Films |
| 1984 | Lovingly Yours: The Movie (segment: Akin ang Walang Diyos) | | |
| 1984 | Sister Stella L. | | Regal Films |
| 1986 | Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite | Desta | BSH Films |
| 1986 | Takaw Tukso | | Ultravision Films |
| 1986 | Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa | Constancia "Atang" dela Cruz | Seiko Films Inc |
| 1986 | Batang Quiapo | Iska | Regal Films |
| 1987 | Amang Hustler | | |
| 1988 | Iyo ang Batas, Akin ang Katarungan | Pinang | Buena Films International |
| 1988 | Babaing Hampaslupa | Aling Ising | Regal Films |
| 1988 | Itanong Mo sa Buwan | | Double M Films International |
| 1990 | Gumapang Ka sa Lusak | | |
| 1991 | Makiusap Ka sa Diyos | Sister Carmen | Regal Films |
| 1994 | Pare Ko! | Auring Lorenzo | Star Cinema |
| 1995 | Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara | Yaya Benita | Star Cinema |
| 1996 | Maruja | Belen | Viva Films |
| 1996 | Cedie | Mrs. Mellon | Star Cinema |
| 1998 | Dama de Noche | Mother Catalina | Neo Films VIVA Films |
| 1998 | Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata | Amapola | Good Harvest Unlimited |
| 1998 | Puso ng Pasko | Lola Angeles | Star Cinema Tikbalang Productions |
| 1999 | Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko... | Lola Benedicta | Star Cinema |
| 1999 | Sa Paraiso ni Efren | | Regal Films |
| 2000 | Deathrow | Robbery Victim | GMA Films |
| 2001 | Isda | | Cinemalaya |
| 2004 | Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita | | |
| 2006 | You Are the One | | |
| 2007 | Tambolista | | Cinema One Originals |
| 2007 | Ouija | Lola Corazon | GMA Films VIVA Films |
| 2007 | A Love Story | Inang Sion | Star Cinema |
| 2007 | Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! | Amelia | Regal Entertainment |
| 2008 | Adela | Adela Macaraig | |
| 2008 | Caregiver | Lola Miling | Star Cinema |
| 2009 | Booking | | |
| 2009 | Manila | Seniora Aleria | |
| 2009 | Grandmother | | |
| 2011 | Presa | | |
| 2012 | The Mistress | Lola Lina | Star Cinema |
| 2013 | David F. | | Cinemalaya Foundation |
| 2013 | Nuwebe | | One Big Fight Productions, Monoxide Works |
| 2013 | Otso | | Philippine Stagers Foundation |
| 2013 | Alamat ni China Doll | | Phoenix Features |
| 2013 | Morgue | | Digimar Films |
| 2014 | Bride for Rent | Lola Czarina | Star Cinema |
| 2014 | My Illegal Wife | Magda | Star Cinema Skylight Films |
| 2016 | Mrs. | | Solar Entertainment |
| 2016 | Padre de Familia | Lola Eva | CCM Creatives |
| 2017 | New Generation Heroes | | |
| 2017 | Tatlong Bibe | Mameng | Regis Films & Entertainment |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role(s) | Network |
| 1980–1985 | Anna Liza | Munda | GMA Network |
| 1987 | Maricel Regal Drama Special | Aling Panchang | ABS-CBN |
| 1992–1997 | Mara Clara | Aling Pacita | ABS-CBN |
| 1996 | Bayani | Melchora Aquino | ABS-CBN |
| 1996–1997 | Mia Gracia | | GMA Network |
| 1999 | Marinella | Doña Beatriz | ABS-CBN |
| 2000–2002 | Pangako Sa 'Yo | Puring "Lola Puring" San Juan | ABS-CBN |
| 2000–2001 | Saan Ka Man Naroroon | Aling Tasing | ABS-CBN |
| 2002–2003 | Bituin | Rustica | ABS-CBN |
| 2005 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | Nacyfe | GMA Network |
| 2005 | 'Til Death Do Us Part | Lola / La | ABS-CBN |
| 2007–2008 | Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik | Impo | ABS-CBN |
| 2008 | Lovebooks Presents: No Boyfriend Since Birth | | TV5 |
| 2009 | Tayong Dalawa | Lilian "Lola Lily" King | ABS-CBN |
| 2011 | Machete | Older Aginaya | GMA Network |
| 2011–2012 | Glamorosa | Lola Magda | TV5 |
| 2011–2012 | Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig | Max's mother | ABS-CBN |
| 2013 | Indio | Uray | GMA Network |
| 2014 | Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon | Patrice "Lola Patchi" Salvador | ABS-CBN |
| 2014 | Sa Puso ni Dok | | GMA Network |
| 2015–2016 | Ningning | Lola Adelina | ABS-CBN |