# Nova Villa

Novelita Acosta Villanueva Gallegos (born April 16, 1946), better known by her stage name, Nova Villa, is a Filipino actress. Known primarily as the "Goddess of Comedy", she is regarded as one of the pillars in Philippine entertainment and is celebrated as one of the greatest Filipino comedians of all time. She has since appeared in over 150 films and has been prominent in situational comedies such as Chicks to Chicks (1971-1991), Home Along Da Riles (1992-2003) and Pepito Manaloto (2010-present).
Among her many accolades includes the "Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice medal" bestowed by Pope Francis, the highest papal award the Vatican can give a layperson. She is the third actress with the most wins (4) at the PMPC Star Awards for TV in the "Best Comedy Actress" category. She was also honored with the Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award, Manuel de Leon Award for Exemplary Achievement at the 37th Luna Awards, and the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy at the 2012 Golden Screen TV Awards.

## Career

Villa began working in the entertainment industry at the age of 17, when he was discovered by Fernando Poe Jr. while accompanying her neighbor, the comedienne Chichay, on an errand at Premiere Productions. Apart from acting, Villa also worked as a broadcaster at Radio Veritas for 14 years.

## Political views

During the 1986 snap presidential election, Villa regularly campaigned for the reelection of president Ferdinand Marcos under Kilusang Bagong Lipunan, alongside other film industry personalities.

## Personal life

Villa's half-sister is Myrna Villanueva, also an actress and comedian better known by her screen name Tiya Pusit. Villa is a caregiver for her husband Freddie Gallegos who remains bedridden since his 2017 stroke.

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1960 | Manananggal vs Mangkukulam | | |
| 1964 | Ang Mahiwagang Pag-Ibig ni Lola Cinderella | | |
| 1964 | Daniel Barrion | | |
| 1964 | Baril Na Ginto | | |
| 1964 | Maskarados | | |
| 1964 | Sa Daigdig ng Fantasia | | |
| 1965 | Alyas Batman at Robin | | |
| 1965 | Captain Philippines at Boy Pinoy | | |
| 1965 | Scarface at Al Capone: Espiya sa Ginto | | |
| 1965 | Pilipinas Kong Mahal | | |
| 1966 | Alyas Phantom | | |
| 1966 | Swanie | | |
| 1966 | Sa Bawat Lansagan | | |
| 1967 | Ex-Convict | | |
| 1968 | Manila, Open City | Young Girl | |
| 1968 | Artista ang Aking Asawa | | |
| 1968 | Alipin ng Busabos | | |
| 1969 | 9 Teeners | | |
| 1969 | Batang Palengke | | |
| 1969 | Young Girl | | |
| 1969 | Banda 24 | | |
| 1969 | Stop, Look, Listen | | |
| 1969 | Agent 7: Our Man Duling | | |
| 1969 | Mga Alabastro | | |
| 1969 | Zatoduling (The Cross-Eyed Swordsman) | | |
| 1971 | Laff Story | | |
| 1972 | Boy Galawgaw | | |
| 1972 | Diamonds Are for Eva | | |
| 1972 | Laug Bag | | |
| 1973 | May Isang Brilyante | | |
| 1973 | Inday ng Buhay Ko | | |
| 1973 | Ito ang Tunay Na Lalaki | | |
| 1974 | Enkantadang Payong | | |
| 1974 | Carnival Song | | |
| 1975 | Loose Connections | | |
| 1975 | Batu-Bato sa Langit (Ang Tamaa'y Huwag Magagalit) | Noviciada Carcomonia | |
| 1976 | Boss, Basta Ikaw (Wa' Na 'Kong Sey) | | |
| 1976 | Wanted... Ded or Alayb (Agad-agad) | | |
| 1977 | Masikip Maluwang Paraisong Parisukat | | |
| 1978 | Dyesebel | Bengenge | |
| 1979 | Pinay, American Style | | |
| 1980 | Iniibig Ko'y... Nakatali | | |
| 1981 | P.S. I Love You | Vicky | |
| 1981 | Rocky Tu-log | | |
| 1981 | Mister Kwekong (Driver ng Punerarya) | | |
| 1982 | Si Ako at... Tres Muskiteros! | Ines | |
| 1982 | Forgive and Forget | Irene | |
| 1982 | Annie Sabungera | | |
| 1983 | Buhay-Misis | | |
| 1985 | Magchumikap Ka! | | |
| 1985 | Tender Age | | |
| 1985 | Ano Ka, Hilo? | | |
| 1985 | S.W.A.K.: Samahang Walang Atrasan sa Kalaban | | |
| 1986 | Rocky Four-ma | | |
| 1986 | Captain Barbell | Aling Tinay | |
| 1986 | Payaso | | |
| 1987 | Ako si Kiko, Ako si Kikay | Susana | |
| 1988 | Leroy Leroy Sinta | | |
| 1988 | Taray at Teroy | Cora | |
| 1988 | Super Inday and the Golden Bibe | Inda | |
| 1988 | Love Letters | | |
| 1988 | I Love You 3x a Day | Saucy Matukoy | |
| 1988 | Bakit Kinagat ni Adan ang Mansanas ni Eba? | Luming | |
| 1989 | Mars Ravelo's Bondying: The Little Big Boy | Luding | |
| 1989 | Pulis, Pulis sa Ilalim ng Tulay | Wendy | |
| 1989 | Gawa Na ang Bala para sa Akin | Lita | |
| 1989 | Hotdog | Kristine | |
| 1990 | Twist: Ako si Ikaw, Ikaw si Ako | Daniela | |
| 1990 | Tora Tora, Bang Bang Bang | | |
| 1990 | Michael and Madonna | Cindy | |
| 1990 | Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo | Akang | |
| 1990 | Samson & Goliath | Madam Loli | |
| 1991 | Pido Dida 2 (Kasal Na) | Akang | |
| 1991 | Eh, Kasi Bisaya | | |
| 1991 | Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!: The Movie | Alfonso's wife | |
| 1992 | Si Lucio at si Miguel: Hihintayin Kayo sa Langit | Meldie | |
| 1992 | Eh, Kasi Bata | Meldie | |
| 1993 | Pido Dida 3: May Kambal Na | Akang | |
| 1993 | Home Along da Riles: Da Movie | Ason Madamba | |
| 1994 | Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling | | |
| 1994 | Si Ayala at Si Zobel | Lilit | |
| 1997 | Home Along da Riles 2 | Ason Madamba | |
| 1997 | Wanted: Perfect Murder! | | |
| 1997 | Kokey | Mrs. Querubin | |
| 1999 | Basta Ikaw... Nanginginig Pa! | Ason Madamba | |
| 2004 | So... Happy Together | Inday | |
| 2005 | Happily Ever After | | |
| 2005 | Dreamboy | Mai | |
| 2005 | Hari ng Sablay: Isang Tama, Sampung Mali | Lola Gracia | |
| 2006 | Close to You | Lola Dading | |
| 2007 | Desperadas | Margot | |
| 2008 | Dayo: Sa Mundo ng Elementalia | Lola Nita | (Voice) |
| 2008 | Desperadas 2 | Margot | |
| 2009 | OMG (Oh, My Girl!) | Sita | |
| 2012 | Every Breath U Take | Lola Pilar | |
| 2012 | The Reunion | Manang | |
| 2012 | Sosy Problems | Patria | |
| 2013 | Raketeros | | |
| 2013 | Kung Fu Divas | | |
| 2014 | 1st Ko si 3rd | | |
| 2015 | All You Need Is Pag-ibig | Loisa | |
| 2016 | This Time | Ophelia | |
| 2018 | Miss Granny | Feliza "Fely" Malabaño / Miss Granny | |
| 2019 | S.O.N.S: Sons of Nanay Sabel | Queen Gracia of Ulteria | |
| 2022 | Labyu with an Accent | Lola Tare | |
| 2024 | Senior Moments | | |
| 2025 | Everything About My Wife | Lola Yogi | |

### Television

| Year | Title | Role | Network |
| 1969–1972 | Super Laff-In | Herself | ABS-CBN |
| 1974–1976 | Baltic & Co. | - | GMA Network |
| 1979–1987 | Chicks to Chicks | Ines Capistrano | IBC |
| 1987–1991 | Chika Chika Chicks | Ines Capistrano | ABS-CBN |
| 1987–1992 | Palibhasa Lalake | Celestina "Tinay" Segundo | ABS-CBN |
| 1989–1995 | Eat Bulaga! | Co-host | ABS-CBN |
| 1991–1997 | Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Tita Delos Santos | ABS-CBN |
| 1992 | Mana-Mana | - | ABS-CBN |
| 1992 | The Maricel Drama Special | Various Roles | ABS-CBN |
| 1992–2003 | Home Along Da Riles | Azon Madamba | ABS-CBN |
| 1997–2001 | Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis | Goring Magtanggol | ABS-CBN |
| 2001–2003 | Eto Na Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Tita Delos Santos | ABS-CBN |
| 2003–2005 | Home Along Da Airport | Azon Madamba | ABS-CBN |
| 2004 | Mangarap Ka | Zoila Catacutan | ABS-CBN |
| 2006–2007 | Super Inggo | Lola Juaning | ABS-CBN |
| 2007 | That's My Doc | Octavella "Tita Oc" Flores | ABS-CBN |
| 2007 | Your Song: Never Knew Love Like This Before | Janet | ABS-CBN |
| 2007 | Kokey | Sor Aida Sanchez | ABS-CBN |
| 2007 | Super Inggo 1.5: Ang Bagong Bangis | Lola Juaning | ABS-CBN |
| 2008–2010 | Everybody Hapi | Various | TV5 |
| 2009 | Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla: Tiagong Akyat | Martha | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Kokey @ Ako | Sor Aida Sanchez | ABS-CBN |
| 2010 | Hapi-er Together | Nympha Cayugyog | TV5 |
| 2010–2011 | My Driver Sweet Lover | Aling White | TV5 |
| 2011 | Luv Crazy | Various | TV5 |
| 2011 | Nita Negrita | Nana Ima | GMA Network |
| 2011 | Futbolilits | Lola Ester Cortes | GMA Network |
| 2011 | Sugod Mga Kapatid | Mommy Gabby | GMA Network |
| 2012 | My Beloved | Lola Inggay Castor | GMA Network |
| 2012 | Tweets for My Sweet | Domina delos Santos | GMA Network |
| 2012–2013 | Aso ni San Roque | Ofelia Sandoval | GMA Network |
| 2012 | Magpakailanman: The Ryzza Mae Dizon Story | Lola Ester | GMA Network |
| 2012–present | Pepito Manaloto | Mimosa "Mimi" Kho | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Binoy Henyo | Lola Chato | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Magpakailanman: Ang Nag-iisang Kontrabida ng Buhay Ko: The Rez and Candy Cortez Story | Mommy | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Wagas: The Amy Silvosa and Orly Escovido Love Story | Amy | GMA Network |
| 2013 | Magpakailanman: Kislap ng Parol | Erlinda | GMA Network |
| 2014 | Vampire ang Daddy Ko | Meme | GMA Network |
| 2014 | Kambal Sirena | Ligaya Natividad | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Once Upon a Kiss | Adela Rodrigo | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Yagit | Adelaida | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Marimar | Lola Cruz Perez | GMA Network |
| 2015 | Magpakailanman: SaveTheMaid | Manang Hermy | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Dear Uge | Esther | GMA Network |
| 2016 | Sa Piling ni Nanay | Doña Matilda Mercado | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Destined to be Yours | Purissima "Nana Puring" Melendez | GMA Network |
| 2017 | Mulawin vs. Ravena | Consuelo "Elo" Manalastas | GMA Network |
| 2018 | Inday Will Always Love You | Loleng Magtibay | GMA Network |
| 2019 | Love You Two | Gloria | GMA Network |
| 2021 | Owe My Love | Epifania "Mema Eps" delos Santos-Guipit | GMA Network |
| 2022 | False Positive | Mamerta "Mema" Ramirez | GMA Network |
| 2023 | AraBella | Lola Madonna | GMA Network |
| 2023 | It's Showtime | Herself / Guest | Kapamilya Channel |
| 2023–2024 | Can't Buy Me Love | Salvacion "Lola Nene" Rivera | Kapamilya Channel |
| 2025 | Incognito | Sara | Kapamilya Channel |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award-giving body | Category | Nominated Work | Result |
| 1987 | PMPC Star Award | Best Comedy Actress | Chika Chika Chiks | Won |
| 1991 | PMPC Star Award | Best Comedy Actress | Abangan Ang Susunod Na Kabanata | Won |
| 1998 | PMPC Star Award | Best Comedy Actress | Home Along Da Riles | Won |
| 2012 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Comedy | — | Won |
| 2013 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program | Tweets for My Sweet | Nominated |
| 2014 | Golden Screen TV Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Gag or Comedy Program | Pepito Manaloto | Won |
| 2014 | 28th Star Awards for Television | Best Comedy Actress | Pepito Manaloto | Nominated |
| 2014 | 28th Star Awards for Television | Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award | — | Won |
| 2015 | Gawad Urian Awards | Best Actress | Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktres 1st Ko Si 3rd | Nominated |
| 2015 | 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival | Best Supporting Actress | All You Need Is Pag-ibig | Nominated |