# Christopher de Leon on screen and stage

Christopher de Leon is a Filipino actor and filmmaker who has had an extensive career in film, television and stage. He made his screen debut in Lino Brocka's Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), won his first acting award for Best Actor at the FAMAS, and has since appeared in 160 motion pictures. He received wider recognition for his roles in the historical period films Banaue: Stairway to the Sky (1975), Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), and Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976), winning his second Best Actor at the FAMAS for the latter. In 1978, De Leon played a cheating husband in Ishmael Bernal's Ikaw ay Akin with Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos, earning him his first Gawad Urian for Best Actor.
De Leon established himself as a leading actor in the following years. In 1982, he starred in the mystery drama Haplos, winning Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival. He received Best Actor nominations at the FAMAS for his performances in Relasyon (1982), Broken Marriage (1983), God... Save Me! (1985), and Maging Akin Ka Lamang (1987), winning one for his portrayal of an abusive husband in the romantic drama Kapag Napagod ang Puso (1988). De Leon won Best Actor at the Luna Awards for two consecutive years for his starring roles in the thriller Biktima (1990) and Ipagpatawad Mo (1991). His performances in Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (1990) and Gaano Kita Kamahal (1993) also earned him Movie Actor of the Year wins at the Star Awards for Movies. In 1996, De Leon starred in the family drama Madrasta opposite Sharon Cuneta. It became Star Cinema's highest grossing film at that point, earning over ₱70 million during its first 10-day run at the box office. In 1999, he played a crime syndicate leader in the thriller drama Bulaklak ng Maynila, winning Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival and Luna Awards.
De Leon also ventured hosting and presented the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? (2000). In 2003, De Leon starred in the romantic comedy Pangarap Ko Ang Ibigin Ka opposite Regine Velasquez. The film competed at the Manila Tagalog Film Festival and became the highest-grossing film among six other entries at the film festival. Further critical acclaim followed with his starring roles in Mano Po III: My Love (2004) and Magkaibigan (2008), winning Best Actor trophies at the Metro Manila Film Festival. In 2011, he played a senior figure in the family drama Sa 'Yo Lamang. De Leon also played notable supporting roles in When Love Begins (2011), El Presidente (2012), Across the Crescent Moon (2017) and On the Job 2: The Missing 8 (2023).
On stage, De Leon has been involved in four musical productions. He began performing in the early 1970s, portraying Jesus in the rock musical Godspell. It was followed by starring roles in They're Playing Our Song (1981) and Alitaptap sa Gabing Mailap (1985). In 2013, he produced the rock musical Lorenzo. On television, De Leon has since played major roles in soap operas as early as the 2000s. He was cast in a number of dramatic roles in Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw (2002), Hanggang Kailan (2004), Kahit Isang Saglit (2008), Ikaw Lamang (2014), Beautiful Strangers (2015), Sana Dalawa ang Puso (2018), Love Thy Woman (2020), Lolong (2022) and Batang Quiapo (2023). De Leon's directorial projects include Halimaw sa Banga (1986), Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat Ko (1991) and When I Met You in Tokyo (2023), as well as episodes from drama anthologies.

## Film

Key :
| † | Denotes films that have not yet been released |

### 1970s

Christopher de Leon's film credits with year of release, film titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1974 | Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang | Junior | |
| 1975 | Banaue: Stairway to the Sky | Sadek | |
| 1975 | Hello... Goodnight... Goodbye | | Episode 2 ("Goodnight") |
| 1975 | Kahit ang Mundo'y Magunaw | | |
| 1975 | Batu-Bato sa Langit | Cris Buenaventura | Executive Producer |
| 1976 | Ang Katumbas Ay Buhay | Mario | |
| 1976 | Hide and Seek | | |
| 1976 | Relax Lang, Mama ... Sagot Kita | | |
| 1976 | Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? | Nicolas "Kulas" Ocampo | |
| 1976 | Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos | Masugi | Executive Producer |
| 1977 | Si Boyet, Si Hilda atbp. | Himself | Documentary |
| 1977 | Tisoy! | | Executive Producer |
| 1977 | Masikip, Maluwang... Paraisong Parisukat | | |
| 1977 | Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig | Alonzo | |
| 1977 | Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising | Joey | |
| 1977 | My Brother, My Wife | | |
| 1978 | Nakawin Natin Ang Bawat Sandali | Benjamin | |
| 1978 | Topo-Topo Barega | | |
| 1978 | Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko | Chris | |
| 1978 | Mga Mata ni Angelita | Lover | |
| 1978 | Sapagkat Kami'y Tao Lamang, Part 2 | The husband | |
| 1978 | Kukulog, Kikidlat sa Tanghaling Tapat | | |
| 1978 | Kung Kaya Mo... Kaya Ko Rin | Ramon | |
| 1978 | Lagi Na Lamang Ba Akong Babae? | Modesto | |
| 1978 | Disco Fever | | |
| 1978 | Ikaw Ay Akin | Rex Aguilar | |
| 1978 | Drigo Garrote: Jai Alai King | Rodrigo Garrote | |
| 1979 | Darna, Kuno? | Chris | Special appearance |
| 1979 | Bakit May Pag-ibig Pa? | | |
| 1979 | Magkaribal | Eric Guerrero | |
| 1979 | Sa Putik Ihuhugas ay Dugo | | |
| 1979 | Pinay, American Style | Chris | |
| 1979 | Annie Batungbakal | | |
| 1979 | Isang Milyon At Isang Kasalanan | | |
| 1979 | Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan | Julian Makabayan | |
| 1979 | Gusto Kita Mahal Ko Siya | | |
| 1979 | Kasal-kasalan, Bahay-bahayan | Abel | |

### 1980s

Christopher de Leon's film credits with year of release, film titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1980 | Saan... Sino... Paano??? | Himself | Documentary |
| 1980 | Kasal? | Joel | |
| 1980 | Iwahig | Alex Zaragosa | |
| 1980 | Kakabakaba Ka Ba? | Johnny | |
| 1980 | Taga sa Panahon | | |
| 1980 | Aguila | Mari L. Aguila | |
| 1980 | Sugat sa Ugat | Ramon | |
| 1980 | Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo | | |
| 1981 | Kamakalawa | Kauing | |
| 1981 | Showbiz Scandal | | |
| 1981 | Pakawalan Mo Ako | Freddie | |
| 1981 | I Confess | | |
| 1981 | Dirty Games | | |
| 1981 | Dalaga si Misis, Binata si Mister | | |
| 1981 | Karma | Edwin | Special appearance |
| 1982 | Palipat-lipat, Papalit-palit | | |
| 1982 | Tinimbang ang Langit | Joel | |
| 1982 | Relasyon | Emil | |
| 1982 | Malikot | Zen Jamir | |
| 1982 | Anak | Alfred | |
| 1982 | No Other Love | | |
| 1982 | Sinasamba Kita | Jerry | |
| 1982 | Cain and Abel | Ellis | |
| 1982 | Haplos | Al | |
| 1983 | Love Birds | | |
| 1983 | Paano Ba ang Mangarap? | Eric | |
| 1983 | Broken Marriage | Rene | |
| 1983 | Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan | Rod | |
| 1983 | Bad Bananas on the Silver Screen | Errol | Producer |
| 1984 | Kung Mahawi Man ang Ulap | Rustan | |
| 1984 | Akin ang Iyong Katawan | Antonio Cuaresma | |
| 1984 | Sampung Ahas ni Eva | | |
| 1985 | Kapag Puso'y Sinugatan | Ramon | |
| 1985 | Bituing Walang Ningning | Nico Escobar | |
| 1985 | Hindi Nahahati ang Langit | Noel | |
| 1985 | Kay Dali ng Kahapon, Ang Bagal ng Bukas | | |
| 1985 | Beloved | Dindo Tuason | |
| 1985 | Kailan Sasabihing Mahal Kita | Jake Abelardo | |
| 1985 | God... Save Me! | Homer | |
| 1986 | Huwag Mo Kaming Isumpa | Francis | |
| 1986 | Magdusa Ka! | Rod | |
| 1986 | Halimaw sa Banga | | Director |
| 1987 | Ayokong Tumungtong sa Lupa | Dodong | |
| 1987 | Maging Akin Ka Lamang | Andy Abrigo | |
| 1987 | Walang Karugtong ang Nakaraan | | |
| 1988 | Kapag Napagod ang Puso | Adrian | |
| 1988 | Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? | Paolo | |
| 1988 | 3 Mukha ng Pag-ibig | Olan | |
| 1989 | Bakit Iisa Lamang ang Puso? | | |
| 1989 | Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita | Alfred | |
| 1989 | Imortal | Josef Alfonso / Nicholas Alfonso-Lopez / Basil Alonso-Lopez | |

### 1990s

Christopher de Leon's film credits with year of release, film titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1990 | Biktima | Jing Aureus | |
| 1990 | My Other Woman | Benjo Santiago | |
| 1990 | Gumapang Ka sa Lusak | Levi | |
| 1990 | Higit na Matimbang ang Dugo | | |
| 1991 | Kislap sa Dilim | Nitoy | |
| 1991 | Makiusap Ka sa Diyos | Vince | |
| 1991 | Ipagpatawad Mo | Mike | |
| 1991 | Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat Ko | Delfin | Director |
| 1991 | Dinampot ka Lang sa Putik | Edmond | |
| 1991 | Onyong Majikero | Melencio Fernando | Special appearance |
| 1992 | Hiram na Mukha | Dr. Hugo Roldan | |
| 1992 | Mahal Kita, Walang Iba | Alex | |
| 1992 | Adventures of Gary Leon at Kuting | Agno | |
| 1993 | Sana'y Ikaw na Nga | Kevin | |
| 1993 | Divine Mercy: Sa Buhay ni Sister Faustina | Karl | |
| 1993 | Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story | Paolo | |
| 1993 | Kung Mawawala Ka Pa | Tony | |
| 1993 | Gaano Kita Kamahal | Rolly Suclad | |
| 1994 | Bakit Ngayon Ka Lang? | Ramon | |
| 1994 | Nag-iisang Bituin | Phillip Caballero | |
| 1994 | Vampira | Arman | |
| 1994 | Paano Na? Sa Mundo ni Janet | Gaston | |
| 1995 | Eskapo | Eugenio López, Jr. | |
| 1995 | Sa Ngalan ng Pag-ibig | Spanky | |
| 1996 | Sa Aking Mga Kamay | Joven dela Rosa | |
| 1996 | Kristo | Dismas | |
| 1996 | Wanted: Perfect Mother | Dante Zulueta | |
| 1996 | Madrasta | Edward | |
| 1997 | Hanggang Ngayon Ika'y Minamahal | Leonardo Perez | |
| 1997 | Halik | Simon | |
| 1997 | Nasaan ang Puso | Dave | |
| 1998 | Ama Namin | Fr. Rico / Ka Marco | |
| 1998 | Tumutol Man ang Tadhana | | |
| 1998 | Pahiram Kahit Sandali | Andy | |
| 1998 | Sambahin ang Ngalan Mo | Daniel | |
| 1999 | Katawan | Carlo | |
| 1999 | Wansapanataym: The Movie | Gary Azurin | |
| 1999 | Bulaklak ng Maynila | Timo | |
| 1999 | Higit Pa sa Buhay Ko | Alex | |

### 2000s

Christopher de Leon's film credits with year of release, film titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2000 | Pedro Penduko: The Return of the Comeback | Amang | Cameo |
| 2000 | Tunay na Mahal | Tom | |
| 2000 | Ika-13 Kapitulo | David | |
| 2000 | Yakapin Mo ang Umaga | Charlie | |
| 2000 | Sugatang Puso | Noel | |
| 2001 | Alas Dose | Remo Doce | |
| 2001 | American Adobo | Mike | |
| 2002 | Mahal Kita, Final Answer | Himself | Cameo, uncredited |
| 2002 | Dekada '70 | Julian Bartolome | |
| 2002 | Magkapatid | Bobby Reyes | |
| 2003 | Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka | Raffy | |
| 2003 | Mano Po 2: My Home | Antonio "Tony" Chan | |
| 2004 | Mano Po III: My Love | Michael Lim | |
| 2005 | Blue Moon | Rod Pineda | |
| 2006 | Nasaan si Francis? | Rocky | Producer |
| 2006 | Tulay | | |
| 2007 | Faces of Love | Don Arcadio | |
| 2008 | Banal | Major Miguel Sagala | |
| 2008 | When Love Begins | Paco Valmonte | |
| 2008 | Magkaibigan | Atoy | |
| 2009 | Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love | Alfonso Uy | |

### 2010s

Christopher de Leon's film credits with year of release, film titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2010 | Sa 'yo Lamang | Franco Alvero |
| 2011 | Catch Me, I'm in Love | President Enrique Rodriguez |
| 2012 | Flames of Love | |
| 2012 | El Presidente | Gen. Antonio Luna |
| 2014 | Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak | Ka Romeo |
| 2015 | Tragic Theater | Miguel Sanchez Agcaoli |
| 2016 | Dukot | Manong Johnny |
| 2016 | The Escort | Gary Montenilla |
| 2017 | Across the Crescent Moon | Karim Misani |
| 2017 | Kamandag ng Droga | |
| 2017 | Smaller and Smaller Circles | Philip Mapa |
| 2018 | Kasal | Mayor Ernesto Cordero |

### 2020s

Christopher de Leon's film credits with year of release, film titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2021 | On the Job: The Missing 8 | Arnel Pangan | |
| 2023 | Kahit Maputi na ang Buhok Ko | Tomas | |
| 2023 | Moro | Kamad | |
| 2023 | When I Met You in Tokyo | Joey | Associate Director |

## Television

Key :
| † | Denotes shows that have not yet been aired |
Christopher de Leon's television credits with year of release, show titles and roles :
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 1986 | Goin' Bananas | Himself | |
| 1992 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | | Episode: "Mustang" |
| 1993 | Star Drama Presents | | |
| 1994 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | | Episode: "Tropeo at Medalyon" |
| 1998 | Hiwalay kung Hiwalay | | |
| 2000 | Who Wants to be a Millionaire? | Host | |
| 2001 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | | Episode: "Crib" |
| 2002 | Bugso | Husband | Director |
| 2002 | Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw | Lemuel Verder | |
| 2003 | Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Parin | Lemuel Verder | |
| 2003 | All Together Now | DJ Blue/ Tong | |
| 2003 | StarStruck | Council member | |
| 2004 | Hanggang Kailan | Dado | |
| 2005 | Now and Forever: Agos | Armando | |
| 2005 | Darna | Dr. Zombie | |
| 2006 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Bong | Episode: "Palamig" |
| 2006 | Maging Sino Ka Man | Don Fidel Madrigal | |
| 2007 | Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik | Don Fidel Madrigal | |
| 2007 | Magpakailanman | Antonio | Episode: "Sa Aking Muling Pagkabuhay" |
| 2007 | Pangarap na Bituin | Carlo Gomez | |
| 2008 | Kahit Isang Saglit | Anthony Mondragon | |
| 2009 | May Bukas Pa | Marcelito "Lito" Azarcon | Guest appearance |
| 2009 | Lovers in Paris | George Aranaz | |
| 2009 | Celebrity Duets: Philippine Edition | Himself | |
| 2009 | Sana Ngayong Pasko | Gordon Dionisio | |
| 2009 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Sarhento | Episode: "Medal for Valor" Episode Director |
| 2009 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Enrique | Episode: "Diary" |
| 2010 | SRO Cinemaserye: Meet The Fathers | Father Alejandro | |
| 2010 | Panday Kids | Guro | |
| 2010 | Ilumina | Frederico Salcedo | |
| 2010 | Jillian: Namamasko Po | Dante Molina | |
| 2010 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Buloy | Episode: "Gitara" |
| 2011 | Bantatay | Bartolome Sison | |
| 2011 | Captain Barbell | Nero | |
| 2011 | 100 Days to Heaven | Ronaldo Quinio | |
| 2011 | Sa Ngalan ng Ina | Jose "Pepe" Ilustre | |
| 2012 | Dahil sa Pag-Ibig | Leo Valderama | |
| 2012 | Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo | Manny Raymundo | |
| 2012 | Luna Blanca | Luis Buenaluz | |
| 2012 | Pahiram ng Sandali | Phillip Reyes | |
| 2012 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Toto | Episode: "School Uniform" |
| 2013 | Kidlat | Vincent Megaton Sr. | |
| 2013 | Misibis Bay | Anthony Cadiz | |
| 2013 | Muling Buksan ang Puso | Anton "El Patron" Silvestre / Anton Cabigas | |
| 2014 | Magpakailanman | Tatay Julian | Episode: "Pabrika ng Bata" |
| 2014 | The Legal Wife | Javier Santiago, Sr. | |
| 2014 | Ikaw Lamang | Franco Hidalgo | |
| 2015 | Beautiful Strangers | Ronaldo Castillo | |
| 2015 | Magpakailanman | Adult Jesus | Episode: "Ama Namin: The Jesus Boy Parungao Story |
| 2016 | Little Nanay | August "Tisoy" D. Castañeda | |
| 2016 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Michael "Mike" Alonzo | |
| 2016 | Ang Panday | Lizardo | |
| 2016 | Alyas Robin Hood | Jose De Jesus, Sr. | |
| 2016 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Alan | Episode: "Alkansya" |
| 2016 | Once Again | Ricardo Soriano | Cameo |
| 2017 | Kambal, Karibal | Emmanuel De Villa | |
| 2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Lino | Episode: "Saklay" |
| 2017 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Indong | Episode: "Tulay" |
| 2018 | Sana Dalawa ang Puso | Juancho Laureano | |
| 2019 | TODA One I Love | Enrique Sixto | |
| 2019 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Edgardo Angara | Episode: "Family Portrait" |
| 2020 | Love Thy Woman | Adam Wong | |
| 2021 | I Can See You: The Lookout | Robert Penuliar | Episode: "The Lookout" |
| 2021 | Huwag Kang Mangamba | Elias Arcilla | |
| 2021 | On the Job | Arnel Pangan | Cameo |
| 2022 | Lolong | Governor Armando Banson | |
| 2022 | Magpakailanman | Fidel Nacion | Episode: "Sa Ngalan ng Anak: The Fidel Madrideo Nacion Story" |
| 2022 | Tadhana | Isaiah | Episode: "Babawiin Ko Ang Langit" |
| 2023 | Cattleya Killer | Joven dela Rosa | |
| 2023 | Fit Check: Confessions of an Ukay Queen | Michael | |
| 2023-present | FPJ's Batang Quiapo | Ramon Montenegro | |

## Stage

| Year | Title | Role |
| 1970s | Godspell | Jesus |
| 1981 | They're Playing Our Song | |
| 1985 | Alitaptap sa Gabing Mailap | Randle McMurphy |
| 2013 | Lorenzo | Producer |