The greatest stars of the 1990s

The 1990s was a period of revived but predictable slapstick comedies, horror flicks, and massacre films. It could be observed also that most movies produced actually sacrificed quality in return for financial success, specifically in fitting these films with the taste of the masses. Indeed, it could be said the 1990s was the decade wherein the quality of Filipino films have sagged. Nevertheless, there are still actors and actresses who gained not only commercial success but also critically acclamation for there performances.

ACTORS

Richard Gomez

A sportsman, political activist, and actor, Richard Gomez is one of the most recognizable faces in the Philippine Showbiz industry. He started out as a teen matinee idol during the 1980s in such films as Blusang Itim, Impaktita, and Kapag Langit ang Humatol. Eventually, he attained mainstream success and during the 1990s, he emerged as one of the tops actors in the country. His films, Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Ngayon at Kailanman, Iisa Pa Lamang, Kapantay ay Langit, Iskapo, and Saan Ka Man Naroroon were box office hits, as well as beloved as by critics. He won the Famas and Film Academy Awards for Best Actor for Dahas and Urian Awards for Hihintayin Kita sa Langit, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, and Waiting.

Gabby Concepcion

Just like Richard Gomez, Gabby Concepcion started out his career with his boy-next-door film roles. His on-and-off screen romance (and later marriage and annulment) with Sharon Cuneta solidified his image and his films, Dear Heart, P.S. I Love You, Una Kang Naging Akin, Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos, and Minsan Lang Kitang Iibigan were some of the most popular during his era. However, his career crashed with his involvement in the scandal during the 1994 Manila Film Festival. In 1996, he left the Philippines only the come back with a bang in 2007 with the success of his teleserye, Iisa Pa Lamang. He won a Famas for Best Supporting Actor for Sinungaling Mong Puso, and Urian Awards for Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos and Narito and Puso Ko.

Aga muhlach

Aga Muhlach is one of the most commercially successful actors up to date. Starting out as a matinee idol in the 1980s, he eventually emerged as one of the best dramatic actors of the 1990s with a slew of hit films. He won Best Actor awards from the FAMAS for Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992) and the Gawad Urian for Sana Maulit Muli (1996). He was likewise famously linked with Puerto Rican Miss Universe Dayanara Torres. He later married beauty queen Charlene Gonzales.

Cesar Montano

Cesar Montano started out his showbiz career in the 80s as a stuntman, as well as in minor roles in B features. Come the 1990s and he began to gain momentum as a starrer in several action movies. With the success of his TV sitcom, Kaya ni Mister, Kaya ni Misis (1996-98$29, Montano eventually gained mainstream popularity. With his performance as the national hero in Jose Rizal (1998), Montano became one of the country’s biggest leading men. He won the Brussels Film Festival Award for Best Actor in Panaghoy sa SUba (2004). Likewise, he also won the Urian and Luna Awards for best actor and director for the said film and was cast in Hollywood films, The Great Raid and Another Deep Breath. He won three Famas awards for Best actor for his performance in Rizal, Muro Ami, and Ligalig.

Christopher de leon

One of the most prolific actors in Philippine showbusiness, Christopher de Leon is hailed as one of the finest actors of all time. In four decades, De Leon was able to star in more than 120 films, the best of which include Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang, Tatlong Taong WAlang Diyos, and many more. He has also won 11 awards including 6 Famas Awards for Best Actor.
Actress

Sharon Cuneta

The Mega Star of Philippine Cinema, Sharon Cuneta has indeed made a long travel and has eventually made her mark in the Philippine entertainment industry. Beginning in the late 70s, Sharon became a successful teen actress with a slew of box office worthy films with partner Gabby Concepcion. She eventually transitioned into serious roles and with the success of Bukas Luluhod ang Mga Tala, and the likes, she eventually became the country’s new queen of movies. For her critically acclaimed performance in Madrasta (1997), Cuneta achieved the rare distinction of being a grand slam actress for winning the Famas, Urian, FAP, and Star Awards for Best Actress. She has earlier won a Famas for Best Actress in Dapat Ka Bang Mahalin.

Maricel Soriano

Maricel Soriano, the country’s Diamond Star, was launched in the 1980 film Underage. Her performance has indeed stole the scene and her star shone the brightest among the film’s stars. With her tandem with William Martinez, she was propelled to superstardom and at the same time made her one of the biggest box office attractions, especially in comedy films. Through the 80s and 90s, Maricel continued to be the one of the country’s moneymaking stars. Her recent movie, T2 was a box office success, a feat not most of her contemporaries are able to achieve. She won Famas Awards for her performances in Saan Darating ang Umaga, Dahas, and Nasaan ang Puso.

Lorna tolentino

Perennially billed as the Grandslam Actress of Philippine Cinema, Lorna Tolentino started her career in the 1960s as a child actress, eventually winning a Famas for Best Child Actress Award for her role in Lumuha Pati mga Anghel (1971). She eventually gained success after she transitioned into mature, dramatic roles and for her role in Divina Gracia, she was propelled to the upper echelon of stardom. Her most lasting performances where in her Famas Award-winning roles in Nakagapos na Puso (1987), Maging Akin Ka Lamang (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), Narito and Puso Ko (1992, for which she won Famas, FAP, Urian, and Star Awards for Best Actress), Abakada Ina (2000), and Magnifico (2003).

Dawn Zulueta

Originally a toothpaste endorser, Dawn Zulueta broke out into showbusiness after she delivered a telling and catching performance in Pangarap na Ginto (1990). With her intense dramatic acting skills and angelic looks, Zulueta attained success in Kasalan Bang Sambahin Ka (1990), Una Kang Naging Akin (1991), Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (1991), Akin ang Pangarap Mo (1992), Apoy sa Puso (1992)l, The Maggie dela Riva Story (1994), and Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1995). She won the Famas Award for Best Actress for Hihintayin Kita sa Langit and Best Supporting Actress for Una Kang Naging Akin in 1992, the only actor to win two awards in any film award giving body in the country. She again won the Famas in Kung Mawawala Ka (1993).

Donna cruz

Donna Cruz is a scion of a clan of actors in the Philippines. During the 1990s, she was considered one of the most popular and visible female celebrity in the Philippines, proof of which were her string of number 1 radio hits, multi-platinum albums, box-office successes in films, top-rating and award-winning TV shows, and million-peso endorsement deals. Her films, Kadenang Bulaklak, Pangako ng Kahapon, Love Notes, Muling Umawit ang Puso, for which she earned a Famas nomination, DoReMi, and Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot were box-office winners during their release.