Screen legend Susan Roces, once dubbed as the “Queen of Philippines Movies” in her prime passed away this Friday evening, May 20. She was 80 years old.
This was revealed by her daughter and Senator Grace Poe in a post on her official Facebook page.
“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces. She passed away peacefully on a Friday evening, May 20, 2022, surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey and many of her family and close friends. She lived life fully and gracefully. Remember her in her beauty, warmth and kindness. She is now with the Lord and her beloved Ronnie — FPJ. We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina and a national treasure,” Poe posted.
Born in Bacolod in Negros Occidental, Roces’ acting career dates back to 1952 and spanned seven decades and numerous accolades including two FAMAS Best Actress awards and career achievement honors from the FAMAS, the Film Academy of the Philippines and Cinema One Originals. Her sister, Rosemarie Sonora and niece, Sheryl Cruz are also actresses.
At the height of her popularity during the 1960s as a sought-after leading lady and contract star of Sampaguita Pictures, Roces had a professional rivalry with Amalia Fuentes similar to that of Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos during the 1970s. Fuentes (born Amalia Muhlach) passed away in 2019.
Following their marriage, she and Fernando Poe, Jr. became one of the acknowledged power couples in the entertainment industry as they both headlined and produced movies under their own production outfits, Rosas Productions and FPJ Productions. Poe passed away in 2004.
In recent years, Roces became a household name for her portrayal of Flora “Lola Kap” S. Borja-de Leon in the hit TV series, “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” based on the popular film series headlined by her late husband. She was in the main cast of the series from its debut in 2015 up until her passing.
