Lito Legaspi (born Ludovico A. Legaspi, September 10, 1941 – September 8, 2019)[1] was a Filipino actor both in movies and television in the Philippines. He was the father of actors Zoren Legaspi, Kier Legaspi, and Brando Legaspi. He won Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actor in Sinong Kapiling? Sinong Kasiping? (1977).
Lito Legaspi | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ludovico A. Legaspi September 10, 1941[1] |
| Died | September 8, 2019 (aged 77)[1] |
| Resting place | Caryana Monastery, Magalang, Pampanga, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1959–2019 |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Children | |
Personal Life edit
He was born in Marikina City (when it was still part of Rizal) to Augusto Legaspi and Florentino Angeles. He has 10 siblings.[2]
Early career edit
He appeared in 1959 comedy film Ipinagbili Kami Ng Aming Tatay, starring Dolphy. In 1963, Sampaguita Pictures introduced Legaspi together with teenage stars such as Rosemarie Sonora, Gina Pareño, Dindo Fernando, Pepito Rodriguez, Romeo Rivera and Bert Leroy, Jr., among others. Legaspi made his debut in Sampaguita Pictures' Lab na Lab Kita alongside Susan Roces then appeared in Joey, Eddie & Lito, paired with Liberty Ilagan.[3] He became a matinee idol like Eddie Gutierrez, Jose Mari Gonzales, Romeo Vasquez, Greg Martin and Juancho Gutierrez.
After his contract with Sampaguita expired, he went freelancing in the 70s. He played an impotent husband in the movie Uhaw (1970) with Merle Fernandez and Tito Galla, directed by Ruben Abalos.
Later career edit
He played Mayor Joaquin Montejo in Esperanza on ABS-CBN, starring Judy Ann Santos in 1997. He also played as Governor in Makapiling Kang Muli, GMA Network's primetime television series.
As a veteran actor, he appeared in more than 120 movies and television shows since 1959.
He was inducted to the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in December 2014 for his contribution in movie and TV acting.[4]
Personal life edit
Legaspi had 3 children, Zoren, Kier and Brando who are also prospective movie actors. His daughter-in-law (Zoren's wife), Carmina Villaroel-Legaspi is an actress and TV presenter. His grandchildren, fraternal twins Maverick and Cassandra (children of Zoren and Carmina) and Dani Barretto (daughter of Kier and actress Marjorie Barretto) are in show business as well.
Health and death edit
On September 6, 2019, Legaspi was rushed to the Cardinal Santos Memorial Medical Center after having chest pains. He later died from cardiac arrest and was pronounced dead at around 10:00 AM on September 8, 2019, two days before his 78th birthday. He was buried at Caryana Monastery in Magalang, Pampanga.[5]
Selected filmography edit
Film edit
| Year | Title | Role | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | Wedding Bells | Lito | |
| 1961 | Joey, Eddie, Lito | Lito | |
| 1963 | Ang Class Reunion | Joselito Moran | |
| 1970 | Marupok | ||
| 1976 | Escolta; Mayo 13; Biyernes ng Hapon! | ||
| 1977 | Sinong Kapiling? Sinong Kasiping? | ||
| Banta ng Kahapon | |||
| 1990 | Alyas Baby Face | ||
| Angel Cremenal | |||
| Alyas Baby Face | Seiko Films | ||
| 1991 | Markang Bungo: The Bobby Ortega Story | Col. Ordoñez | Bonanza Films |
| Kung Patatawarin Ka ng Bala Ko! | Roman | Mega Films | |
| 1992 | Kapatid Ko si Hudas | Don Ramon Cordova | |
| Mario Sandoval | Mr. Retareno | ||
| 1993 | Tikboy Tikas at Mga Khroaks Boys | Rafael Montejo | |
| 1994 | Bawal Na Gamot | ||
| Iukit Mo sa Bala | Congressman Valdez | Star Cinema and RRJ Productions Inc. | |
| 1995 | Judge Max Asuncion: Hukom Bitay | Col. Orlando Aberilla | Viva Films |
| Markang Bungo 2: Iligpit Si Bobby Ortega | Col. Ordoñez | ||
| 1996 | SPO4 Santiago: Sharpshooter | Col. Deogracias D'Bayan | |
| 1997 | Paano ang Puso Ko? | Cesar | Star Cinema |
| Sambahin ang Puri Ko | Kara Films | ||
| Kulang Ka Lang sa Lambing | |||
| 1998 | Dahil Mahal Na Mahal Kita | Ryan's father | Star Cinema |
| Init ng Dugo | Don Conrado | Leo Films and GMA Films | |
| 1999 | Tigasin | Col. Angeles | Star Cinema |
| Esperanza: The Movie | Mayor Joaquin Montejo | ||
| 2005 | Terrorist Hunter | Gen. Cruz | Double Impact Films |
| 2011 | Catch Me, I'm in Love | Mr. Morales | Star Cinema |
| 2012 | Every Breath U Take | Leo's dad |
Television edit
| Year | Title | Role | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Agila | Recurring Role | RPN |
| 1997–1998 | Esperanza | Mayor Joaquin Montejo | ABS-CBN |
| 1998 | Bayani | José Abad Santos | |
| 1999 | Tabing Ilog | Francisco Ledesma | |
| 2004 | Hiram | Don Felipe Verdadero | |
| 2008 | Komiks Presents: Dragonna | Recurring Role | |
| Eva Fonda | Toshiro Fonda | ||
| 2009 | The Wedding | Lawrence | |
| 2010 | I Love Betty La Fea | Virgilio Arellano | |
| Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Kristine | Don Leon Fortalejo | ||
| 2011 | Mula sa Puso | Luis Vergara | |
| 2012 | The Good Daughter | Miguel Guevarra | GMA Network |
| Makapiling Kang Muli | Governor | ||
| Isang Dakot na Luha | Mr. Vergara | TV5 | |
| 2013 | Genesis | Manuel Macalintal | GMA Network |
| Bukas na Lang Kita Mamahalin | Melchor Antonio | ABS-CBN | |
| Jim Fernandez's Galema, Anak Ni Zuma | Agustin Carriedo | ||
| 2014 | Niño | Manuel Reyes | GMA Network |
| Ilustrado | Padre Amado | ||
| 2015 | Marimar | Don Fernando Aldama | |
| 2016 | Princess in the Palace | Manuel Gonzaga | |
| Ika-6 na Utos | Allan | ||
| 2017 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | Jonathan Wu | ABS-CBN |
| Haplos | Eduardo "Lolo Doods" Dizon | GMA Network | |
| 2018–2019 | My Special Tatay | Simon Villaroman (his last appearance) |
References edit
- ^ a b c d "Veteran actor Lito Legaspi passes away". GMA News Online. September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
- ^ Navarra, Lidinila C (August 1, 1960). "In Focus: Lito Legaspi". Literary Song - Movie Magazine. Retrieved February 15, 2024.
- ^ Lo, Ricky. "'60s matinee idol Lito Legaspi dies, 77". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
- ^ "Lani ready for concert debut at NYC's Town Hall on Nov. 22 | philstar.com". The Philippine STAR. Archived from the original on 2016-09-17. Retrieved 2016-07-10.
- ^ "Veteran actor Lito Legaspi passes away due to cardiac arrest". PEP. September 8, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2019.
External links edit
- Lito Legaspi at IMDb