Eddie Gutierrez: Ulirang Artista

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Movie Press Club is the first to formally recognize Eddie Gutierrez as an actor in 1991 for Uubusin Ko ang Lahi Mo, Star Awards Best Supporting Actor. Last March 14, after 20 years, PMPC’s Star Awards once again honored Eddie as Ulirang Artista (lifetime achievement award).

The other special awardee is Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Ulirang Alagad ng Pelikula sa Likod ng Camera, honored for her achievements as director and educator. Marilou could not attend the event due to health reasons. Her son, Marc Abaya, accepted the trophy on her behalf.

From a matinee idol in the ‘60s and ‘70s, Eddie turned into a fine and versatile actor, still active to this very day. He won Best Actor award in 1992 from the Film Academy of the Philippines for Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal. For the same film, FAMAS gave Eddie the Best Supporting Actor award. In 1994, he won the Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actor award for Zacarias.

A product of the Sampaguita studio system, Eddie was paired with the most beautiful and popular leading ladies of the ‘60s. His team-up with Susan Roces, movie queen of the decade, was loved and adored by the public. Eddie and Susan started in many movies, drama, comedy, musical, all of them box-office hits.

The Susan Roces-Eddie Gutierrez loveteam went beyond the ‘60s and ‘70s. They continue co-starring onscreen, be it film or television, up to now.

Like most Sampaguita-trained stars, Eddie is the epitome of professionalism. He comes to the set on time and prepared, ready for his close-up and to deliver his lines. Co-actors and co-workers speak highly and fondly of Eddie, truly an Ulirang Artista for more than five decades.

At 70 — and as handsome as ever — Eddie looks back with satisfaction and gratitude at his professional and personal life. There are ups and downs, but it’s been a good and fruitful life. He has a loving and caring wife, Annabelle Rama and beautiful children and grandchildren.

Three of his children by Annabelle are doing very well in showbiz — Ruffa and the twins Richard and Raymond. Ruffa’s two daughters, Lorin and Venice, are showing interest in singing and dancing.

The three other children — Rocky, Elvis and Richie Paul — act on TV every now and then.

Eddie’s two other sons, Tonton and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, are established movie-TV actors. Monching’s daughter Janine has joined showbiz.

Showbiz royals Eddie’s family is called.

Previous Ulirang Artista recipients include Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon, Eddie Garcia, Boots Anson-Roa, Dolphy, German Moreno, Armida Siguion Reyna, Perla Bautista, Joseph Estrada and Gina Pareño.

Eddie thanks all the people who have touched his life as actor for more than 50 years, the Vera-Perez family of Sampaguita and Mother Lily Monteverde of Regal, among many others.