Francisco Gutierrez Diaz Jr., better known by his screen nameJoko Diaz, is a Filipino actor.[3] Throughout his career, he has won two FAP Awards and is three-time FAMAS Award nominee. He is best known for his antagonist and main villain portrayals and action movie lead roles.
Career
Diaz began his acting career in 1984. In 1988, he became a talent of Viva Films, where he initially starred in teen comedy films, such as Estudyante Blues (1989) and Teacher's Enemy No. 1 (1990). He also had a special role in the 1988 film Boy Negro as the young titular character, in which he won as Best Child Performer in the 7th FAP Awards.[4]
In 1992, he was launched under Viva's action stable through Angelito San Miguel at ang Mga Batang City Jail and since bagged either co-lead or supporting roles in various action films, such as Blue Jeans Gang (1992), Pita (1993) and Brat Pack (1994). In 1995, he was launched into stardom with the biopic The Grepor Butch Belgica Story, where he portrayed the titular character. Since then, he became among the country's action stars at that time, bagging mostly lead roles in various action films, such as Masamang Damo (1996), Anak ni Boy Negro (1997), Squala (1998) and Sugo ng Tondo (2000).[5]
Since 2009, he bags supporting roles in various TV series, notably villain roles.[6]
Diaz is married to his non-showbiz wife, Abigail, with whom he has two children: Ashley and Pacquie.[8] He has another daughter, Nicole de Leon, from a previous relationship with actress Angelu de Leon.[9][4]
^ abBautista, Mario (April 26, 2000). "New Love Mellows Joko". Manila Standard. Philippine Manila Standard Publishing. p. 23. Retrieved March 20, 2023 – via Google News.