Luis Gonzales

Luis Franco Mercado (June 21, 1928 – March 15, 2012) also known as Luis Gonzales, was a Filipino actor who appeared in more than 100 films during his career, most of them by Sampaguita Pictures.^[1]

Born on June 21, 1928 in San Luis, Pampanga and raised in Tondo, Manila, Gonzales may be best known for his portrayals of former President Ferdinand Marcos in three films: Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), a political propaganda film; Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969), a dramatic film; and Kumander Dante (1988), an action film.^[1] Actress Gloria Romero starred opposite him as Imelda Marcos for the former two films. Gonzales and Romero starred in numerous other films together as well.^[2]

They first worked together on the 1955 film, Despatsadora, and were paired together more than 30 films under Sampaguita Pictures. ^[3] He also won 4 FAMAS Awards in his movies as Best Actor such as Iginuhit ng Tadhana, Talipandas, Alaala Kita, and Pinagbuklod ng Langit in the years 1959, 1966 and 1970. ^{[4] [5]}

His last movie was Xerex released in 2003 with co-star former actress Aubrey Miles and model turned actor, Jon Hall.

In December 2009, Gonzales received a star of the Eastwood City Walk of Fame, ^[6] which marked his last public appearance.^{[2] [7]}

Gonzales died of complications from pneumonia and heart problems at Makati Medical Center on the night of March 15, 2012, at the age of 83.^[1][2] He was survived by his wife, Vina Concepcion, and their three children.^[1] His funeral and burial were held at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati.^[1][2]

• Luis Gonzales at IMDb

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