Charito Solis

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Hernández and the surname or paternal family name is Solís.

Charito Solís
Solis' portrait at the Mowelfund Plaza
Born
Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández

(1935-10-06)October 6, 1935
Tondo, Manila, Philippine Islands
DiedJanuary 9, 1998(1998-01-09) (aged 62)
Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
Resting placeManila Memorial Park, Parañaque, Metro Manila
OccupationActress
Years active1955–1998

Charito Solís (born Rosario Violeta Hernández Solís; October 6, 1935 – January 9, 1998) was a Filipino actress whose career spanned over four decades. She was a top-billed actress for over two and a half decades, becoming the leading dramatic actress of the 1960s and the 1970s. Her accolades includes an Asian Film Festival Award, seven FAMAS Awards, three Gawad Urian, a Luna Award, and three Metro Manila Film Festival Awards.

Early life and background

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Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández was born in Manila. At age 19, she was introduced by her uncle, the film director F. H. Constantino to Doña Narcisa de León, the head of LVN Pictures,[1] who cast her to star in her initial film Niña Bonita,[1] an adaptation of Frank Capra's It Happened One Night. The film was a success, and marked the beginning of Solís' 43-year career in film, lasting until her death. Solís died on January 9, 1998, in Calamba from cardiac arrest. She was buried at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.

Career

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Breakthrough under LVN Pictures (1955-1961)

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Solis first appeared in the romantic comedy Niña Bonita (1955), an adaptation of Frank Capra's It Happened One Night, opposite Jaime de la Rosa.[2] Shot on location at the campus of University of the Philippines, she next starred opposite Leroy Salvador in the romantic musical Charito, I Love You (1956). The following year, Solis starred in Krisalis which became a box-office success.[3] The same year, she received her first FAMAS Award for Best Actress nomination for her role in the romantic drama Ulilang Bituin opposite Mario Montenegro.[4] In 1958, Solis next appeared in the family drama Malvarosa. The film competed at the Asian Film Festival, earning her international acclaim after receiving a nomination for Best Actress.[5] She appeared in two more motion pictures later that year, Villa Milagrosa and Rose Tattoo ng Buhay Ko.[6] The next two years were banners ones for Solis, winning the FAMAS Award for Best Actress for her roles in Kundiman ng Lahi and Emily.[7] During this period, she also began appearing in several international productions. Solis starred as the wife of Gautama Buddha in the Japanese historical epic, Buddha (1961).[8] The following year, she starred in another Japanese film The Princess and I opposite Kojiro Hongo.[9][10]

Freelancer and television venture (1962-1966)

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Following the closure of LVN Pictures, Solis became a freelancer and starred in numerous films for other major film outfits. In 1962, she next starred opposite Pancho Magalona in the period drama El Filibusterismo, based on the 1891 novel of the same name, by José Rizal.[11] The following year, Solis starred in two major productions. She was handpicked to star as the titular role in the romantic drama Angustia.[5][12] Later that year, she played three leading identical characters, each as wife, hostess, and nympho, in the drama Tatlong Mukha ni Pandora.[13] For her performance, she received two FAMAS Award for Best Actress nominations for her roles in each of the films, winning one for Angustia.[5]

Solis next starred opposite three leading men, Vic Vargas, Edgar Salcedo, and Ramil Rodriguez in the romantic drama Mga Pag-ibig ni Christine.[14] She also appeared in three more productions later that year, Ang Tao ay Makasalanan, Kapag Langit ang Umusig and Claudia.[15][16] Also in 1966, Solis ventured television through the self-titled drama anthology The Charito Solis Show under ABS-CBN.[17]

Nepomuceno productions and international acclaim (1967-1971)

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Solis reportedly signed a million-peso five year contract with Nepomuceno Productions.[18] She starred opposite Ric Rodrigo in the romantic drama Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak in 1967 under Nepomuceno Productions. The film was a commercial success and was shown at the Manila Grand Opera House for several months, marking the revival of the production company.[19] The film was reportedly produced for ₱500,000 and has earned Solis critical acclaim, with Los Angeles Times calling her the "number one star of the Philippine cinema".[20] The film was also selected as the country’s official entry at the 40th Academy Awards, but fell short of being nominated.[21] Despite this, Solis and Luis Nepomuceno were invited at the ceremony, becoming the first Filipino artists to attend the award ceremony.

The following year, Solis starred opposite American actors James Shigeta, Alex Nicol, and John Ashley in the war film Manila, Open City.[22] She next starred as an Igorot maiden in Igorota. The film gave Solis her fourth FAMAS Award for Best Actress win.[14][23] In 1969, she starred in the melodrama Ang Pulubi, which was competed at the Manila Film Festival, earning her another best actress win.[24] The following year, Solis played the innocent turned bandit leader in the action drama The Hunted.[25]

Continued success (1972-1986)

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Solis returned to television through the weekly drama anthology Obra Maestra.[26] She worked closely with the director of the series, Nick Lizaso and went through each of the sequence of the script.[17] She next starred in the drama film Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi, which was competed at the first ever Metro Manila Film Festival, where she won Best Actress.[27][24] Solis appeared in two drama productions the following year. She starred opposite Christopher de Leon in the romantic drama Mrs. Teresa Abad Ako Po si Bing, and in the drama Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw.[28][29] Solis next starred in the romantic drama Walang Katapusang Tag-araw, alongside Eddie Garcia and Mat Ranillo III. Under the direction of Ishmael Bernal, the film was competed at the third Metro Manila Film Festival.[30]

In 1979, Lino Brocka cast Solis as Paula in the staging of Larawan, which was based on Nick Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. Held at the Dulaang Raha Sulayman, Fort Santiago, she was joined by Lolita Rodriguez and Philip Salvador.[31] Brocka cast both Solis and Rodriguez later that year in the family drama Ina, Kapatid, Anak. For her performance, Solis won the Gawad Urian for Best Actress.[32] For the first time since she began her acting career, Solis was cast in a secondary role in the psychological horror Kisapmata. For her performance, she won Best Supporting Actress at the Gawad Urian and Metro Manila Film Festival, her second trophies in each of the award-giving bodies.[33]

Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! and final projects (1987-1998)

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Solis played Ina Magenta, the queen of the world of enkantasya, in the fantasy sitcom series Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!, which also stars Vic Sotto. In 1988, Solis appeared in six film productions. She starred with Mat Ranillo III, who plays the titular role, in the religious biographical Lorenzo Ruiz: The Saint... A Filipino. In the early 1990s, Solis reprised her role as Ina Magenta in the film sequels Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!: The Movie (1991) and Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! II (1992).[1][34][35]

Public image and reception

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Solis has been described by numerous publications as the Philippines' "Empress of Drama".[36][37][38] She was voted fourth in S Magazine's "15 Best Actresses of All Time" list while Yes! magazine and the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. included her on their list of "15 Best Filipino Actresses of All Time".[39][40] Solis also achieved international acclaim for her film work. She was the first Filipino actress to topbill an internationally produced Japanese film with the historical epic Buddha (1961) opposite Kojiro Hongo.[41]

Acting credits

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Film

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Year Title Role
1958 Villa Milagrosa Virginia
Malvarosa Rosa
1959 Kundiman ng Lahi Isang
1960 Kung Ako'y Mahal Mo Lydia Amante
1962 El filibusterismo Juli
1974 Mga Tigre ng Sierracruz Ramona
1975 Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi
1976 Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw
Babae... Sa Likod ng Salamin Laura / Lorna
1977 Walang Katapusang Tag-Araw Matilde Montalban
1979 Init Osa
Ina, Kapatid, Anak Emilia
Modelong Tanso Ramona Ferreira
1982 Cross My Heart Cecille
1984 Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan Doña Consuelo Romero
Teenage Marriage Mrs. Enage
1984 Shake, Rattle & Roll Lorna Delfin (Episode: "Pridyider")
1985 God, Save Me! Ondeng
1987 The Sisters
Susuko Ba Ako Inay?
Takbo...! Bilis...! Takboooo
Anak Badjao
Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay Aurora
1988 Rosa Mistica Nyora Diday
Hiwaga sa Balete Drive Helga
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Fe
Lorenzo Ruiz: The Saint... A Filipino
Bala Ko ang Hahatol
1991 Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum Madame Lily
Ipagpatawad Mo Carmen
1992 Miss Na Miss Kita (Utol Kong Hoodlum II) Madame Lily
Alyas Pogi 2 Sianang
1993 Dahil Mahal Kita (The Dolzura Cortez Story) Mother
1994 Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling Victorio's mother
Kadenang Bulaklak Miss Conchita Carbonell
Megamol Atty. Sabel Enriquez
1995 The Flor Contemplacion Story Lydia Montilla
1996 Enteng and the Shaolin Kid Tia Rosa
Itataya Ko ang Buhay Ko Edmond's mother
1997 Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie II Mrs. Agoncillo (Episode 1)
1999 Bayad Puri Mrs. Verzosa

Television

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Year Title Role Remarks
1987–1989 Coney Reyes on Camera Episode: "May Langit Din ang Inaapi"
1987 Trianggulo Film on television
1987–1989 Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! Ina Magenta
1989–1995
1995–1997
1990–1996 Lovingly Yours, Helen
1991 Maalaala Mo Kaya Episode: "Trahedya"; first MMK appearance
1992–1997 The Maricel Drama Special Various
1996–1999 Tierra Sangre
1996 Calvento Files Various Episode 31: "You Are Never Safe"
Episode 40: "Madam Auring: Misfortunes of a Fortune Teller"
1997 Maalaala Mo Kaya Episode: "Bituin"
1997 Maalaala Mo Kaya Episode: "Visa"
1997–1998 Mula sa Puso Last teleserye appearance
1998 GMA Telecine Specials Episode: "Iguhit Mo sa Alaala"; last television film appearance

Accolades

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Portraits and accolades of Solis displayed at the Mowelfund museum.
Awards and nominations received by Charito Solis
Award[a] Year[b] Recipient(s) Category Result Ref.
Asian Film Festival Awards 1958 Malvarosa Best Actress Nominated [42][5][43]
1967 Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak Won
Eastwood City Walk of Fame 2006 Charito Solis Inductee Won [44]
FAMAS Awards 1957 Ulilang Bituin Best Actress Nominated [45]
1958 Krisalis Nominated
1960 Kundiman ng Lahi Won [7]
1961 Emily Won [7]
1963 El Filibusterismo Nominated [45]
1964 Angustia Won [7]
Tatlong Mukha ni Pandora Nominated
1965 Lagablab sa Maribojoc Nominated [45]
1967 Claudia Nominated
1968 Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak Nominated
1969 Igorota Won [46]
Charito Solis Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award Won [47]
1970 Ang Pulubi Best Actress Nominated [45]
1976 Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi Nominated
1978 Ina, Kapatid, Anak Nominated
1982 Kisapmata Best Supporting Actress Nominated
1984 Don't Cry for Me, Papa Best Actress Won [7]
1985 Charito Solis Hall of Fame for Best Actress Won [7]
1986 Moises Padilla Story: The Missing Chapter Best Supporting Actress Nominated
Gawad Urian 1980 Ina, Kapatid, Anak Best Actress Won [48]
1982 Playgirl Nominated
Kisapmata Best Supporting Actress Won [48]
1984 Karnal Won
1986 Hinugot sa Langit Nominated
Luna Awards 1984 Karnal Best Supporting Actress Won
Manila Film Festival 1969 Ang Pulubi Best Actress Won [49]
Metro Manila Film Festival 1975 Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi Best Actress Won [50]
1981 Kisapmata Best Supporting Actress Won
1997 Charito Solis Cinema's Living Treasures Won [51]
Star Awards for Movies 1997 Charito Solis Ulirang Artista Award Won [48]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Awards, festivals, honors and other miscellaneous organizations are listed in alphabetical order.
  2. ^ Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.

References

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  1. ^ a b c Macapendeg, Mac (January 14, 2014). "Naaalala mo pa ba ang yumaong batikang aktres na si Charito Solis?". GMA News Online (in Tagalog). Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  2. ^ Macapendeng, Mac (January 14, 2014). "Naaalala mo pa ba ang yumaong batikang aktres na si Charito Solis?". GMA News Online.
  3. ^ Dolor, Danny (March 25, 2012). "'The most exciting of all women'". The Philippine Star.
  4. ^ Sotto, Agustin; Abaya, Marilou Diaz- (1995). Political and Social Issues in Philippine Film: Two Perspectives. Department of Political and Social Change, Division of Politics and International Relations, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University. p. 14. ISBN 978-0-7315-2125-8.
  5. ^ a b c d Nibungco, Jim T. (March 17, 2002). "Remembering the great Charito Solis". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 12, 2025.
  6. ^ Maturan dies... Philippine Daily Inquirer. April 9, 2003. p. 14.
  7. ^ a b c d e f An inspiring... From page 9. Manila Standard. June 27, 1993. p. 38.
  8. ^ "Charito Solis as wife of Buddha". The Philippine Star. September 25, 2016. Archived from the original on September 18, 2018. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  9. ^ UniJapan Film Quarterly. Nihon Eiga Kaigai Fukyū Kyōkai. 1962. p. 22.
  10. ^ "The Princess and I: Charito Solis stars in Japanese movie". The Philippine Star. September 25, 2011.
  11. ^ Dolor, Danny (November 6, 2011). "Pancho, Charito star in Jikiri". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  12. ^ Philippines, Friends of Jung Society (1996). Jung Festival '95: A Glimpse Into the Collective Unconscious. Published and exclusively distributed by the Office of Research and Publications, School of Arts and Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University. p. 56. ISBN 978-971-550-250-4.
  13. ^ The Manila Review. Bureau of National and Foreign Information, Department of Public Information. 1974. p. 61.
  14. ^ a b Dolor, Danny (October 6, 2013). "Charito with Sampaguita stars and in Igorota". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on June 19, 2025. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  15. ^ Ad Veritatem. Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas. 2004. p. 562.
  16. ^ Liwayway (in Tagalog). Liwayway Pub. 1973. p. 32.
  17. ^ a b Francisco, Butch (September 3, 2005). "TV shows today's generation failed to see". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  18. ^ Graphic. 1968. p. 26.
  19. ^ Dolor, Danny (October 30, 2011). "Charito, Ric star in landmark Filipino film". The Philippine Star.
  20. ^ Deocampo, Nick (November 9, 2017). Film: American Influences on Philippine Cinema. Anvil Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-971-27-2896-9.
  21. ^ Villoria, Patricia (August 5, 2024). "Behind Philippine Cinema History Is A Family That Draws with Light". Vogue Philippines. Archived from the original on March 22, 2025.
  22. ^ Ritzer, Ivo; Schulze, Peter W. (January 28, 2016). Genre Hybridisation: Global Cinematic Flow. Schüren Verlag. p. 119. ISBN 978-3-7410-0041-6.
  23. ^ Tolentino, Roland B. (2005). Sakit ng kalingkingan: 100 dagli sa edad ng krisis (in Tagalog). University of the Philippines Press. p. 12. ISBN 978-971-542-462-2.
  24. ^ a b Lo, Ricky (June 24, 2013). "A misty-eyed look at Manila Filmfest". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018.
  25. ^ "Charito Solis turns 'action star'". The Philippine Star. August 26, 2012. Retrieved July 15, 2025.
  26. ^ Francisco, Butch (October 23, 2010). "Aris needs a helping hand". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  27. ^ Tomada, Nathalie (August 5, 2024). "Regal matriarch Mother Lily dies at 84". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 19, 2024. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  28. ^ Gil, Baby A. (April 20, 2025). "Songs for the Superstar". The Philippine Star. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  29. ^ "'70s jukebox queen found dead". The Philippine Star. December 11, 2008. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  30. ^ Hitosis, Jet (December 24, 2020). "Lino Brocka questions MMFF 1977 winners; walks out in protest". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on July 6, 2025. Retrieved July 21, 2025.
  31. ^ Dolor, Danny (December 5, 2020). "Larawan: Theater event of 1979". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on September 25, 2022.
  32. ^ Tiongson, Nicanor G. (1983). The Urian Anthology, 1970-1979: Selected Essays on Tradition and Innovation in the Filipino Cinema of the 1970s by the Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino : with about 550 Photos and Illustrations and a Filmography of Philippine Movies, 1970-1979. M.L. Morato. p. 409. ISBN 978-971-10-3000-1.
  33. ^ Zafra, Jessica (January 9, 2009). "Things that crawl in the night". The Philippine Star.
  34. ^ Mario Hernando. Charito Solis... Alagad ng Sining, Diyosa Ng Kagandahan (Kawil III) (2002 ed.). Rex Bookstore. ISBN 9789712333651. Retrieved April 10, 2020.
  35. ^ Garcia, J. "A Movie Quizbook", pp. 146-47
  36. ^ Francisco, Butch (November 1, 2003). "Remembering departed stars". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  37. ^ Baldovino, Gypsy (July 14, 2009). "Blast from the Past: Charito Solis, the Empress of Drama". Manila Bulletin. Archived from the original on July 17, 2009.
  38. ^ Francisco, Butch (November 1, 2007). "Movies made in heaven". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on July 17, 2025.
  39. ^ Lo, Ricky (November 23, 2006). "The 15 Best Actresses of All Time". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on December 23, 2024.
  40. ^ "The 15 Best Filipino Actresses of All Time". The Philippine Star. September 4, 2004. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2025.
  41. ^ A not-so-trivial pursuit. Philippine Daily Inquirer. September 4, 2005. p. 119.
  42. ^ Dolor, Danny (March 30, 2014). "Classic Charito". The Philippine Star.
  43. ^ Garcia, J. A Movie Quizbook, p. 149
  44. ^ Cruz, Marinel (February 1, 2006). Walk of Fame stars unveiled. Philippine Daily Inquirer. p. 23.
  45. ^ a b c d Magundayao, Nicolo. "FAMAS Awards Facts". Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on December 29, 2007. Retrieved November 21, 2007.
  46. ^ Nibungco, Jim T. (March 17, 2002). "Charito with Sampaguita stars and in Igorota". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on June 19, 2025. Retrieved July 12, 2025.
  47. ^ Philippines Free Press. Free Press. 1969. p. 34.
  48. ^ a b c Hernando, Mario (2002). Kawil Iii' 2002 Ed (in Tagalog). Rex Bookstore, Inc. pp. 243–244. ISBN 978-971-23-3365-1.
  49. ^ Lo, Ricky (June 24, 2013). "A misty-eyed look at Manila Filmfest". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on November 1, 2018.
  50. ^ Arceo-Dumlao, Tina (July 28, 2021). Himig at Titik: A Tribute to OPM Songwriters. Inquirer Books. p. 143. ISBN 978-971-8935-41-5.
  51. ^ A star-studded awards night. Manila Standard. December 26, 1997. p. 33.

Further reading

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  • Garcia, Jessie B. (December 2004). A Movie Album Quizbook. Iloilo City, Philippines: Erehwon Books & Magazine. pp. 146–147, 149. ISBN 971-93297-0-X.
  • Mercado, Monina (1977). Doña Sisang and Filipino Movies. Philippines: Vera-Reyes, Inc.
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