‘Queen of Philippine movies’ Susan Roces passes away

Susan Roces. Contributed photo

MANILA, Philippines — Susan Roces, dubbed as the ‘Queen of Philippine Movies’ has died at age 80, people close to her confirmed on Friday night.

In a statement on Friday night, Roces’ daughter Senator Grace Poe announced that Roces had passed away.

Poe said she and other loved ones surrounded Roces before the veteran actress died.

“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces. She passed away peacefully on a Friday evening, May 20, 2022, surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey and many of her family and close friends,” Poe said.

“She lived life fully and gracefully. Remember her in her beauty, warmth and kindness. She is now with the Lord and her beloved Ronnie — FPJ. We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well-lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina and a national treasure,” she added.

Roces, wife of late Philippine King of Movies Fernando Poe Jr., was known early in her career for various movies where the pair starred.

She has also endeared herself to younger generations with her portrayal of Lola Flora, the grandmother of Cardo Dalisay in the television adaptation of Poe’s Ang Probinsyano movie.

FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano is also the last show that Roces worked on, playing as a village head, earning the nickname “Lola Kap.”

RELATED STORIES

Susan Roces on late husband FPJ honored through FPJ Avenue: ‘Salamat sa pagkilala at pagpapahalaga’

Susan Roces: Little-known facts about the movie queen as a mom

Poe thanks mom Susan Roces for her ‘unconditional’ love

je