Who was Susan Roces, the veteran Philippine actor dead at 80?

Veteran Philippine actor Susan Roces died on Friday evening at the age of 80, her family confirmed in a statement, Sun Star reported. 

Senator Grace Poe, Roces’ daughter, said she died peacefully, “surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey and many of her family and close friends.”

“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces. She lived life fully and gracefully. Remember her in her beauty, warmth and kindness,” she added.

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“We will miss her sorely but we celebrate a life well-lived. Susan Roces — daughter, mother, grandmother, a true Filipina and a national treasure.”

Her cause of death was not known. 

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Who was Susan Roces?

Born Jesusa Sonora Poe on July 28, 1941, Susan Roces made her acting debut with the 1952 movie ‘Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan’. She soon starred in several movies and earned the nickname “Queen of Philippine Movies.”

Some of her famous movies include Ang Daigdig Ko’y Ikaw, Gumising Ka Maruja, Patayin Mo sa Sindak si Barbara, and Mano Po.

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Until her demise, she played the role of Lola Flora in the series Ang Probinsyano.

Roces won several accolades throughout her career, including multiple FAMAS Awards, the first of which was for her performance in the movie Maligno.

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She was married to actor Fernando Poe Jr., known as showbiz’s “Da King.” The couple adopted Grace, who was their only child. 

Following her death, several people took to social media to offer condolences. 

“Rest in peace to the Queen of Philippine Movies, and to our very own Lola Flora from FPJAP, Ms. Susan Roces. I’m sure you’re happy that you’re together again with Da King,” one person wrote. 

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“My sincerest condolences to Sen Grace and the family and loved ones of Ma’am Susan Roces,” wrote another person.