Hubbry Logo
DolphyDolphyMain
Open search
Dolphy
Community hub
Dolphy
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Dolphy
Dolphy
from Wikipedia

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. GCGH (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012), known professionally as Dolphy, was a Filipino comedian and actor. He is widely regarded as the country's "King of Comedy" for his comedic talent embodied by his long roster of works on stage, radio, television and movies.[2][3]

Key Information

Early life and education

[edit]

Rodolfo Vera Quizon was born along Calle Padre Herrera (now P. Herrera Street) in Tondo, Manila, on July 25, 1928.[4]

His parents were married on July 14, 1925, in Malate, Manila.[5] His father, Melencio Espinosa Quizon (December 1, 1899 – May 14, 1971),[6] was a ship engine worker from Bulacan stationed in the Atlantic Gulf. His mother, Salud de la Rosa Vera[5] (February 6, 1901 – September 12, 1986),[7] was a seamstress and a schoolteacher.[5] He had four brothers and five sisters.[8]

Quizon began studying at the age of six, and was enrolled in public schools.[9] He attended Magat Salamat Elementary School and Isabelo de los Reyes Elementary School until seventh grade. For his secondary education, he studied at the Florentino Torres High School until his sophomore year. He was an average student, although his grades fluctuated.[10]

Quizon sold peanuts and watermelon seeds at movie theaters as a boy, which enabled him to watch movies for free. He was about thirteen when World War II started. He did odd jobs including shining shoes, attaching buttons at a pants factory, sorting bottles by size, working as a stevedore at the pier, trading, and driving a calesa. In his free time, he regularly watched stage shows at the Life Theater and the Avenue Theater. His favorite performers included the comedy duo Pugo and Togo and the dancers Benny Mack and Bayani Casimiro.[11]

Quizon started performing onstage during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. When he turned 17, Benny Mack got him a job as a chorus dancer for a month at the Avenue Theater and subsequently, the Lyric Theater. He also appeared in shows at the Orient Theater. "Golay" was his first stage name. During air raids, they would interrupt the show and run for the air-raid shelter in the orchestra pit together with the audience. If no bombs fell and exploded, the show would resume.[citation needed]

Career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

He starred in his first film when he was 19 with Fernando Poe Sr. in Dugo at Bayan (I Remember Bataan), billed as “Rodolfo Quizon”. It was the father of his future friend, actor Fernando Poe Jr., who first gave him a break in films playing minor roles as a character actor.[12] In a DZMM radio interview, he revealed his first talent fee was 5.[citation needed]

In the late 1940s, Dolphy began to work in radio through Conde Ubaldo, a radio writer, director, and producer. He joined the program Wag Naman, which starred Pancho Magalona, Tessie Quintana, and Baby Jane. His comedy duo with Panchito also started on radio on Conde Ubaldo shows.[citation needed]

Magalona recommended Dolphy to José Roxas Perez, the owner of Sampaguita Pictures, in 1952. His first movie with Sampaguita was Sa Isang Sulyap Mo, Tita, with Magalona and Tita Duran. It was also in Sampaguita in which the comedy duo of Dolphy and Panchito became popular.[citation needed]

Dolphy acted in the comic book adaptation Jack en Jill with Rogelio de la Rosa and Lolita Rodriguez in 1954. He was not the first choice for the role, for which Batotoy and Bayani Casimiro had been considered.[additional citation(s) needed] Dolphy said the movie established him as an actor, because he played a gay character, when they were not recognized.[13]

The first time Dolphy played a serious role was in a 4-in-1 drama movie with Barbara Perez, who played a blind girl, in the segment inspired by Charlie Chaplin's movie City Lights.[citation needed]

After his contract with Sampaguita expired, he left the company. When he joined the production studio, his talent fee was ₱1,000 per film. By the time he left, he was earning ₱7,000 per picture.[citation needed]

Television, film parodies, and RVQ Productions

[edit]

Dolphy acted in Tansan The Mighty (1962),[14] and its sequel Tansan vs Tarzan (1963).[14]

From 1964 to 1972, he starred in Buhay Artista, a big success of the 1960s.[15] Eugenio "Geny" López Jr. got him into television on Channel 2, and the show aired on ABS-CBN. It is a concept by López and Ading Fernando. While doing radio, his talent fee was ₱250-₱300 per program; when he did television, he was at ₱500 per show. He left ABS-CBN when it was shuttered following the proclamation of Martial Law in September 1972, moving to GMA Network since Buhay Artista moved to RBS-7 (former name of GMA) from December 1972 to early 1974.

While on television, he began appearing in films for independent studios like LEA Productions, Balatbat Productions, Filipinas Productions, Zultana Productions and Fernando Poe Jr.'s D'Lanor Productions.

In 1964, he played the lead in Captain Barbell[14] and in Daigdig ng Fantasia (Fantasy World) with Nova Villa. Both films were directed by Herminio "Butch" Bautista.

From 1965 to 1966, Dolphy made a minimum of 15 spy film parodies.[16] Also in 1966, Dolphy starred in another 19 parody films.[16]

For the 1966 film Pepe en Pilar, Dolphy introduced Ronaldo Valdez to Susan Roces, as a new face was needed as a partner for Roces. Dolphy first met Valdez in a basketball court and brought him to the press conference so Roces could see him. Roces' initial response was "He is too young". Dolphy brought Ronaldo to a barber shop, bought him a pair of boots at Glenmore and lent him his suit. When Dolphy presented him to Roces again, she said, "I prefer him now", not realizing that he was the same person he had introduced earlier. Dolphy later gave him the stage name “Ronaldo Valdez” (real name: Ronald James Gibbs).

By 1967, Dolphy's production house RVQ Productions was established. Dolphy explained that when Sampaguita closed he thought he should produce his own films. He started with a film adaptation of the sitcom Buhay Artista (Actor's Life), a box office success.[13]

In 1969, one of his biggest hits was Facifica Falayfay, where he starred as the gay lead character. It was directed by Luciano "Chaning" Carlos, with whom he worked in 23 of his movies.[citation needed] Also in that year, he starred in Adolphong Hitler.[14]

John en Marsha started in 1971, a year before the declaration of Martial Law, on RPN Channel 9. It was written, and directed by Ading Fernando. Boots Anson-Roa and Helen Gamboa were considered for the role of Marsha, his wife in the show before Nida Blanca, who was doing Wala Kang Paki with Nestor de Villa, eventually got the part. Before Dely Atay-Atayan, Chichay was also considered for the role of Doña Delilah, his wealthy and condescending mother-in-law. His real son Rolly Quizon and then-child actress Maricel Soriano played their children. John en Marsha was such a hit that movie versions of the show were made eight times.

In 1973, Fefita Fofongay viuda de Falayfay was released, a sequel to Facifica Falayfay.[citation needed] That same year Dolphy acted in Captain Barbell's sequel Captain Barbell Boom![14]

In 1974, a third instalment of Facifica Falayfay was released called Sarhento Fofongay: A ... ewan!

In 1978, he returned to gay roles in the movie Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (My Father that is also a Mother), directed by respected Lino Brocka. With him in the movie was Niño Muhlach, dubbed as the "child wonder of the Philippines", as the son of his boyfriend, played by Phillip Salvador.

In 1979, Dolphy starred in Dancing Master[17] and Darna... Kuno?[14]

The spy-spoof film The Quick Brown Fox, was released on November 6, 1980.[18] In it Dolphy plays the lead and it is his first collaboration with Weng Weng.[19] That year, Dolphy acted in the Dancing Master follow-up Superhand: Shadow of the Dancing Master and Dolphy's Angels.[17]

In 1981, Dolphy starred in Stariray,[20] Da Best In Da West,[21] and Dancing Masters 2.[17] That year Dolphy acted in Agent 00, starring Weng Weng.[22]

1992–2012: Later works, honors and final years

[edit]
The Home Along Da Riles was one of the Philippines' longest running shows of all time.

His next successful TV venture after John en Marsha was Home Along Da Riles in 1992 with Nova Villa, as his wife and real son Vandolph, as one of his children.

In 2001, Dolphy played another gay character, this time with his sons Eric Quizon and Jeffrey Quizon playing the same character at three different stages in life. They all won the Prix de la Meilleure Interpretation in Brussels, Belgium for playing Walterina Markova, a transvestite in the movie Markova: Comfort Gay.[12]

In 2003, the sitcom Home Along Da Riles returned as Home Along Da Airport. In 2006, the sitcom John en Shirley, a spinoff and sequel series to John en Marsha was released, with Dolphy and Maricel Soriano reprising their roles.

On July 25, 2008, Quizon celebrated his 80th birthday with the launching of a biographical book, Dolphy, Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa (Dolphy, I Didn't Get Here All By Myself). ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio stated, Nagbigay siya ng mga ngiti at halakhak sa gitna ng mga problema (He gave us joy and laughter in times of trouble). Bibeth Orteza was commissioned to complete the book, amid the creation of "Dolphy Aid Para sa Pinoy Foundation, Inc.", a non-profit and non-stock organization.[11][23] Also that year, Dolphy made a movie with Comedy Box Office King Vic Sotto in a comedy movie, Dobol Trobol, a movie where Dolphy played a chef and Vic a hotel resident manager. This was the first time a film was produced through joint ventures of RVQ Productions (Dolphy's Film Outfit) & M-Zet Films (Vic Sotto's Film Outfit) and APT Entertainment. The film also featured stars Carmi Martin, Riza Santos, Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola, Ricky Davao and more.

In 2009, Dolphy was cast as a retired senior citizen in Chicago who wanted to watch Wowowee in Manila entitled Nobody Nobody But... Juan, and co-starred with Eddie "Manoy" Garcia, Gloria Romero, Joe Aldeguer, Pokwang, Giselle "G" Toengi, Heart Evangelista, Ya Chang, real life sons Eric Quizon, Jeffrey "Epi" Quizon & Vandolph Quizon. Also in 2009, Dolphy was nominated to receive the Order of National Artists, "the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts".[24][25] However, he did not pass the second deliberation of the screening committee. In 2012, Dolphy was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.[26] As a result, his public appearances were reduced, and he was frequently admitted to the intensive care unit.

In 2010, Dolphy played a priest in his last movie in Father Jejemon, with his co-stars Cherrie Gil, Roy Alvarez, Maja Salvador, EJ Falcon, singer Ralph Salazar & YouTube singing duo Moymoy Palaboy. That same year, President Benigno Aquino III said he believes the late Comedy King deserves to be conferred the National Artist award but stressed he cannot shortcut the process for legal reasons. Since there is a temporary restraining order on the conferment of the National Artist title issued during the past administration, President Aquino conferred to Dolphy the Order of the Golden Heart, with the rank of Grand Collar (Maringal na Kuwintas).[27] Also that year, Dolphy was recognized as Outstanding Manilan by the Manila City Government.

In 2012, he was given the Diwa ng Lahi award in 2012, given by City Hall in celebration of the city's founding anniversary. He died later that year.

Posthumous honors

[edit]
Dolphy's 2013 commemorative first day cover and stamp

After his death, on July 13, 2012, President Aquino declared a "National Day of Remembrance" in honor of Dolphy's contributions to the Philippine showbiz industry.[28]

During his wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig, fellow actor and former Philippine President Joseph Estrada bestowed the 2012 People's Artist Award on him to recognize Quizon's many contributions to the movie industry.[29] On November 23, 2013, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) released a limited edition "Dolphy Stamp", and first day cover. A mobile app entitled Dolphy's Cleanup was released in honor of Quizon in December 2013 for the iOS platform,[30] with a port for Android devices released in 2014. The edutainment game, developed by iGen Technologies, puts players in the role of Dolphy as he helps clean up the neighborhood, with part of the revenue from the game's sales to be donated to charity.[30][31] Also that year, the documentary film The Search for Weng Weng was released.[32] In it, Quizon is interviewed about his former colleague.[33]

On July 25, 2020, Google celebrated his 92nd birthday with a Google Doodle.[34]

Araneta also noted that Dolphy grew up in Manila, where he began his showbiz career as a dancer at the Avenue, Lyric and Orient theaters.[35]

ABS-CBN Studio 1, one of the oldest studio of ABS-CBN was transformed into a proscenium theater and was named in honor of Dolphy on his 80th birthday in 2008. A necrological service was held in the namesake theatre for Dolphy at the time of his death.[36]

Personal life

[edit]
Dolphy in 2008.

Relationships

[edit]

Quizon never married and was public with his relationships and family. He has 18 children from six relationships. In his autobiography, he mentioned that he had five relationships before Zsa Zsa Padilla that bore children, the last being Alma Moreno. Some of his children followed their father's footsteps in showbiz.[11][37]

  • Engracita Dominguez (actress). They met during a stage show and had six children: Manuel (b. 1951), Salud (b. 1954), Rodolfo Jr. (b. 1955), Wilfredo (1956–2005), Edgar (1957–2020), and Raul (1958–2018). They separated in 1963.
  • Gloria Smith (actress). They met in 1956 and had four children: Mariquita (b. 1962), Carlos (b. 1965), Geraldino (1972–2018), and Edwin (b. 1975).
  • Alice Smith (actress with screen name Pamela Ponti). They had four children: Ronaldo (b. 1965), Enrico (b. 1967), Madonna (b. 1971), and Jeffrey (b. 1973).
  • Evangeline Tagulao (nurse). They met in the late 1960s while filming in a hospital and had one son, Rommel (born 1968).
  • Alma Moreno (actress). They met in 1981 and had one son, Vandolph (born 1984).
  • Zsa Zsa Padilla (actress and singer). For more than 20 years, he was in a domestic partnership with Padilla, having two daughters, Nicole (legally adopted 1990) and Zia (born 1991). Nicole is the only legitimate child of Dolphy as the rest were born out of wedlock.[38]

Religion

[edit]

Quizon was a devout Catholic throughout his life[39] and occasionally attended Mass.[40] He also practiced various Catholic rituals, including praying the rosary or observing Holy Week (i.e. Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday and abstaining from meat on Good Friday), and would make the sign of the cross when he would pass a Catholic church.[39] Two of Quizon's children are born-again Christians who unsuccessfully attempted to convert him; he did not, and showed respect towards Evangelicals.[40]

Politics

[edit]

Quizon was quite involved into politics throughout his acting career, but had tried to distance himself from it. He had said that he would likely start a blog if only he were literate in browsing the Internet.[39] He had high regards with the presidency of Corazon Aquino, referring to her as an "asset" for the Filipinos.[41] He declined to enter politics despite repeated entreaties to do so.[42]

He supported Fernando Poe Jr. (1939–2004), whose father, Fernando Poe Sr. (d. 1951), was a close friend of his, during his presidential campaign in 2004.[43][44] After Poe had suffered a stroke (which would later claim his life), Quizon visited him during his confinement and assured him and his wife, Susan Roces, that he indeed had won the presidential race, despite losing it to Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.[45]

Health problems and death

[edit]
Dolphy's tomb at The Heritage Park in Taguig

Dolphy died on July 10, 2012, 20:34 (Philippine time, 12:34 UTC), at the age of 83, just 15 days before his 84th birthday due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought on by pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute renal failure.[46][47][48][49]

While several of Dolphy's relatives were buried at the Quizon Family mausoleum in Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina (which includes his parents, Salud and Melencio; his siblings Melencio Jr. and Teresita; his son Wilfredo; and another relative, Orlando Gallardo), he himself was buried elsewhere, at The Heritage Park in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig.

Acting credits and accolades

[edit]
Dolphy's conferment of the Order of the Golden Heart at the Malacañang Palace in 2010.
  • : Order of the Golden Heart, Maringal na Kuwintas (Grand Collar) - (2010)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award PASADO Awards
  • Golden Father Foundation Parangal ng Bayan Awardee
  • 1994 Bert Marcelo Memorial Foundation, Dangal ng Lipi Awardee
  • 1995 PMPC Star Awards for TV, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 1998 Gawad Urian Awards, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2000 Cinemanila International Film Festival, Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2002 Lou Salvador Sr. Memorial Award, Bituin ng FAMAS Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon Award
  • 2005 FAMAS Huwarang Bituin
  • 2009 GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards, Comedy Box-Office King (with Vic Sotto)[50]
  • 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival Lifetime Achievement Award[51]
  • 2010 FAMAS Awards, Exemplary Achievement Award
  • 2010 Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart – the highest award given to a private citizen by the President of the Philippines. Dolphy was cited for his contributions to the entertainment industry and for his charitable and philanthropic works.[2][52][53]
  • 2012 Gawad na Diwa ng Lahi – the highest honor given by the government of Manila to artists[54]
  • 2012 People's Artist Award – the award bestowed posthumously upon Dolphy by the Dakilang Lahi Foundation, recognizes the many contributions of the actor to the movie industry.[29]

Awards for acting

[edit]
Year Association Category
1974 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor
1978 26th FAMAS Awards Best Actor – Omeng Satanasia
1986 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor – John En Marsha
1987
1988
1990 Metro Manila Film Festival Best ActorEspadang Patpat
PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor – John En Marsha
1992 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor – Home Along Da Riles
1993
1994
1995
2008 PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Comedy Actor – John En Shirley
2010 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting ActorRosario
Best ActorFather Jejemon
2011 Luna Awards (Film Academy of the Phil.) Best Actor – Father Jejemon

He is also the only artist in the country awarded with Best Actor and Actress for a single role in the film Markova: The Comfort Gay.[citation needed]

  • Not all the awards of Dolphy are included here.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]

Works cited

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012), known professionally as Dolphy, was a Filipino comedian, actor, producer, and philanthropist renowned as the "King of Comedy" for his versatile portrayals of comedic characters across over 200 films, numerous television series, and stage performances spanning seven decades. Born in Tondo, Manila, to a poor family, he began his career as a child extra in vaudeville shows during World War II and rose to stardom through satirical roles that captured the everyday struggles and humor of Filipino life. Dolphy's defining series, such as John en Marsha (1973–1984), depicted the antics of a middle-class family and became a cultural staple, influencing generations with its relatable wit and social commentary. His achievements include starring in blockbuster films like Facifica Falayfay (1968), which set box-office records, and receiving the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart in 2010 from President —the highest civilian award for a —for his enduring contributions to Philippine and charitable efforts aiding the underprivileged. Dolphy earned lifetime achievement honors from festivals including the Gawad Urian (1998) and (2009), and posthumously influenced pushes for National Artist recognition, though he passed away at age 83 from multiple organ failure due to complications. to 18 children from multiple relationships, his legacy endures through members in the industry and his embodiment of resilient, self-made artistry unmarred by major scandals.

Early Life

Childhood and Family Origins

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., professionally known as Dolphy, was born on July 25, 1928, at 5:00 PM in Tondo, Manila, Philippines, to Melencio Espinosa Quizon Sr., a ship engine worker, and Salud de la Rosa Vera, a seamstress and schoolteacher. The family resided at 527 Calle Padre Herrera (now P. Herrera Street), a working-class neighborhood in the densely populated Tondo district. His parents had married on July 14, 1925, and both were Manila natives, with Melencio's family roots tracing to local shipyard labor and Salud's involving mixed Filipino heritage including Chinese ancestry through her maternal line. As the second of six children in a modest household strained by economic hardship, Quizon experienced a childhood marked by and health challenges, including severe that limited his physical activities. To contribute to the family's income and indulge his early fascination with , he sold and watermelon seeds to patrons at local theaters, allowing him to watch performances for free while performing odd jobs such as shining shoes and running errands. These experiences in Tondo's vibrant but gritty street culture fostered his initial exposure to and , shaping his resilience amid frequent family relocations within the district due to financial instability. Despite limited formal schooling, his mother's role as a teacher provided some emphasis on , though survival needs often took precedence.

Entry into Entertainment

Rodolfo Vera Quizon, later known as Dolphy, entered the entertainment industry during the in , initially by selling peanuts and watermelon seeds inside theaters to gain access to stage shows. As a teenager from a poor family in , he performed odd jobs such as shining shoes and working in factories, but his exposure to bodabil— the Philippine variant of featuring song-and-dance routines—inspired him to pursue performing. At age 17 in , shortly before the occupation's end, comedian Benny Mack secured Dolphy a one-month position as a chorus dancer in Bayani Casimiro's troupe, marking his professional debut on . He adopted the stage name Dolphy, evolving from an initial moniker "Golay," and honed skills in dance and amid the era's live circuit, which included musical numbers and comedic skits. This entry into bodabil laid the foundation for his versatile career, transitioning from background dancer to featured performer in post-war shows. By the late 1940s, he expanded into radio, joining programs that further showcased his comedic timing.

Career

Vaudeville and Early Stage Work

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., later known as Dolphy, entered the entertainment industry in the mid-1940s via bodabil, the Filipino adaptation of that combined song, dance, comedy sketches, and impersonations in live theater performances. At age 16 in 1944, during the , he started as a chorus boy at the Avenue Theater on Avenida Rizal, earning modest fees for group dances often requiring costumes that included female attire for certain routines. Following the liberation in 1945, Dolphy transitioned to the Alegra Theater, where he expanded his roles to include solo acts, honing skills in dancing and light comedic elements while observing and networking with prominent comedians of the era. Initially performing under the stage name Golay, he adopted "Dolphy" later, reflecting his growing presence in the bodabil circuit that drew crowds to Manila's variety theaters amid recovery. These early stage experiences, characterized by rigorous performances in front of live audiences, laid the foundation for his comedic timing and versatility, though opportunities remained limited by the era's economic constraints and competition from imported American acts. By age 19 in 1947, his persistence in bodabil shows led to broader recognition, bridging his stage work toward eventual opportunities.

Film Breakthrough and Character Development

Dolphy made his film debut in the 1947 war drama Dugo at Bayan (I Remember Bataan), appearing in a minor role alongside . while billed under his real name, Rodolfo Quizon. He followed this with small supporting parts in various productions through the late and early , gradually building experience in the industry. His breakthrough arrived in 1954 with the gender-bending comedy Jack en Jill, directed by Mar S. Torres, where he played Gorio—a household-bound, effeminate brother who swaps traditional roles with his tomboyish sister Benita, preferring the name Glory and engaging in comedic domestic antics and brawls. The film proved a commercial hit, propelling Dolphy into prominence as a by showcasing his knack for , exaggerated mannerisms, and witty dialogue. This role typecast Dolphy in effeminate, bakla-inspired characters—stereotypically loud, sharp-tongued, and flamboyantly non-conforming—which became a staple of his early stardom and fueled his rise through dozens of films in the and . These portrayals often satirized gender norms and class struggles, with Dolphy embodying resilient underdogs who triumphed via ingenuity and humor rather than brute force. As his career progressed, he diversified into other archetypes, such as bumbling secret agents in spy parodies like Dolping Istambol (1967), where he protected a scientist from narcotics threats through mishaps, and heroic fantasy figures in films like Tansan the Mighty (1962). This evolution highlighted his versatility, blending verbal acuity, disguise-based gags, and social commentary to critique everyday Philippine life.

Television Dominance and Iconic Series

Dolphy entered Philippine television in the mid-1960s, starring in the Buhay Artista on from 1964 to 1972, where he performed alongside in comedic sketches and musical numbers that captured the era's entertainment trends. The program, conceptualized by Eugenio López Jr., marked one of the earliest successes for Dolphy on the small screen, leveraging his vaudeville-honed timing to appeal to urban and rural audiences alike during television's nascent growth in the country. His television prominence peaked with the sitcom John en Marsha, which premiered on RPN-9 on November 22, 1973, and ran intermittently until March 19, 1990, spanning over 400 episodes across two main runs (1973–1978 and 1980–1990). In the series, Dolphy portrayed John Puruntong, a hapless, jobless husband navigating domestic chaos with his domineering wife Marsha (played by ) and extended family, satirizing middle-class Filipino family dynamics through exaggerated poverty and schemes. The show became a cultural staple, holding the record as the longest-running Philippine sitcom until surpassed by in the 2000s, and its format influenced subsequent family-oriented comedies by blending with relatable . Following John en Marsha, Dolphy sustained his dominance with Home Along da Riles on ABS-CBN, airing from December 23, 1992, to August 10, 2003, for nearly 11 years and establishing it among the longest-running Philippine TV series of its time. As Mang Kevin Kósme, a resilient squatter father in a railroad-side community, Dolphy embodied the Filipino underclass's humor amid urban hardships, with the ensemble cast including Vandolph and Claudine Barretto amplifying generational appeal. These series collectively underscored Dolphy's role in shaping Philippine TV comedy, prioritizing character-driven narratives over imported formats and fostering a viewership that spanned decades through consistent broadcasts and spin-off films like Home Along da Riles da Movie (1993).

Production Company and Later Projects

In 1965, Dolphy established RVQ Productions, his own film company named after his full initials Rodolfo Vera Quizon, to gain greater creative autonomy after the closure of Sampaguita Pictures. The company's inaugural production, Buhay Artista, was released in 1967 and featured Dolphy alongside Panchito and Susan Roces. RVQ went on to produce dozens of Dolphy's films through the 1970s and 1980s, including comedies like Captain Barbell (1964, predating full operations but indicative of his shift to self-production) and later entries such as Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay (1987), enabling him to develop recurring characters and maintain a prolific output amid industry changes. As Dolphy aged, RVQ's role diminished in favor of collaborations with networks like , where he co-produced television revivals such as Home Along the Airport (a continuation of his Kevin Cosme character) and John and Shirley (updating the John Parungot franchise). His film work in the 2000s shifted toward roles blending comedy with social commentary, including Markova: Comfort Gay (2000), directed by Gil Portes, where he played the elder alongside sons Jeffrey and as younger versions of the character. Subsequent projects featured Home Along da Riber (2002), directed by and emphasizing environmental themes with co-star ; Dobol Trobol: Let's Get Redi 2 Rambol! (2008), in which he mentored under Tony Y. Reyes; Nobody, Nobody But... Juan (2009), portraying a convalescent patient opposite and ; Father Jejemon (2010), his final starring role as a parish priest amid public debate over its content; and (2010), a directed by where he narrated as the son of the . These later endeavors reflected Dolphy's evolution from slapstick leads to wiser, grandfatherly figures, influenced by health constraints and evolving audience preferences for concise formats, while sustaining his legacy through fewer but message-driven works. RVQ Productions halted operations following Dolphy's on July 10, 2012.

Personal Life

Relationships and Partnerships

Quizon never formally married, though he entered into multiple long-term domestic partnerships and fathered eighteen children with six women, maintaining public transparency about his family structure. Adhering to Roman Catholic doctrines prohibiting and , he avoided legal unions after an early separation, instead forming committed relationships outside matrimony. In the early 1970s, Quizon was romantically involved with actress , contemplating marriage before the relationship concluded. A subsequent partnership in the mid-1980s with singer lasted approximately one year. Quizon's most prominent and enduring relationship was with singer-actress , which began in 1988 and continued until his death in 2012, spanning 24 years despite a 36-year age difference. The couple could not wed due to Padilla's unannulled prior marriage to businessman Conrado Mesa, though they cohabited and raised a family together. They had one biological daughter, (born May 24, 1991), and legally adopted a second daughter, Nicole, in 1991.

Family and Children

Dolphy never married but maintained several long-term relationships, fathering 18 children with six different partners. He emphasized equal treatment among his children, providing financial support and opportunities in the industry for many of them, several of whom became and filmmakers. His first relationship was with Engracita Dominguez, with whom he had six children: Manuel (Manny), Salud, Rodolfo Jr. (Rolly), Wilfredo (Freddie), Edgardo (Epy), and Raul. With actress Gloria Smith, he fathered four children: Mariquita, Carlos, Geraldino (Dino), and Edwin. Actress Pamela Ponti (known as Baby Smith) bore him two sons, Eric and Ronnie Quizon, both of whom pursued careers in . Dolphy had one child, Rommel, with Evangeline Tagulao, and additional children with other partners to reach the total of 18. In his later years, he was in a 23-year with singer-actress , starting around 1989; they had one biological daughter, (born 1991), a , and Padilla's daughter Nicole from a previous relationship was legally adopted by Dolphy in 1990. The couple did not wed due to Padilla's unresolved prior marriage annulment. Several of Dolphy's children, including , Epy, and Zia, remained publicly involved in commemorating his legacy after his death in 2012.

Religious Beliefs and Conversions

Rodolfo Vera Quizon, known professionally as Dolphy, maintained a lifelong adherence to Roman Catholicism, attending Mass every Sunday and demonstrating devotion to at every Wednesday. He practiced various Catholic rituals and expressed respect for other religious traditions, though he identified firmly as Catholic. Upon his death on July 10, 2012, Catholic bishops in the publicly conveyed condolences, praying for his soul and reflecting the ecclesiastical recognition of his faith. Dolphy did not undergo any religious conversions during his life. Several of his children, including Dolphy Quizon Jr., embraced born-again Christianity— with Quizon Jr. becoming a after his release from in the early following a conversion experience around 2007. These family members unsuccessfully sought to persuade Dolphy to join their evangelical faith, but he declined, continuing to uphold his Catholic beliefs while showing respect toward Evangelicals. His Catholic commitment occasionally intersected with public scrutiny, as seen in 2010 when he issued a public apology for scenes in the film Father Jejemon that some devout Catholics found offensive, prompting boycott calls and highlighting his sensitivity to the faith's sensitivities. Despite personal life choices that diverged from strict Catholic doctrine—such as multiple non-marital partnerships—Dolphy consistently portrayed himself as a practicing Catholic in interviews and actions.

Political Involvement

Public Endorsements

Dolphy actively participated in Philippine electoral politics through public endorsements of presidential candidates, leveraging his status as a beloved entertainer to influence voter sentiment. In the 2004 presidential election, he served as a prominent supporter of , the candidate of the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (KNP) party, appearing in campaign events and advocating for Poe's platform amid a contest against incumbent . His backing of Poe, a fellow actor and long-time friend, drew criticism from administration allies, who reportedly sought repercussions against him in exchange for industry support, though Dolphy remained steadfast in his position. Shifting focus to the 2010 elections, Dolphy endorsed Manuel "Manny" Villar Jr., the candidate, publicly defending his choice against the frontrunner . This endorsement highlighted Dolphy's pattern of supporting non-establishment figures perceived as aligned with grassroots concerns, as Villar emphasized poverty alleviation drawing from his own rise from modest origins. Despite the divergence—Villar placed third with 15.4% of the vote—Dolphy later expressed gratitude for the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart awarded to him by Aquino in November 2010, indicating no lasting personal rift. Throughout his career, Dolphy avoided running for office himself, citing a preference for over and warning against celebrities entering without requisite expertise. His endorsements were thus limited to these high-profile instances, reflecting selective involvement rather than partisan affiliation, and were often framed as endorsements of character and relatability over policy minutiae.

Stances on Politics and Governance

Dolphy consistently declined opportunities to run for political office, despite his immense popularity and invitations such as a seat offered by in the late 1980s and the mayoralty. He articulated his reasoning as a recognition of personal limitations in , stating, "Madaling tumakbo, e paano kung manalo?" (It is easy to run, but what if I win?), and expressing fear that would lead to incompetence and wasted : "Kung ako ay papasok sa pulitika, isa lang ang ikinatatakot ko, dahil kapag nandun na ako, baka mapahiya lang ako kasi hindi ko alam ang gagawin ko, at sayang lang ang pagboto ng mga tao sa akin." This stance reflected a pragmatic , prioritizing competence over electoral viability in a where entertainers frequently transitioned into . While avoiding candidacy, Dolphy engaged in politics through endorsements of candidates he personally trusted, including in 1998, in the 2004 (whom he believed truly won), and Manuel Villar Jr. in 2010. In the 2010 campaign, at age 81, he actively supported Villar, defending him against poverty-related attacks in an emotional advertisement with the line, "Kay , panatag ang loob ko" (With Manny Villar, I feel secure). These choices often drew criticism and were speculated to have influenced decisions against awarding him the National Artist honor during the Arroyo and Aquino administrations. On governance principles, Dolphy advocated for strong, incorruptible , urging, "Ang kailangan natin, kamay na bakal na hindi corrupt" (What we need is an iron hand that is not corrupt). His endorsements and statements emphasized personal integrity and effectiveness over partisan ideology, defending figures like Estrada by noting that entertainers "do not hide skeletons in the closet" and monitoring political events through media to inform his views. This approach underscored a belief in leaders who could deliver tangible results without succumbing to systemic graft prevalent in Philippine .

Controversies and Criticisms

National Artist Award Denial

Dolphy was nominated for the National Artist Award in the fields of Film and Broadcast Arts in 2009, but the selection committee ultimately denied the conferment. The decision occurred amid broader controversies surrounding the 2009 awards process, where a Supreme Court temporary restraining order (TRO) invalidated several proclamations made by then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo without full board consultation, though Dolphy's case was handled separately by the committee. Key opposition came from Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, then-president of the , who disapproved of Dolphy's candidacy, as revealed by National Commission for Culture and the Arts chairperson Cecile Guidote-Alvarez. Cited reasons included Dolphy's frequent portrayals of gay characters, which some committee members viewed as reinforcing stereotypes rather than elevating artistic discourse on sexuality or gender. Additionally, aspects of Dolphy's personal life, such as multiple non-marital partnerships and fathering children out of wedlock, were raised as disqualifying factors by critics within the arts establishment, echoing similar scrutiny faced by other nominees like . Public clamor for the award intensified in 2012 as Dolphy's health declined, with supporters arguing that his decades-long contributions to Philippine —spanning over 200 films and iconic TV series—merited recognition despite procedural hurdles. However, the lingering effects of the 2009 TRO and rigid selection criteria prevented posthumous conferment under President Benigno Aquino III's administration. As of 2023, Dolphy remained unawarded, prompting renewed legislative pushes for nomination in 2025, highlighting ongoing debates over whether popular entertainment aligns with the award's emphasis on "significant and lasting contributions to the evolution and advancement of arts."

Scrutiny of Personal Conduct and Public Image

Dolphy's personal conduct faced limited but pointed scrutiny, centered on his multiple long-term relationships outside formal marriage and the 18 children he fathered, most born out of wedlock under Philippine civil law. Legally wed only once, to Eva Quizon (née Visaya) in the late 1940s—with whom he had three legitimate children before separating amid in the 1950s—Quizon entered successive partnerships without remarrying, a choice he attributed to prioritizing family harmony over legal formalities. These included relationships with Engracita Dominguez (six children), Gloria Valdez (four children), and (two children), spanning decades and producing the bulk of his offspring. His decades-long union with Padilla, from 1981 until his death, drew particular attention for remaining unformalized despite mutual commitment; Padilla's prior , finalized in 2011 after years of litigation, cleared the path, but the couple opted against a amid health concerns and established family dynamics. Critics from conservative quarters, including legal commentator Jose C. Sison, faulted Quizon's arrangements for normalizing illegitimacy, which they viewed as eroding marital institutions and fostering social instability—evident in complexities under the Family Code, where illegitimate heirs receive half the share of legitimate ones absent a will. Sison argued post-2012 that excessive national mourning overlooked this "legacy of illegitimacy," potentially modeling poor precedents for youth while inviting familial discord. Children from these unions occasionally endured stigma, such as schoolyard taunts labeling them "anak sa labas" (outside children), highlighting cultural tensions in a predominantly Catholic society. Yet such critiques remained marginal against Quizon's overwhelmingly positive public image, sustained by his consistent financial and emotional support for all offspring—many of whom entered —and the family's public displays of cohesion, with no major estrangements or lawsuits during his lifetime. Quizon's will, executed in 2006, equalized inheritance among all children, averting disputes and underscoring his paternal equity. Absent involvement in vices, legal infractions, or publicized infidelities within relationships, his conduct evinced serial rather than , aligning with a of affable reliability that insulated him from broader condemnation.

Health Issues and Death

Chronic Conditions

Dolphy, born Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a progressive lung condition characterized by airflow limitation and breathing difficulties, primarily due to decades of heavy smoking. At age 45, around 1973, he was diagnosed with emphysema—a form of COPD involving damage to the alveoli, leading to over-inflated air sacs, shortness of breath, and reduced lung elasticity—which prompted him to quit smoking after his lungs showed severe blackening from tar accumulation. In 2009, at age 81, Dolphy received a formal diagnosis of Stage IV COPD, the most advanced stage, which encompasses emphysema and often chronic bronchitis, causing persistent respiratory symptoms and exacerbations like recurrent infections. This condition narrowed his airways irreversibly, hindering oxygen exchange and leading to fatigue and dependency on supplemental oxygen in later years. His family, including partner Zsa Zsa Padilla, maintained secrecy about the diagnosis to preserve his public image and morale, limiting disclosures even to close associates until acute hospitalizations in 2012. As a child in , Dolphy experienced severe , a chronic inflammatory airway condition that persisted intermittently into adulthood and may have compounded his vulnerability to smoking-related damage. Despite quitting early, the irreversible effects of prior exposure progressed the disease, reducing his stamina for performances and necessitating interventions like bronchodilators and eventual ICU monitoring. COPD's in his case aligned with established consensus on as the primary , though urban in likely exacerbated progression.

Final Illness and Passing

Dolphy was admitted to on June 16, 2012, after experiencing , marking the onset of his final hospitalization. This episode involved severe that exacerbated his underlying (COPD), leading to progressive respiratory distress and systemic complications. Throughout late June and early July, his condition worsened despite medical interventions, with repeated bouts of weakening his overall physiology to the point where physicians discontinued aggressive treatments, shifting focus to . Multiple organ failure ensued, primarily affecting his lungs, liver, and other systems, as confirmed by hospital bulletins. Dolphy died on July 10, 2012, at 20:34 Philippine time, at the age of 83, from multiple organ failure secondary to and COPD complications. His son later described the final moments as peaceful, with the family present after his body was transported home in fulfillment of Dolphy's expressed wish.

Legacy and Impact

Contributions to Philippine Comedy

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., professionally known as Dolphy, began his comedic career in bodabil, the Philippine adaptation of , during the Japanese occupation of , initially performing as a chorus member and dancer starting around 1945 at age 17. By 1947, he was appearing in shows at the Orient Theater alongside performers like and , honing skills in and character portrayal that would define his style. This foundational experience in live stage comedy, blending musical numbers, comedy skits, and audience interaction, laid the groundwork for his transition to film and television, where he embodied relatable characters. Dolphy's filmography exceeded 200 movies over six decades, pioneering comedic roles that satirized social norms while maintaining wholesome appeal, such as the bumbling Facifica Falayfay in the 1969 film of the same name and the military misfit Fefita Fofongay in the 1973 release. His television work, including the long-running sitcom John en Marsha which aired from 1973 to 1990 on Radio Philippines Network, depicted the everyday struggles of the Puruntong family, drawing millions of viewers and fostering family viewing rituals through light-hearted depictions of marital and economic woes. This series exemplified his signature approach: an inviting, winking camaraderie that invited audiences into his playful worldview, contrasting heavier comedic styles by emphasizing resilience and warmth over cynicism. Film critic Joey Reyes described Dolphy as encompassing "the history of Philippine comedy" from bodabil origins to cinematic dominance, crediting him with representing the evolution of the genre through versatile portrayals of the Filipino . His influence persists in subsequent comedians, who adopted elements of his soft, relatable humor, as seen in the works of and others who prioritize audience connection in antic routines. Dolphy's emphasis on accessible, mass-appeal —rooted in yet grounded in social observation—helped democratize laughter, making it a staple of Philippine and shaping public perceptions of humor as a tool for communal resilience.

Awards, Honors, and Posthumous Recognition

In November 2010, President conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart on Dolphy, the highest Philippine presidential award for private citizens, in recognition of his enduring contributions to the nation's film and television industries. This honor, presented during a ceremony at , marked Dolphy as only the second recipient of this rank, underscoring his status as a . Dolphy amassed several lifetime achievement awards for his comedic and acting prowess, including the PMPC Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995, the Gawad Urian Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, the Cinemanila International Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000, the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009, and the Exemplary Achievement Award in 2010. Following Dolphy's death on July 10, 2012, former President presented the People's Artist Award during his wake on July 13, 2012, citing Dolphy's role in bringing joy and relief to millions of through . In December 2012, the selected Dolphy posthumously for the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining in Film and Broadcast Arts, its triennial highest honor for artists who have significantly advanced Philippine creative fields; the award was formally recognized in a 2013 ceremony. On November 23, 2013, the released a limited-edition sheet depicting Dolphy with posters of his films, serving as an official tribute to his legacy in Philippine entertainment.

Cultural Influence and Debates on Artistic Merit

Dolphy's portrayals encapsulated core elements of Filipino identity, humorously depicting the resilience and absurdities of , which resonated deeply with audiences during periods of economic and political turmoil in the . His characters, often drawn from urban poor experiences in Manila's Tondo district where he was raised, served as mirrors to societal behaviors, blending with on class disparities and family relations, thereby influencing the tonal foundation of Philippine entertainment from the 1950s onward. Through vehicles like the sitcom (1973–1990), which achieved peak viewership ratings exceeding 80% in the and , Dolphy normalized relatable, dialogue-driven comedy that prioritized character-driven narratives over spectacle, shaping the format of subsequent family-oriented television programs. His influence extended to breaking comedic taboos, notably through effeminate roles in films such as Facifica Falayfay (1968), which humanized queer archetypes and paved the way for more nuanced portrayals in Philippine cinema, predating broader cultural shifts toward inclusivity in local media. This approach not only boosted box-office successes—he starred in approximately 251 films between 1952 and 2010—but also embedded humor as a coping mechanism in Filipino collective psyche, with his work cited for elevating public discourse on social ills through accessible wit rather than overt preachiness. Posthumously, his legacy persists in tributes like the 2023 Film Development Council of the Philippines homage, affirming his role in fusing laughter with cultural introspection. Debates on Dolphy's artistic merit hinge on the tension between commercial popularity and perceived depth, with advocates emphasizing his mastery of comedic timing and character innovation as equivalent to dramatic artistry in capturing national ethos. Proponents, including cultural commentators, argue his evolution from bodabil to cinematic constitutes a comprehensive of Philippine comedic , warranting recognition for democratizing through mass appeal that outlasted transient trends. Skeptics, however, contend his reliance on broad, lowbrow humor prioritized entertainment over intellectual or experimental rigor, potentially diluting claims to elite artistic status, as reflected in columnists like Conrado de Quiros who supported nomination but questioned outright conferral amid comparisons to more formally innovative peers. These discussions underscore a broader Philippine : valuing populist icons for their societal uplift versus institutional preferences for boundary-pushing works, though empirical metrics like sustained viewership and imitators affirm his substantive contributions to the entertainment industry's evolution.

References

  1. https://en.wikipedia-on-ipfs.org/wiki/Dolphy
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.