Susan Roces passes away

Susan Roces, the Queen of Philippine Movies, has passed away, her daughter Senator Grace Poe said on Friday night.

Roces was the widow of actor Fernando Poe Jr., the King of Philippine Movies.

"With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces," Grace said in a message.

"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," she added.

"She lived life fully and gracefully. Remember her in her beauty, warmth and kindness," Grace said.

"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.

According to the CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, Roces was born on July 28, 1941 to Dr. Jesus Sonora and Purificacion Levy.

She was nine when she appeared in her first movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan in 1952.

Roces then played the title role in Boksingera in 1956 with Luis Gonzales and Dolphy as co-stars.

Known for her "refreshing beauty and sweet personality", Roces made movies through the decades from the 50s to the 80s.

Roces won best actress honors from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences for Maligno in 1977 and Gumising Ka, Maruja in 1978.

She also had FAMAS nominations for Divina Gracia in 1970, Bilanggong Puso in 1972, and Ang Lahat ng Ito Pati na ang Langit in 1989. —Sundy Locus with GMA News Research/NB, GMA News