12 Actors Who Have Played José Rizal
José Rizal's life has been the subject of many, many films: biographies, features, and documentaries—you name it. So, imagine our surprise when we found out that only 12 men have played the part in well-known productions. Still, each of the different actors brought something different to the national hero's life. From Albert Martinez to Rocco Nacino, here are all the actors who have played José Rizal.
Eddie del Mar
Eddie del Mar's portrayal of Jose Rizal in the 1956 film Ang Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Dr. Jose Rizal is widely considered to be the first time the national hero's life was immortalized on screen. He later won a FAMAS Best Actor award for the role, besting Efren Reyes, Ruben Rustia, Jaime dela Rosa and Armando Goyena.
Albert Martinez
It took over 40 years for another actor to portray José Rizal in a full feature. As Rizal sa Dapitan's title suggests, the biopic explores the four-year exile of the nationalist in Dapitan. Albert Martinez played the titular role, while Amanda Page was cast as Josephine Bracken.
Cesar Montano
The critically-acclaimed historical drama tells the true story of the Filipino patriot, from his childhood to his execution. Cesar Montano received several awards for the role, including Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor, FAMAS Best Actor, and Star Awards for Movies Actor of the Year.
Joel Torre
In 1999, Joel Torre portrayed José Rizal in Bayaning 3rd World. The mockumentary, directed by Mike de Leon, examines his heroism with a focus on his views against the Catholic Church and the Spanish regime.
Jomari Yllana
In 2007, Jomari Yllana made an appearance as José Rizal in Enteng Kabisote 4: Okay Ka Fairy Ko...The Beginning of the Legend. There was some time travel involved, along with aswangs, vampires (?), and an evil dragon lady.
Rocco Nacino
To celebrate José Rizal's 150th birthday, GMA released a documentary tracing the evolution of his writings. The made-for-TV drama starred Rocco Nacino as the nationalist, and was narrated by Howie Severino.
Nasser Lubay
Nasser Lubay isn't only a visual artist, he also has acting credits under his name. In GMA's Katipunan, which is based on the history of the Philippine society Katipunan, he portrayed Rizal alongside Sid Lucero's Andres Bonifacio.
Alden Richards
Alden Richards portrays Rizal in the series Ilustrado, which chronicles the life of the Philippine hero. The actor watched films, read books, and interviewed historians to learn more about Rizal's behavior. "We're trying to showcase that Rizal is tao lang din siya, who makes mistakes. Minsan natutukso sa temptations, may ganoon factor itong Ilustrado," he said.
Jericho Rosales
Jericho Rosales plays Rizal in the 2014 film Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo that centers arounds Andres Bonifacio's life. Rosales stars alongside Robin Padilla, Vina Morales, Eddie Garcia, Daniel Padilla, and Jasmine Curtis-Smith.
Junjun Quintana
Heneral Luna brought together an ensemble cast of actors to portray historical figures like Antonio Luna, Emilio Aguinaldo, Apolinario Mabini, and… José Rizal with Junjun Quintana as the national hero.
Joem Bascon
Joem Bascon, who starred as Emilio Jacinto in Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo, got his turn to play Jose Rizal in historical satire Historiographika errata. The film's Rizal combined absurdities and hearsays about the hero to portray him as a broke and suicidal artist.
Tony Labrusca
In 2019 series Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3: The Untold Story of Josephine Bracken, Tony Labrusca depicted a hunky Rizal in the eyes of a fictionalized Eugene Domingo.
