Remembering Susan Roces: The Iconic “Queen of Philippine Movies”

“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.”

“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.”

The late veteran actress was often regarded as the “Queen of Philippine Movies” having starred in over 130 local films and television series spanning her 70-year career. In 1952, Susan Roces made her film debut in “Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan” which later paved the way for her long and significant contributions to Philippine cinema marked by numerous awards including two Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards for Best Actress. The actress consistently remained active in the industry — highlighting her passion and dedication to the craft — with her most recent role being Lola Flora in ABS-CBN’s series “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.”

Susan Roces was married to the “King of Philippine Movies” Ronald Allan Kelley Poe — more popularly known as Fernando Poe Jr. or FPJ — who earlier passed on December 14, 2004. Together, the couple only has one adopted daughter who is current Senator Grace Poe. The veteran actress will forever be remembered as an icon to those within the industry, and to the countless individuals who have witnessed her exemplary acting on screen.