Joel Torre

In this Filipino name, the middle name or maternal family name is de León and the surname or paternal family name is Torre.
Not to be confused with Joe Torre.

Joel Torre
Born
José Rizalino de León Torre

(1961-06-19) June 19, 1961 (age 64)
Bacolod, Negros Occidental, Philippines
OccupationActor
Years active1978–present
Spouse
Christy Azcona
​
(m. 1990)​
Children2

José Rizalino "Joel" de León Torre (Tagalog: [hoˈse ɾisaˈlino de leˈon ˈtoɾe]; born June 19, 1961) is a Filipino actor. He began performing on stage at age seven and rose to fame in the 1980s for his roles in period and historical drama, including Oro, Plata, Mata (1982), Karnal (1983), and José Rizal (1998). His accolades include a Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival Award, three Gawad Urian, and a FAMAS Award.[1][2][3][4][5]

Early life and education

José Rizalino de León Torre[6] was born on June 19, 1961,[7] and hailed from Bacolod.[8] He is the son of Alfonso Obregon Torre and Luz de Leon Diaz.[9] Torre began performing in theater at the age of seven,[9] performing with the Masskara theater group in Bacolod, which was overseen by director Peque Gallaga.[10]

Torre studied at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod.[11]

Early career

At age seven, Torre was a member of the Bacolod-based Masskara theater group ran by director Peque Gallaga, where his passion for acting started. He was the youngest member in the group which composed of 13 people. He then played a small role in Lino Brocka's Gumising ka, Maruja which was shot in Bacolod in 1978. A few years later, Gallaga tasked Torre to play a role for his 1982 film Oro, Plata, Mata.[12][13] In 1990, Torre starred in the action drama Kunin Mo Ang Ulo ni Ismael, based on the radio drama by Rey Langit serialized in DZRH. The film reportedly earned over ₱12 million in Metro Manila.[14]

In 2024, Torre was cast in the 2024 regional Bacolod film, Under A Piaya Moon.[15]

Personal life

Torre's middle name, Rizalino, comes from the fact that he was born exactly 100 years after the Filipino national hero José Rizal.[6] Torre married Christy Azcona in 1990. They have two daughters, Maria "Aila" Ariela and Maria "Marela" Raphaela.[16]

In 2003, Torres and his wife founded JT's Manukan Grille in Quezon City. It offers Bacolod-style chicken inasal, a native dish of his. Currently, it has 35 branches in the country.[17]

In 2024, Philippines AirAsia partnered with Torre's JT's Manukan Grille to offer Bacolod chicken inasal in-flight. It also opened its first overseas restaurant in Lucky Plaza.[18]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1978 Wake Up, Maruja Joel [19]
1982 Oro, Plata, Mata Miguel Lorenzo
1983 Init sa Magdamag Armand Javier
Karnal Goryo 9th Metro Manila Film Festival entry
1984 Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan Rollan Tuazon
Bagets 2 Special Sabet
Shake, Rattle & Roll Johnny/Juanito Segment: Baso
1985 Bituing Walang Ningning Garry Diaz
Isla Sonny
Beware: Bed Sins
1986 Unfaithful Wife Fidel
Bagong Hari Rex
The Graduates
I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa Gilbert
Evelio Television movie
Bilanggo sa Dilim Lito/Eddie
1987 Once Upon a Time Prinsipeng Bakal
Susuko Ba Ako, Inay?
Olongapo... The Great American Dream Joel
1988 Hiwaga sa Balete Drive Peter/Uncle Paul Segment: "Ikatlong Mata"
Isusumbong kita sa Diyos
Arturo Lualhati
Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? Larry
1989 Anak ng Demonyo Padre Damian
1990 Kunin Mo ang Ulo ni Ismael Johnny Jorge
Kasalanan ang Buhayin Ka Digs
Mana sa Ina Rodel Sevilla
Machete: Istatwang Buhay Eddie Boy
1991 Umiyak Pati Langit Anthony
McBain Chauffeur
Shake, Rattle & Roll III Milton Segment: "Ate"
1992 Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! Part 2 Jose Rizal 18th Metro Manila Film Festival entry
1993 Pandoy: Alalay ng Panday Redentor
Maricris Sioson: Japayuki Alvin
Leonardo Delos Reyes: Alyas Waway Tasan
1994 Tunay na magkaibigan, walang iwanan... peksman Hector
Comfort Women: A Cry for Justice Fernando
Lipa 'Arandia' Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us from Evil Ronald Arandia
Asian Cop: High Voltage Billy
1995 Eskapo Jorge Cabardo
The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part Joe Climaco
Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy Fr. Joe
Redeem Her Honor Daniel
Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us!) Conrado Maga [20][21]
Rollerboys Ernest
1996 Sana Naman Pilo
Tirad Pass: The Last Stand of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar Emilio Aguinaldo
Mumbaki Dr. Felix Lorenzo
DNA Taka
Nasaan Ka nang Kailangan Kita Bobby
1997 Nakaw Na Sandali Edward Romualdo
Milagros Junie
Puerto Princesa Legal Adviser
Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig? Ambo
Ilaban Mo, Bayan Ko: The Obet Pagdanganan Story Gov. Obet Pagdanganan
1998 Berdugo Jimmy
Masikip, Masakit, Mahapdi Pablo
José Rizal Crisostomo Ibarra/Simoun
1999 Seventeen Emong
Hubad sa Ilalim ng Buwan Lauro Paharon
Kiss Mo 'Ko Bart Mallari
Esperanza: The Movie Raul Estrera
2000 Bayaning 3rd World Jose Rizal
Anak Rudy
Tanging Yaman Francis
Spirit Warriors Roman
2001 Taxi ni Pilo Pilo
Batang West Side Juan Mijares
2002 Utang ni Tatang Mike
Singsing ni Lola Fidel
2003 Sanib Armando
Abong: Small Home Lamot
My First Romance Dante Segment: "Two Hearts"
Chavit Sotero
Ang Kapitbahay Nicanor
2004 Kuya Jill's Pa
Evolution of a Filipino Family Mayor
Panaghoy sa Suba Damian
Lastikman: Unang Banat Pablo
2005 Boso Imbestigador 1
Camiling Story Indios Bravos
Say That You Love Me Gabriel
Ang Anak ni Brocka
Rigodon Dante
Beneath the Cogon Dr. Karl Augusto
Hari ng Sablay: Isang Tama, Sampung Mali Rodel
2006 Umaaraw, Umuulan Paolo's Dad
Ina, Anak, Pamilya
2007 The Promise Gustin
Baliw Pablo Fernandez
Ataul: For Rent Guido/Guidote Alejo
Green Paradise Ronaldo
2008 Ploning Old Siloy
Namets! Caveman
Yanggaw Dulpo
Baler Commandante Teodorico Luna Novicio
2009 Surviving Evil Joey
Sabungero Paco
2010 Amigo Rafael Dacanay
In Your Eyes Ronnie Delos Santos
2011 Le Marquis Le Commandant Du SWAT
Deep Gold 3D Ranulfo Sanchez
Subject: I Love You Marlon
Flight of an Angel Guardian Angel
Siglo ng Pagluluwal Amang Tiburcio Cinemanila International Film Festival entry
2012 Captive
The Healing Melchor
The Bourne Legacy Citrus Samaritan
Just One Summer Daniel Cuaresma Sr.
Pridyider Mr. Benitez
A Secret Affair Jimmy
Huling Biyahe (2012) Kasamahan 2/Direk Joe
Mariposa: Sa Hawla ng Gabi Primo
2013 On the Job Mario 'Tatang' Maghari
Juana C. the Movie
The Diplomat Hotel
Kabisera Andres
2014 Ibong Adarna: The Pinoy Adventure Sultan Mabait
2015 Felix Manalo Teofilo Ramos
2016 Just the 3 of Us Arturo Manalo
2017 Northern Lights: A Journey to Love Kado
2018 Jacqueline Comes Home Dionisio
2019 Miracle in Cell No. 7 Soliman/Boss Sol
2020 Circle of Bones Realtor
2021 Barumbadings Mother Joy
On the Job: The Missing 8 Mario 'Tatang' Maghari
2022 Ikaw Lang Ang Mahal Butch Alipato
2023 Moro Bapa Hamid
2024 Under a Piaya Moon Lolo Poldo
Lolo and the Kid Lolo
Outside Arturo
And the Breadwinner Is... Popshie Salvador (Bambi's father) 50th Metro Manila Film Festival entry
2025 Samahan ng mga Makasalanan Father Danny
Isolated Peter Coleman
Everyone Knows Every Juan Roel Sevilla [22]

Television

Year Title Role
1989 Balintataw[23]
1991 Cebu
1993 Noli Me Tángere Crisostomo Ibarra
1995 Villa Quintana Robert Quintana
1997–1999 Esperanza Raul Estrera
1998 Wansapanataym: Chemistry
1999 Saan Ka Man Naroroon Juanito Ocampo
2001 Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka Franco Dequiros Montecillo
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Ambu Bag Ted
2002–2004 Kapalaran Cesar Arman
2003 A LEGACY OF HEROES: The Story of Bataan and Corregidor Himself
2003–2004 Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas Anton Garcia
2004 Marina Elias Sto. Domingo
2005 Now And Forever: Mukha Guido
2006 Gulong ng Palad Tomas Santos
Maalaala Mo Kaya: Poon Jun
2007 Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang: Ang Prinsipeng Unggoy Tinong
Pangarap na Bituin Cocoy Mendoza
2008 Iisa Pa Lamang Rolando Ramirez
2008–2009 Sine Novela: Saan Darating ang Umaga? Ruben Rodrigo
2009 Zorro Don Roberto Pelaez
2010 Elena M. Patron's Momay Donato "Donnie" Buenavidez
Pilyang Kerubin Dante Garcia
2010–2011 Grazilda Fernando
2011 Wansapanataym: Buhawi Jack Manuel Miranda
100 Days to Heaven Andres Delgado
2012 Walang Hanggan William Alcantara
Dahil sa Pag-Ibig Benjamin Osorio
Lorenzo's Time Badong Gamboa
2013 Juan Dela Cruz Jose "Mang Pepe" Guerrero
2013–2014 Honesto Hugo Layer
2014 Ikaw Lamang Samuel Hidalgo
2015 Wansapanataym: Remote ni Eric Romy Gutierrez
2015–2016 On the Wings of Love Soliman 'Sol' Olivar
2016–2021 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Teodoro "Teddy" Arevalo
2019–2020 Starla Gregorio "Greggy" Dichaves
2021 It's Showtime Magpasikat 2021 Judge
2022 One Good Day Eddie Rodrigo
2023 Dirty Linen Rolando Sinag / Abe Matias
2024 Pamilya Sagrado Ernesto "Estong" Malonzo
2025 Incognito[24] Philip Rivera
2025–present Roja[25] Emil "Uno" Padua

Music video appearances

Year Title Performer Director Ref.
2021 Magpahinga Ben&Ben Jorel Lising [26]

Accolades

Awards and NominationsAwards and nominations received by Joel Torre
Award Year Category Nominated work Result Ref.
Cinemanila International Film Festival 2001 Best Actor Batang West Side Won
Cinema One Originals Digital Film Festival 2008 Best Supporting Actor Yanggaw Won [27]
2013 Best Actor Kabisera Won [28]
2016 Best Supporting Actor Tisay Nominated
CinePanalo Film Festival 2024 Best Supporting Actor Under a Piaya Moon Won [29]
FAMAS Award 1987 Best Actor Unfaithful Wife Nominated
1989 Best Supporting Actor Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? Nominated
1995 Best Actor Lipa 'Arandia' Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us from Evil Nominated
1997 Best Supporting Actor Mumbaki Won
1999 José Rizal Nominated
2014 On the Job Nominated [30]
2025 Under a Piaya Moon Nominated [31]
Gawad PASADO 2025 Best Actor

(PinakaPASADOng Aktor)

Lolo and the Kid Nominated
Gawad Urian Award 1983 Best Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor)

Oro, Plata, Mata Nominated
1984 Best Supporting Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor)

Karnal Nominated
1987 Best Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor)

Unfaithful Wife Nominated
Best Supporting Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor)

Bagong Hari Nominated
1997 Mumbaki Nominated
1998 Best Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor)

Milagros Nominated
2000 Best Supporting Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangalawang Aktor)

Bayaning 3rd World Won [32]
2002 Best Actor

(Pinakamahusay na Pangunahing Aktor)

Batang West Side Won [32]
2011 Amigo Nominated [33]
2014 On The Job Won [32]
Golden Screen Awards 2014 Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Drama) On The Job Won [34]
Luna Award 2008 Best Actor Ataul: For Rent Nominated [35]
Metro Manila Film Festival 2016 Best Supporting Actor Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 2: #ForeverIsNotEnough Nominated
Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival 2013 Best Actor On The Job Won [36]
PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2014 Movie Actor of the Year On The Job Nominated [37]
2017 Movie Supporting Actor of the Year Tisay Nominated [38]
2021 Miracle in Cell No. 7 Nominated [39]
2025 Under a Piaya Moon Nominated [40]
PMPC Star Awards for Television 1991 Best Drama Actor Boracay Nominated
2014 Best Drama Supporting Actor Ikaw Lamang Nominated [41]
2016 Best Single Performance by an Actor Maalaala Mo Kaya: Kahon Nominated [42]
2025 Best Drama Supporting Actor Dirty Linen Nominated [43]
The EDDYS 2017 Best Supporting Actor Die Beautiful Nominated [44]
2025 Best Actor Lolo and the Kid Nominated [45]
Young Critics Circle 2001 Best Performance Tanging Yaman Won [46]

References

  1. ^ Evangelista, Patricia (September 2, 2013). "Piolo, Gerald and Joel on the job". Rappler. Esquire Philippines. Archived from the original on November 22, 2018. Retrieved May 28, 2017.
  2. ^ "Joel Torre wins Best Actor as OTJ (On the Job) wins Jury Prize in South Korea". GMA News. Retrieved August 30, 2019.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  3. ^ "Unexpected, emotional win for Joel Torre in Korea". ABS-CBN News. Archived from the original on August 30, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  4. ^ "Joel Torre wins Best Actor, OTJ (On the Job) wins Jury prize in South Korea | PEP.ph: The Number One Site for Philippine Showbiz". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved January 24, 2014.
  5. ^ "'On the Job,' Joel Torre win in Korea". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 30, 2019. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Lo, Ricky. "Joel Torre: Being". Philstar.com. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2020.
  7. ^ "Joel Torre is now a 'golden' boy". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  8. ^ Roxas, Jaira (December 8, 2024). "[HOMESTRETCH] Bacolod's pride: Joel Torre and his recipe for success". RAPPLER. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  9. ^ a b Mago, Jason. "From silver screen to inasal king". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on July 31, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  10. ^ C., Toff (December 8, 2024). "42 years in showbiz: Joel Torre shares secret to his longevity in the industry". ABS-CBN.
  11. ^ Lo, Ricky. "Stars with a college degree". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  12. ^ Mangubat, Noel (April 9, 2005). "Joel Torre: The actor as student of life". Retrieved January 20, 2016.
  13. ^ Tariman, Pablo (December 5, 2004). "'Idealism' is not an ugly word". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  14. ^ Villanueva, Nena (February 8, 1990). "Manila Standard - Google News Archive Search". Manila Standard. p. 17. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  15. ^ "Joel Torre, inabot ng 42 taon bago nakagawa muli ng Ilonggo film". PEP.ph. March 20, 2024.
  16. ^ Bardinas, Mary (April 19, 2023). "Joel Torre & daughters Aila & Marela". ABS-CBN. Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  17. ^ Aspiras, Regie (February 9, 2024). "Joel Torre's ode to his hometown comfort food". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  18. ^ Ching, Anthony (July 31, 2024). "AirAsia brings actor Joel Torre's JT's Manukan on board". Daily Tribune (Philippines). Archived from the original on September 1, 2024. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
  19. ^ "Negrense actors say death of Roces will leave a vacuum". Digicast Negros. May 22, 2022. Retrieved December 17, 2025.
  20. ^ "The Much-Awaited Movie Will Shock You Today!". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. May 17, 1995. p. A4. Retrieved December 29, 2021. This movie will unmask the real killer!!!
  21. ^ Daza, Jullie Y. (May 18, 1995). "Women as losers". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 9. Retrieved December 29, 2021. Carlo J. Caparas is out to prove that he can leave his signature on the longest subtitles in movie history.
  22. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (October 1, 2025). "Alessandra de Rossi leads star-studded cast in 'Everyone Knows Every Juan'". Daily Tribune. Retrieved February 16, 2026.
  23. ^ "'Iskolar' in Balintataw". Manila Standard. Manila Standard News, Inc. January 24, 1989. p. 16. Retrieved July 3, 2023. Written by Lav Diaz.
  24. ^ "Action series Incognito 'dream' project for cast, director". NewsWatch Plus Staff. NewsWatch Plus. January 17, 2025. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
  25. ^ Brosas, Alex (August 15, 2025). "Trailer drops for new Donny Pangilinan and Kyle Echarri series". Daily Tribune. Retrieved August 16, 2025.
  26. ^ Cruz, Dana (May 24, 2021). "WATCH: Ben&Ben releases 'Magpahinga' video starring Joel Torre, Bela Padilla". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  27. ^ "Cinema One Originals 2008 bares winners". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 15, 2025.
  28. ^ "The 9th Cinema One Originals Festival winners". PEP.ph. Retrieved February 10, 2026.
  29. ^ Almazan, Faye. "Take a look at the winners at the CinePanalo Film Festival". www.gmanetwork.com. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  30. ^ Villano, Alexa (March 18, 2019). "FULL LIST: Nominees, 2019 FAMAS Awards". RAPPLER. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  31. ^ Fernando, Jefferson. "73rd FAMAS Awards: Heavyweights, new voices clash in Phl cinema". Daily Tribune. Archived from the original on August 20, 2025. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  32. ^ a b c Cruz, Marinel R. (June 20, 2014). "When two Angels won Urian acting awards". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  33. ^ "34th Gawad Urian nominees revealed". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  34. ^ Calderon, Ricky L. "Winners at the 11th Golden Screen Awards". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  35. ^ "Luna Awards nominees announced". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  36. ^ Jr, Bayani San Diego (August 4, 2013). "Joel Torre proud, emotional, but 'very, very happy'". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  37. ^ "30th PMPC Star Awards for Movies nominees unveiled". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  38. ^ Abanilla, Clarizel (July 18, 2017). "PMPC names nominees for 33rd Star Awards for movies". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  39. ^ Requintina, Robert (March 18, 2021). "PMPC releases official list of nominees for 36th Star Awards for Movies". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  40. ^ "41st Star Awards for Movies nominees announced". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  41. ^ "28th Star Awards for Television nominees revealed". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  42. ^ "ABS-CBN dominates 2016 PMPC Star Awards for TV nominations". ABS-CBN. October 10, 2016.
  43. ^ Fernando, Jefferson (July 26, 2025). "Nominees revealed for the 37th Star Awards". Daily Tribune.
  44. ^ Policarpio, Allan (June 17, 2017). "Nominees for 1st Eddys awards out". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  45. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (July 1, 2025). "8th EDDYs awards nominees: Marian Rivera, Judy Ann Santos vie for best actress". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
  46. ^ "Get to Know Local Actors with Most Best Actor Wins since 2000 - LionhearTV". May 6, 2021. Retrieved December 14, 2025.
allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joel_Torre