His real name is Richard Frank Gomez and was born on April 7, 1966. Growing up, he was raised by his loving grandmother. Among his favorite sports, where he truly excels, are basketball, badminton, and fencing. But in case you don’t know, he also likes to bury himself in books. He admits that he is friendly and playful at times. When it comes to fashion, he always looks up to Paul Smith and Giorgio Armani. But more than anything else in the world, his most treasured item is his family: his wife,
Lucy Torres-Gomez , and his daughter, Julianna.
It seems like Richard Gomez is born to be an actor. For one, he has almost 74 films in his resume. These include award-winning movies, including
Ibigay Mo Sa Akin ang Bukas,
Bakit Pa Kita Minahal,
Paminsan-Minsan,
Kapantay ay Langit,
Wating,
Saan Ka Man Naroroon,
Dahas,
Aking ang Pangarap Mo,
Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin,
Lover’s Delight,
Inday Bote,
I Want to Live, as well as
Shake, Rattle, and Roll, to name a few. He also had a chance working with the most captivating and in-demand actresses in Philippine cinema such as
Maricel Soriano , Maricel Laxa,
Carmina Villaroel , and Aiko Melendez, among others. Two of her leading ladies became her real-life sweethearts. These are
Sharon Cuneta and
Dawn Zulueta . Neither relationship ended in the altar.
Richard’s presence is also so much felt in the boob tube. Who can forget his playful character in
Palibhase Lalake? This was one of the most successful TV shows in the Philippines, lasting for so many years. He also appeared in Your Honor, playing a no-nonsense lawyer, trying to protect the rights of the oppressed. Today, Richard is one of the most vocal talk show hosts. His portrayal as Don Sergio Santibañez in
Marimar is always looked forward to every day.
However, Richard doesn’t stop dreaming. He hopes that in time, he’ll be given an opportunity to host his own investigative show, similar to that of Emergency. This way, he may be able to tackle different kinds of subjects, which he basically loves doing. Richard is also an advocate against drug addiction, even launching his own group called
MAD or (
Mamamayang Ayaw sa Droga). His concern for his Filipino people prompted him to run for independent senator. Unfortunately, he lost.
Despite his success, though, Richard is still hounded by different kinds of intrigues, one of them his being
charged for tax evasion . The case is still in court, but his friends and family are hoping that he’ll be free of such accusations very soon. Nevertheless, with his competitive but compassionate spirit, there’s no way that Richard will ever falter.
