LOOK: The beautiful life and legacy of Philippine movie queen Susan Roces

It seems the weather was also in mourning last night (May 20) as some parts of the country experienced torrential rains while the news broke out that showbiz legend Susan Roces passed away at the age of 80.

Susan, the wife of late screen veteran Fernando Poe, Jr. (FPJ), has built a reputation as one of the foremost actors in the country with a career spanning 70 years, and rightfully so, she was hailed by her peers and fans as the “Queen of Philippine movies.”

In a statement released to the public, FPJ and Susan’s only daughter, Senator Grace Poe, announced the passing of her wonderful mother.

The statement reads, “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.”

Senator Poe ended her statement by describing her mom as a national treasure. Indeed, we lost another showbiz gem–an icon who showed us her incredible passion for acting never ceased to exist.

Let us all look back to the amazing life and legacy of the one and only Susan Roces in this gallery.

Susan Roces

Legendary actress Susan Roces or Jesusa Sonora Poe in real life was born in 1941 to a Filipino father Dr. Jesus Tonggoy Sonora and French-American Purificacion Levy. She would have turned 81 on July 28.

Susan has four other siblings namely: Bennett, Teresita, Rosemarie, and the only boy Joey.

Based on reports, the late Susan Roces is a member of the Locsin clan in the province of Negros Occidental.

Susan tied the knot with action superstar Fernando Poe Jr. on December 25, 1968. On her wedding day, the actress wore a Pitoy Moreno creation in the ceremony held at the Santuario de San Jose in Greenhills, San Juan.

FPJ and Susan adopted Grace Poe, who is one of the incumbent senators in the incoming 19th congress of the Philippines.

The Poe family suffered extreme sadness when “Da King” died in 2004. In the same year, FPJ lost the presidential election against Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. They marked the 17th death anniversary of the “King of Philippine Movies” last December.

Senator Grace

No doubt, she’s an amazing mother to her only daughter Senator Grace Poe.

She had her first acting stint at the age of 10 in the 1952 movie ‘Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan.’

Award-winning actress

The late Susan Roces starred in over 130 movies and has a treasure trove of awards and plaques that recognized her talent as a brilliant actress. According to Manila Bulletin, she won The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards in the Best Actress category at least two times.

Legacy

The Film Academy of the Philippines honored her in 2013 with a Lifetime Achievement Award and FAMAS also bestowed her a Life Achievement recognition in 2017.

Sheryl Cruz

Actress Sheryl Cruz calls Susan her tita, since Sheryl’s mother, Rosemarie, is the late actress’ sister.

Stamp

In February 2022, Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) honored the seasoned actress by featuring her in the latest commemorative stamps.

Reunited

Despite her death, the family and the whole country will find solace in the fact that Susan is finally reunited with her one true love, FPJ, in heaven.

Lola Susan will be sorely missed by her apos: Brian, Hanna, and Nika.

Reunited

Despite her death, the family and the whole country will find solace in the fact that Susan is finally reunited with her one true love, FPJ, in heaven.

RIP

Rest in peace and thank you for all the beautiful memories, Ms. Susan Roces.