Charito Solis

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title: "Charito Solis" type: doc version: 1 created: 2026-02-28 author: "Wikipedia contributors" status: active scope: public tags: ["1935-births", "1998-deaths", "20th-century-filipino-actresses", "actresses-from-manila", "burials-at-the-manila-memorial-park-–-sucat", "filipino-film-actresses", "filipino-people-of-spanish-descent", "people-from-tondo,-manila", "gma-network-(company)-people", "abs-cbn-people", "radio-philippines-network-personalities", "intercontinental-broadcasting-corporation-personalities", "people's-television-network-people", "university-of-the-east-alumni"] description: "Filipina veteran film and television actress" topic_path: "arts" source: "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charito_Solis" license: "CC BY-SA 4.0" wikipedia_page_id: 0 wikipedia_revision_id: 0

::summary Filipina veteran film and television actress ::

::data[format=table title="Infobox person"]

Field	Value
name	Charito Solís
image	Charito Solis Mowelfund.jpg
caption	Solis' portrait at the Mowelfund Plaza
birth_name	Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández
birth_date
birth_place	Tondo, Manila, Philippine Islands
death_date
death_place	Calamba, Laguna, Philippines
resting_place	Manila Memorial Park, Parañaque, Metro Manila
occupation	Actress
years_active	1955–1998
::

| name = Charito Solís | image = Charito Solis Mowelfund.jpg | imagesize = | caption = Solis' portrait at the Mowelfund Plaza | birth_name = Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández | birth_date = | birth_place = Tondo, Manila, Philippine Islands | death_date = | death_place = Calamba, Laguna, Philippines | resting_place = Manila Memorial Park, Parañaque, Metro Manila | occupation = Actress | years_active = 1955–1998 Charito Solís (born Rosario Violeta Hernández Solís; October 6, 1935 – January 9, 1998) was a Filipino actress whose career spanned over four decades. She was a top-billed actress for over two and a half decades, becoming the leading dramatic actress of the 1960s and the 1970s. Her accolades includes an Asian Film Festival Award, seven FAMAS Awards, three Gawad Urian, a Luna Award, and three Metro Manila Film Festival Awards.

Early life and background

Rosario Violeta Solís Hernández was born in Manila. At age 19, she was introduced by her uncle, the film director F. H. Constantino to Doña Narcisa de León, the head of LVN Pictures, who cast her to star in her initial film Niña Bonita, an adaptation of Frank Capra's It Happened One Night. The film was a success, and marked the beginning of Solís' 43-year career in film, lasting until her death. Solís died on January 9, 1998, in Calamba from cardiac arrest. She was buried at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque.

Career

1955–1961: Breakthrough under LVN Pictures

Solis first appeared in the romantic comedy Niña Bonita (1955), an adaptation of Frank Capra's It Happened One Night, opposite Jaime de la Rosa. Shot on location at the campus of University of the Philippines, she next starred opposite Leroy Salvador in the romantic musical Charito, I Love You (1956). The following year, Solis starred in Krisalis which became a box-office success. The same year, she received her first FAMAS Award for Best Actress nomination for her role in the romantic drama Ulilang Bituin opposite Mario Montenegro. In 1958, Solis next appeared in the family drama Malvarosa. The film competed at the Asian Film Festival, earning her international acclaim after receiving a nomination for Best Actress. She appeared in two more motion pictures later that year, Villa Milagrosa and Rose Tattoo ng Buhay Ko. The next two years were banners ones for Solis, winning the FAMAS Award for Best Actress for her roles in Kundiman ng Lahi and Emily. During this period, she also began appearing in several international productions. Solis starred as the wife of Gautama Buddha in the Japanese historical epic, Buddha (1961). The following year, she starred in another Japanese film The Princess and I opposite Kojiro Hongo.

1962–1966: Freelancer and television venture

Following the closure of LVN Pictures, Solis became a freelancer and starred in numerous films for other major film outfits. In 1962, she next starred opposite Pancho Magalona in the period drama El Filibusterismo, based on the 1891 novel of the same name, by José Rizal. The following year, Solis starred in two major productions. She was handpicked to star as the titular role in the romantic drama Angustia. Later that year, she played three leading identical characters, each as wife, hostess, and nympho, in the drama Tatlong Mukha ni Pandora. For her performance, she received two FAMAS Award for Best Actress nominations for her roles in each of the films, winning one for Angustia.

Solis next starred opposite three leading men, Vic Vargas, Edgar Salcedo, and Ramil Rodriguez in the romantic drama Mga Pag-ibig ni Christine. She also appeared in three more productions later that year, Ang Tao ay Makasalanan, Kapag Langit ang Umusig and Claudia. Also in 1966, Solis ventured television through the self-titled drama anthology The Charito Solis Show under ABS-CBN.

1967–1971: Nepomuceno productions and international acclaim

Solis reportedly signed a million-peso five year contract with Nepomuceno Productions. She starred opposite Ric Rodrigo in the romantic drama Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak in 1967 under Nepomuceno Productions. The film was a commercial success and was shown at the Manila Grand Opera House for several months, marking the revival of the production company. The film was reportedly produced for ₱500,000 and has earned Solis critical acclaim, with Los Angeles Times calling her the "number one star of the Philippine cinema". The film was also selected as the country’s official entry at the 40th Academy Awards, but fell short of being nominated. Despite this, Solis and Luis Nepomuceno were invited at the ceremony, becoming the first Filipino artists to attend the award ceremony.

The following year, Solis starred opposite American actors James Shigeta, Alex Nicol, and John Ashley in the war film Manila, Open City. She next starred as an Igorot maiden in Igorota. The film gave Solis her fourth FAMAS Award for Best Actress win. In 1969, she starred in the melodrama Ang Pulubi, which was competed at the Manila Film Festival, earning her another best actress win. The following year, Solis played the innocent turned bandit leader in the action drama The Hunted.

1972–1986: Continued success

Solis returned to television through the weekly drama anthology Obra Maestra. She worked closely with the director of the series, Nick Lizaso and went through each of the sequence of the script. She next starred in the drama film Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi, which was competed at the first ever Metro Manila Film Festival, where she won Best Actress. Solis appeared in two drama productions the following year. She starred opposite Christopher de Leon in the romantic drama Mrs. Teresa Abad Ako Po si Bing, and in the drama Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw. Solis next starred in the romantic drama Walang Katapusang Tag-araw, alongside Eddie Garcia and Mat Ranillo III. Under the direction of Ishmael Bernal, the film was competed at the third Metro Manila Film Festival.

In 1979, Lino Brocka cast Solis as Paula in the staging of Larawan, which was based on Nick Joaquin’s A Portrait of the Artist as Filipino. Held at the Dulaang Raha Sulayman, Fort Santiago, she was joined by Lolita Rodriguez and Philip Salvador. Brocka cast both Solis and Rodriguez later that year in the family drama Ina, Kapatid, Anak. For her performance, Solis won the Gawad Urian for Best Actress. For the first time since she began her acting career, Solis was cast in a secondary role in the psychological horror Kisapmata. For her performance, she won Best Supporting Actress at the Gawad Urian and Metro Manila Film Festival, her second trophies in each of the award-giving bodies.

1987–1998: ''Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!'' and final projects

Solis played Ina Magenta, the queen of the world of enkantasya, in the fantasy sitcom series Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!, which also stars Vic Sotto. In 1988, Solis appeared in six film productions. She starred with Mat Ranillo III, who plays the titular role, in the religious biographical Lorenzo Ruiz: The Saint... A Filipino. In the early 1990s, Solis reprised her role as Ina Magenta in the film sequels Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!: The Movie (1991) and Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! II (1992). ::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Charito_Solis_tombs_CNE_03.jpg" caption="Solis's grave at Manila Memorial Park – Sucat."] ::

Public image and reception

Solis has been described by numerous publications as the Philippines' "Empress of Drama". She was voted fourth in S Magazine's "15 Best Actresses of All Time" list while Yes! magazine and the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. included her on their list of "15 Best Filipino Actresses of All Time". Solis also achieved international acclaim for her film work. She was the first Filipino actress to topbill an internationally produced Japanese film with the historical epic Buddha (1961) opposite Kojiro Hongo.

Acting credits

Film

::data[format=table]

Year	Title	Role
1958	Villa Milagrosa	Virginia
Malvarosa	Rosa
1959	Kundiman ng Lahi	Isang
1960	Kung Ako'y Mahal Mo	Lydia Amante
1962	El filibusterismo	Juli
1974	Mga Tigre ng Sierracruz	Ramona
1975	Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi
1976	Hindi Kami Damong Ligaw
Babae... Sa Likod ng Salamin	Laura / Lorna
1977	Walang Katapusang Tag-Araw	Matilde Montalban
1979	Init	Osa
Ina, Kapatid, Anak	Emilia
Modelong Tanso	Ramona Ferreira
1982	Cross My Heart	Cecille
1984	Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan	Doña Consuelo Romero
Teenage Marriage	Mrs. Enage
1984	Shake, Rattle & Roll	Lorna Delfin (Episode: "Pridyider")
1985	God, Save Me!	Ondeng
1987	The Sisters
Susuko Ba Ako Inay?
Takbo...! Bilis...! Takboooo
Anak Badjao
Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay	Aurora
1988	Rosa Mistica	Nyora Diday
Hiwaga sa Balete Drive	Helga
Mirror, Mirror on the Wall	Fe
Lorenzo Ruiz: The Saint... A Filipino
Bala Ko ang Hahatol
1991	Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum	Madame Lily
Ipagpatawad Mo	Carmen
1992	Miss Na Miss Kita (Utol Kong Hoodlum II)	Madame Lily
Alyas Pogi 2	Sianang
1993	Dahil Mahal Kita (The Dolzura Cortez Story)	Mother
1994	Hindi Pa Tapos ang Labada, Darling	Victorio's mother
Kadenang Bulaklak	Miss Conchita Carbonell
Megamol	Atty. Sabel Enriquez
1995	The Flor Contemplacion Story	Lydia Montilla
1996	Enteng and the Shaolin Kid	Tia Rosa
Itataya Ko ang Buhay Ko	Edmond's mother
1997	Ipaglaban Mo: The Movie II	Mrs. Agoncillo (Episode 1)
1999	Bayad Puri	Mrs. Verzosa
::

Television

::data[format=table]

Year	Title	Role	Remarks
1987–1989	Coney Reyes on Camera		Episode: "May Langit Din ang Inaapi"
1987	Trianggulo		Film on television
1987–1989	Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!	Ina Magenta
1989–1995
1995–1997
1990–1996	Lovingly Yours, Helen
1991	Maalaala Mo Kaya		Episode: "Trahedya"; first MMK appearance
1992–1997	The Maricel Drama Special	Various
1996–1999	Tierra Sangre
1996	Calvento Files	Various	Episode 31: "You Are Never Safe"
Episode 40: "Madam Auring: Misfortunes of a Fortune Teller"
1997	Maalaala Mo Kaya		Episode: "Bituin"
1997	Maalaala Mo Kaya		Episode: "Visa"
1997–1998	Mula sa Puso		Last teleserye appearance
1998	GMA Telecine Specials		Episode: "Iguhit Mo sa Alaala"; last television film appearance
::

Accolades

::figure[src="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1c/02841jfMowelfund_Plaza_Museum_Film_Institute_Zamboanga_Quezon_Cityfvf_18.jpg" caption="Portraits and accolades of Solis displayed at the [[Mowelfund]] museum."] ::

::data[format=table title="{{sronly|Awards and nominations received by Charito Solis}}"]

Award	Year	Recipient(s)	Category	Result	Ref.	Asian Film Festival Awards	Eastwood City Walk of Fame	FAMAS Awards	Gawad Urian	Luna Awards	Manila Film Festival	Metro Manila Film Festival	Star Awards for Movies
1958	Malvarosa	Best Actress
1967	Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak
2006	Charito Solis	Inductee
1957	Ulilang Bituin	Best Actress
1958	Krisalis
1960	Kundiman ng Lahi
1961	Emily
1963	El Filibusterismo
1964	Angustia
Tatlong Mukha ni Pandora
1965	Lagablab sa Maribojoc
1967	Claudia
1968	Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak
1969	Igorota
Charito Solis	Ciriaco Santiago Memorial Award
1970	Ang Pulubi	Best Actress
1976	Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi
1978	Ina, Kapatid, Anak
1982	Kisapmata	Best Supporting Actress
1984	Don't Cry for Me, Papa	Best Actress
1985	Charito Solis	Hall of Fame for Best Actress
1986	Moises Padilla Story: The Missing Chapter	Best Supporting Actress
1980	Ina, Kapatid, Anak	Best Actress		last=Hernando	first=Mario	url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JOs0RLW4p9UC&dq=Charito+Solis+lifetime+achievement+award&pg=PA244	title=Kawil Iii' 2002 Ed.	publisher=Rex Bookstore, Inc.	year=2002	isbn=978-971-23-3365-1	pages=243–244	language=tl}}
1982	Playgirl
Kisapmata	Best Supporting Actress
1984	Karnal
1986	Hinugot sa Langit
1984	Karnal	Best Supporting Actress
1969	Ang Pulubi	Best Actress		last=Lo	first=Ricky	date=June 24, 2013	title=A misty-eyed look at Manila Filmfest	url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/06/24/957383/misty-eyed-look-manila-filmfest	url-status=live	archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101091455/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2013/06/24/957383/misty-eyed-look-manila-filmfest	archive-date=November 1, 2018	access-date=	website=The Philippine Star}}
1975	Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi	Best Actress		last=Arceo-Dumlao	first=Tina	url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a6A4EAAAQBAJ&dq=The+Charito+Solis+Show&pg=PA143	title=Himig at Titik: A Tribute to OPM Songwriters	date=July 28, 2021	publisher=Inquirer Books	isbn=978-971-8935-41-5	pages=143	language=}}
1981	Kisapmata	Best Supporting Actress
1997	Charito Solis	Cinema's Living Treasures
1997	Charito Solis	Ulirang Artista Award
::

Notes

References

References

1. (14 January 2014). "Naaalala mo pa ba ang yumaong batikang aktres na si Charito Solis?". GMA News Online.
2. Macapendeng, Mac. (January 14, 2014). "Naaalala mo pa ba ang yumaong batikang aktres na si Charito Solis?".
3. Dolor, Danny. (March 25, 2012). "'The most exciting of all women'".
4. (1995). "Political and Social Issues in Philippine Film: Two Perspectives". Department of Political and Social Change, Division of Politics and International Relations, Research School of Pacific and Asian Studies, Australian National University.
5. Nibungco, Jim T.. (March 17, 2002). "Remembering the great Charito Solis".
6. (April 9, 2003). "Maturan dies...". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
7. (June 27, 1993). "An inspiring... From page 9". Manila Standard.
8. (September 25, 2016). "Charito Solis as wife of Buddha".
9. (1962). "UniJapan Film Quarterly". Nihon Eiga Kaigai Fukyū Kyōkai..
10. (September 25, 2011). "The Princess and I: Charito Solis stars in Japanese movie".
11. Dolor, Danny. (November 6, 2011). "Pancho, Charito star in Jikiri".
12. Philippines, Friends of Jung Society. (1996). "Jung Festival '95: A Glimpse Into the Collective Unconscious". Published and exclusively distributed by the Office of Research and Publications, School of Arts and Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University.
13. (1974). "The Manila Review". Bureau of National and Foreign Information, Department of Public Information..
14. (2004). "Ad Veritatem". Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas.
15. (1973). "Liwayway". Liwayway Pub..
16. Francisco, Butch. (September 3, 2005). "TV shows today's generation failed to see".
17. (1968). "Graphic".
18. Dolor, Danny. (October 30, 2011). "Charito, Ric star in landmark Filipino film".
19. Deocampo, Nick. (2017-11-09). "Film: American Influences on Philippine Cinema". Anvil Publishing, Inc..
20. Villoria, Patricia. (August 5, 2024). "Behind Philippine Cinema History Is A Family That Draws with Light".
21. (January 28, 2016). "Genre Hybridisation: Global Cinematic Flow". Schüren Verlag.
22. Dolor, Danny. (October 6, 2013). "Charito with Sampaguita stars and in Igorota".
23. Tolentino, Roland B.. (2005). "Sakit ng kalingkingan: 100 dagli sa edad ng krisis". University of the Philippines Press.
24. (August 26, 2012). "Charito Solis turns 'action star'".
25. Francisco, Butch. (October 23, 2010). "Aris needs a helping hand".
26. Tomada, Nathalie. (August 5, 2024). "Regal matriarch Mother Lily dies at 84".
27. Lo, Ricky. (June 24, 2013). "A misty-eyed look at Manila Filmfest".
28. Gil, Baby A.. (April 20, 2025). "Songs for the Superstar".
29. (December 11, 2008). "'70s jukebox queen found dead".
30. Hitosis, Jet. (December 24, 2020). "Lino Brocka questions MMFF 1977 winners; walks out in protest".
31. Dolor, Danny. (December 5, 2020). "Larawan: Theater event of 1979".
32. Tiongson, Nicanor G.. (1983). "The Urian Anthology, 1970-1979: Selected Essays on Tradition and Innovation in the Filipino Cinema of the 1970s by the Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino : with about 550 Photos and Illustrations and a Filmography of Philippine Movies, 1970-1979". M.L. Morato.
33. Zafra, Jessica. (January 9, 2009). "Things that crawl in the night".
34. Mario Hernando. "Charito Solis... Alagad ng Sining, Diyosa Ng Kagandahan (Kawil III)". Rex Bookstore.
35. Garcia, J. "A Movie Quizbook", pp. 146-47
36. Francisco, Butch. (November 1, 2003). "Remembering departed stars".
37. Baldovino, Gypsy. (July 14, 2009). "Blast from the Past: Charito Solis, the Empress of Drama".
38. Francisco, Butch. (November 1, 2007). "Movies made in heaven".
39. Lo, Ricky. (November 23, 2006). "The 15 Best Actresses of All Time".
40. (September 4, 2004). "The 15 Best Filipino Actresses of All Time".
41. (September 4, 2005). "A not-so-trivial pursuit". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
42. Dolor, Danny. (March 30, 2014). "Classic Charito".
43. Garcia, J. ''A Movie Quizbook'', p. 149
44. Cruz, Marinel. (February 1, 2006). "Walk of Fame stars unveiled". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
45. Magundayao, Nicolo. "FAMAS Awards Facts". Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences.
46. Nibungco, Jim T.. (March 17, 2002). "Charito with Sampaguita stars and in Igorota".
47. (1969). "Philippines Free Press". Free Press.
48. Hernando, Mario. (2002). "Kawil Iii' 2002 Ed.". Rex Bookstore, Inc..
49. Lo, Ricky. (June 24, 2013). "A misty-eyed look at Manila Filmfest".
50. Arceo-Dumlao, Tina. (July 28, 2021). "Himig at Titik: A Tribute to OPM Songwriters". Inquirer Books.
51. (December 26, 1997). "A star-studded awards night". Manila Standard.

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