Anita Linda

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Anita Linda
Born
Alice Bueñaflor Lake

(1924-11-23)November 23, 1924
DiedJune 10, 2020(2020-06-10) (aged 95)
Parañaque, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
OccupationActress
Years active1940–2020
SpouseFred Cortes
RelativesAlice Lake (paternal aunt)
AwardsFull list

Anita Linda (born Alice Bueñaflor Lake;[1] November 23, 1924 – June 10, 2020),[2] was a Filipino actress whose career spanned nearly eight decades and had done close to 400 motion pictures.[3] A romantic lead in her early years, she gained widespread acclaim for her portrayals of maternal, elderly roles depicting Filipino struggles and their lifestyle.[4] Often described as the face of Philippine cinema,[5] she was one of the top box-office draws for two decades[6][7] and has received numerous accolades from international film festivals & domestic award-giving bodies.[8][9]

Early career[edit]

Linda was born Alice Bueñaflor Lake in Pasay to James Lake, an American soldier and mining engineer, and Gorgonia Bueñaflor of Iloilo.[10][9]

Linda was discovered by renowned director Lamberto Avellana while watching a stage show at the Avenue Theater starring Leopoldo Salcedo, Lopito, among others. Then a Ilongga teenager that couldn't speak Tagalog, she had second thoughts when she was asked backstage if she wanted to become an actress. Avellana then told her to report for rehearsals for the next show and later had her fetched when she didn't appear.

Linda first did High School with no dialogue, then Biyernes sa Quiapo with Jaime dela Rosa as her leading man, then Aksesorya with Leopoldo Salcedo onstage. Avellana later gave her the screen name Anita Linda and cast her in Tia Juana, her first film at LVN Pictures.[11] The film was completed shortly before the Japanese invasion of the Philippines, but released only in 1943.[10]

With the film studios being shut down for the duration of the war, Linda spent the war years performing on bodabil at Avenue Theater in Manila.[10] After the war in 1947, she was later offered a contract by Premiere Productions where she was cast by Avellana in Sekretang Hong Kong with Pugo and Togo. Her first lead role in Alyas Sakim with Pol Salcedo in 1947 was directed by Moises Cagin.[11]

In 1951, Linda portrayed the title character in Gerardo de Leon's Sisa, a film based on the tragic character in Jose Rizal's novel Noli Me Tangere. The role garnered her the Best Actress Maria Clara award (a precursor of the FAMAS).[10] De Leon then cast Linda in Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo (1952), a role for which Linda would be nominated for a FAMAS Best Actress Award.[10]

Later career[edit]

In the 1970s, Linda gained renewed critical acclaim in maternal roles she played for director Lino Brocka in Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Isa Dalawa Tatlo (1974) and Jaguar (1979). She would win the FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress for Isa Dalawa Tatlo. Linda would also be nominated for the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress Award for Jaguar, which was nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 1980 Cannes Film Festival. In 1982 she was given the Natatanging Gawad Urian ng Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.[11]

Linda would appear in several leading films of the 1980s and 1990s, including Joey Gosiengfiao's Temptation Island (1980), Mike de Leon's Sister Stella L. (1984), Chito S. Roño's Itanong Mo sa Buwan and Brocka's Gumapang ka sa Lusak (1990). For her portrayal of an aging film actress in Mario O'Hara’s Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata (1998), Linda would receive a Star Award for Best Supporting Actress and her second FAMAS Best Supporting Actress Award. For this, she set a record as the oldest actress to ever win a FAMAS at age 74. In 1987, Linda also won a Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress award for Takaw Tukso.[9]

Linda remained active in the film industry as she reached her eighties, appearing in such films as Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita (2004), You Are the One (2006) and Ouija (2007). In 2009, she returned to television, starring in the ABS-CBN drama Tayong Dalawa as Kim Chiu's ruthless Chinese grandmother Lily and in the upcoming ABS-CBN horror suspense primetime series Florinda.[citation needed]

Linda garnered widespread acclaim in 2008, she starred in the independent film, Adela (2008), directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr. For her performance playing the loneliness of a woman celebrating her 80th birthday alone when her children failed to visit her, she was cited as Best Actress in the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival (Southeast Asia Film Competition),[12] as Best Actress by the Young Critics Circle,[13] and as Best Actress (tied with Judy Ann Santos) at the Gawad Tanglaw Awards.[14] The New York Times film critic Stephen Holden praised Linda's performance as "quietly transfixing".[15] In 2009, Anita Linda was given the ENPRESS Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award.[16]

She won the Best Supporting Actress award, for her performance in Sta. Niña, at the Cinemalaya 2012 under the New Breed Full Length Feature Category.[17]

In 2014, she made a comeback on primetime television in an ensemble drama Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon as Paulo Avelino's grandmother Lola Patchi.[18]

Personal life[edit]

She was married to actor Fred Cortes Sr.(stage name) The marriage lasted 2 years. They had a son Fred Cortes Jr. (stage name)[19]

In January 2009, Linda was unhurt in a mugging incident that occurred while she was aboard a taxicab.[20] In October 1950, Linda's sister Mamey was murdered in a robbery attempt at the home they had shared; Linda herself was unharmed after she and her nieces had locked themselves in a bedroom to evade the burglars.[21]

Death[edit]

Linda died on June 10, 2020. She was 95.[22] The news was confirmed by her daughter, Francesca Legaspi by a text message to STAR news.[23][24]

Filmography[edit]

Film[edit]

Year Title Role(s) Production Company
1943 Tiya Juana LVN Pictures
1947 Alias Sakim Premiere Productions
1947 Sekretang Hong Kong Premiere Productions
1947 Ngayon at Kailan Man Premiere Productions
1948 Labi ng Bataan
1948 Perfidia: Kataksilan Premiere Productions
1948 Anghel sa Lupa Premiere Productions
1948 Hiram na Pangalan
1948 Wala Na Akong Luha
1949 Ang Lumang Bahay sa Gulod
1949 Bakit Ako Luluha?
1949 Bandilang Basahan
1949 Ina ng Awa
1949 Dugo ng Katipunan
1949 Kay Ganda ng Umaga
1949 Kung Sakali Ma't Salat
1949 Magkapilas ng Langit
1949 Suwail (Naglaro ang Ligaya)
1950 3 Balaraw
1950 Hiwaga ng Tulay na Bato
1950 Punglo at Pag-ibig
1951 Kadakilaan
1951 Kapitan Bagwis
1951 Prinsipe Don Juan
1951 Sisa Sisa Premiere Productions
1952 Luha ng Langit
1952 Bulaklak ng Nayon
1952 Tatlong Kabanata sa Buhay Ko Associated Artists
1952 Ngipin sa Ngipin
1953 Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo Manuel Vistan Production
1953 Agilang Itim
1953 Siga-Siga
1953 Makabuhay
1953 Nenita Unit
1954 Ri-Gi-Ding
1954 Lourdes: Ang Mutya ng Paaralan
1954 Playboy
1954 Guwapo
1954 Por Bida Gid
1954 Basagulera
1954 Bandolero
1955 Bandilang Pula Commander Dalia Bonifer Productions
1955 Magia Blanca
1955 7 Maria
1956 Takya
1956 Ambrocia
1956 Buhay at Pag-ibig ni Dr. Jose Rizal
1956 Hokus-Pokus
1956 Haring Tulisan Everlasting Pictures
1957 Viva Las Señoritas
1957 Ukulele Boy Larry Santiago Productions
1958 Mga Liham Kay Tiya Dely Larry Santiago Productions
1958 Obra Maestra ("Singapore" segment) People's Pictures
1958 Matandang Tinale Larry Santiago Productions
1961 Nag-uumpugang Bato Larry Santiago Productions
1963 Madugong Paghihiganti (The Massacre) MML Productions
1964 Naligaw na Anghel Larry Santiago Productions
1964 Callejon Delinquente RV Productions
1964 Deadly Brothers JE Productions
1964 Pamatay: Kaliwa at Kanan Larry Santiago Productions
1965 Darna at ang Babaing Tuod Marta People's Pictures
1969 Bimbo Junar Productions
1969 Born to Be Wild Aladdin Production
1970 Omar Cassidy and the Sandalyas Kid Balatbat Productions
1970 The Alvarados Tower-Viltra Elk's Productions
1970 Mga Dugong Simaron LEA Productions
1970 Because You Are Mine Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions
1970 Johnny Baby, Please Come Home! Tower Productions
1974 Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa Cinemanila Corporation
1974 Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang Gng. Ortega Cinemanila Corporation
1975 Lumapit, Lumayo ang Umaga LEA Productions
1976 Mrs. Teresa Abad, Ako Po si Bing N. V. Productions
1976 Isang Pag-ibig, Isang Pangarap, at Isang Bulaklak Ednore Films International
1978 Katawang Alabok Kalapati Agrix Films Productions
1978 Boy Apache Regal Films
1978 Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko Regal Films
1978 Katawang Alabok Agrix Films Production
1979 Jaguar Mother Bancom Audiovision Productions
1979 Alabok na Ginto MBM Productions
1979 Kadete Agrix Films Production
1980 4 Na Maria Agrix Films Production
1980 Candy
1980 Dolphy's Angels RVQ Productions
1980 Kung Tawagin Siya'y Bathala
1980 Temptation Island Regal Films
1980 Milyon
1980 Good Morning, Sunshine
1980 Ang Galing Galing Mo ... Mrs. Jones HPS Film Production
1981 Bakit Bughaw ang Langit? Sofia Four Seasons Films International
1981 Alfredo Sebastian The Mother Supreme Motion Pictures
1982 Pretty Boy Charlie Emperor Films
1984 Lovingly Yours: The Movie (segment: Akin ang Walang Diyos)
1984 Sister Stella L. Regal Films
1986 Iyo ang Tondo, Kanya ang Cavite Desta BSH Films
Takaw Tukso Ultravision Films
Lumuhod Ka sa Lupa Constancia "Atang" dela Cruz Seiko Films Inc
Batang Quiapo Iska Regal Films
1987 Amang Hustler
1988 Iyo ang Batas, Akin ang Katarungan Pinang Buena Films International
Babaing Hampaslupa Aling Ising Regal Films
Itanong Mo sa Buwan Double M Films International
1990 Gumapang Ka sa Lusak
1991 Makiusap Ka sa Diyos Sister Carmen Regal Films
1994 Pare Ko! Auring Lorenzo Star Cinema
1995 Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara Yaya Benita Star Cinema
1996 Maruja Belen Viva Films
Cedie Mrs. Mellon Star Cinema
1998 Dama de Noche Mother Catalina Neo Films
VIVA Films
Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata Amapola Good Harvest Unlimited
Puso ng Pasko Lola Angeles Star Cinema
Tikbalang Productions
1999 Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko... Lola Benedicta Star Cinema
Sa Paraiso ni Efren Regal Films
2000 Deathrow Robbery Victim GMA Films
2001 Isda Cinemalaya
2004 Aishite Imasu 1941: Mahal Kita
2006 You Are the One
2007 Tambolista Cinema One Originals
Ouija Lola Corazon GMA Films
VIVA Films
A Love Story Inang Sion Star Cinema
Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! Amelia Regal Entertainment
2008 Adela Adela Macaraig
Caregiver Lola Miling Star Cinema
2009 Booking
Manila Seniora Aleria
Grandmother
2011 Presa
2012 The Mistress Lola Lina Star Cinema
2013 David F. Cinemalaya Foundation
2013 Nuwebe One Big Fight Productions, Monoxide Works
2013 Otso Philippine Stagers Foundation
2013 Alamat ni China Doll Phoenix Features
2013 Morgue Digimar Films
2014 Bride for Rent Lola Czarina Star Cinema
My Illegal Wife Magda Star Cinema
Skylight Films
2016 Mrs. Solar Entertainment
Padre de Familia Lola Eva CCM Creatives
2017 New Generation Heroes
Tatlong Bibe Mameng Regis Films & Entertainment

Television[edit]

Year Title Role(s) Network
1980–1985 Anna Liza Munda GMA Network
1987 Maricel Regal Drama Special Aling Panchang[25] ABS-CBN
1992–1997 Mara Clara Aling Pacita
1996 Bayani Melchora Aquino
1996–1997 Mia Gracia GMA Network
1999 Marinella Doña Beatriz ABS-CBN
2000–2002 Pangako Sa 'Yo Puring "Lola Puring" San Juan
2002–2003 Bituin Rustica
2005 Mars Ravelo's Darna Nacyfe GMA Network
'Til Death Do Us Part Lola / La ABS-CBN
2007–2008 Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik Impo
2008 Lovebooks Presents: No Boyfriend Since Birth TV5
2009 Tayong Dalawa Lilian "Lola Lily" King ABS-CBN
2011 Machete Older Aginaya GMA Network
2011–2012 Glamorosa Lola Magda TV5
Ikaw ay Pag-Ibig Max's mother ABS-CBN
2013 Indio Uray GMA Network
2014 Sana Bukas pa ang Kahapon Patrice "Lola Patchi" Salvador ABS-CBN
Sa Puso ni Dok GMA Network
2015–2016 Ningning Lola Adelina ABS-CBN

Recognitions[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Chua, Z.B. (June 11, 2020). "Actress Anita Linda, 95". BusinessWorld. BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on June 15, 2020. Retrieved June 15, 2020.
  2. ^ "Philippines' 'oldest living actress' Anita Linda dies at 95". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 17, 2021.
  3. ^ Salterio, Leah C. (June 10, 2020). "TRIBUTE: Anita Linda continued acting and earning awards well into her 90s". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  4. ^ Holden, Stephen (October 13, 2009). "A Hard Life, Especially as You're Turning 80". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  5. ^ Gallardo, Ricky (September 15, 2019). "The amazing Anita Linda • Ricky Gallardo". Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  6. ^ "Anita Linda's Premiere movies during the '40s". www.philstar.com. July 25, 2020. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  7. ^ "Anita Linda is Mutya ng Paaralan". www.philstar.com. August 11, 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  8. ^ "Facts: Alice Linda". Unofficial Website of the Filipino Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Archived from the original on December 29, 2007. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
  9. ^ a b c Carballo, Bibsy M. (January 4, 2015). "Going 90, going strong". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on January 4, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  10. ^ a b c d e *Nenuca Jose; Lena Pareja (1994). "Philippine Film". In Nicanor Tiongson (ed.). CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. Vol. VIII (1st ed.). Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines. p. 271. ISBN 971-8546-31-6.
  11. ^ a b c Carballo, Bibsy M. (October 19, 2009). "The Invincible Anita Linda". The Philippine Star. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  12. ^ "Cinemanila 08 Winners Feted at Malacanang". GMA News. October 21, 2008. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  13. ^ Jocelyn Dimaculangan (February 8, 2009). "Adela dominates Young Critics Circle awards for 2008". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  14. ^ Ricky Lo (January 9, 2009). "Judy Ann, Anita Linda tie for Best Actress in Gawad Tanglaw Awards". The Philippine Star. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  15. ^ Stephen Holden (October 14, 2009). "A Hard Life, Especially as You're Turning 80". The New York Times. Archived from the original on October 17, 2009. Retrieved October 15, 2009.
  16. ^ Almo, Nerisa (May 1, 2009). "Indie film Boses wins six trophies at 6th Golden Screen Awards". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  17. ^ Cruz, Marinel R. "Cinemalaya 2012 award winners bared". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  18. ^ "Meet the cast of 'Sana Bukas Pa Ang Kahapon'". ABS-CBN News. May 26, 2014. Archived from the original on June 26, 2019. Retrieved June 26, 2019.
  19. ^ "Still Alice". The Philippine STAR.
  20. ^ "Actress Anita Linda attacked by robbers". ABS-CBN News. January 9, 2009. Archived from the original on January 17, 2009. Retrieved January 9, 2009.
  21. ^ "People of the Philippines v. Dangundong, G.R. No. L-10398, 30 June 1960 (Supreme Court of the Philippines)". The LawPhil Project. Retrieved December 16, 2017.
  22. ^ "Anita Linda: Truly a legend". Philstar.com. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
  23. ^ "Philippine cinema icon Anita Linda passes away at 95". Philippine Star. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  24. ^ "Veteran actress Anita Linda dies at 95". Rappler. Retrieved June 10, 2020.
  25. ^ Lara, R. Martin (November 23, 1987). "The next important Actress". Manila Standard. Standard Publications, Inc. p. 10. Retrieved August 2, 2020.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]