Ronnie Lazaro: Movies & Box Office

Ronnie Zabala Lazaro, born on November 14, 1957 in Sagay, Negros Occidental, Philippines, is a seminal figure in Filipino cinema whose career spans over four decades. Beginning his professional journey in 1977, Lazaro quickly distinguished himself as a versatile actor, taking on roles that ranged from gritty drama to experimental independent films, and earning a reputation for delivering raw and emotionally resonant performances. His breakthrough came with his acclaimed lead in Yanggaw (2008), for which he received the prestigious Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor, solidifying his status as one of the Philippines’ most respected thespians. Throughout his extensive filmography, he has been nominated numerous times for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, highlighting his ability to dominate the screen in a variety of character archetypes.\n\nBeyond acting, Lazaro has continuously expanded his artistic footprint, working as a producer, casting director, and art director, contributing behind the camera to shape the visual and narrative tone of many celebrated projects. His art direction on Manila by Night earned the Best Production Design Award in 1981, and his involvement as a casting director on the internationally co‑produced film Amigo demonstrated his keen eye for talent. An avid photographer, he curated a two‑month exhibit titled Manila en las palmas de la luz at the Museo de la Cárcel Real in Cáceres, Spain, showcasing his multifaceted creative vision. Lazaro’s commitment to the theatrical arts is equally notable; he co‑directed the improvisational play Pugakhang in 1979 and has toured the nation with productions such as Hiblang Abo. Fluent in Hiligaynon, Tagalog, English, and conversational Spanish, he continues to influence Philippine culture through both his on‑screen presence and his contributions to stage and visual arts, remaining active in the industry to the present day.