Next person biography:
Leopoldo Salcedo, also known as "Pol" or "Poldo" to his family and close friends, was born on March 13, 1912, in Cavite Puerto, which is now known as Cavite City. He was the second child of Juan Salcedo y Mayobre and Basilia Red Ganal, and had five siblings, including Magdalena, who later became a nun, and Virginia, who now lives in New York.
His father, Juan Salcedo, was born in the Philippines, but his family originally hailed from Spain. The Salcedos were aristocrats, and Juan's paternal grandfather was Don Juan Salcedo y Mantilla de los Rios, a famous Spanish politician and military governor of Cavite. Juan was a carpenter and a gifted musician, and he refused to return to Spain with his parents and two siblings.
Leopoldo Salcedo's family was very poor when he was young, but his mother's kindness and guidance helped to keep the family together. His father was strict, but his mother's gentle and loving ways tempered his strictness. Unfortunately, she died in 1933 due to a liver illness.
Leopoldo Salcedo was a naughty lad who was prone to mischief and was not a good student. He dropped out of school and never finished, but he had many friends and was popular among the ladies. He claimed to have lost his virginity at the age of 14.
In his youth, Leopoldo Salcedo performed in school plays and later worked as a "ballyhoo man," wearing placards to advertise products. He also rode a horse wearing a king or sultan's costume to announce the coming attraction in movie theaters. He started out as a singer and later became a full-fledged actor.
He got his first break in the film "Sawing Palad" in 1934, and his first lead role was in "Santong Diablo." However, it was in the film "Gamugamong nagging Lawin" where he became a superstar. During the war, he acted in stage shows, mostly as a guerrilla, giving hope of freedom for the Filipinos.
In 1950, Salcedo set up his own movie company, LGS Films, and came up with several successful films. He went on to make films for a span of 60 years, winning several awards and recognition for his fine acting ability. He also directed and co-directed a few of his films.
Leopoldo Salcedo was a ladies' man and had several children and six significant women in his life. Although his personal life left little to be desired, he was an excellent and talented performer on stage or screen.
He died on June 10, 1998, due to complications from a heart attack, at the age of 86.
