Keempee de Leon
Encyclopedia
Joseph Joachim de Leon or known as Keempee de Leon (born on January 8, 1973 in Manila
, Philippines
) is a Filipino
actor
, comedian
and TV host. He is the son of Joey de Leon
and Daria Ramirez.
movie "I Love You Three Times a Day", where he was paired with Gelli de Belen and worked with soon-to-be-co-host of Eat Bulaga!
, Jimmy Santos. Soon after, he became a regular fixture in three TV shows: Eat Bulaga, That's Entertainment
and Agila
. In 1990, he was a subject of a tug-of-war between Regal Films and Viva Films when Regal got Keempee to appear as lead role in the romantic comedy movie "Romeo Loves Juliet" opposite Aiko Melendez
. In the end, Keempee chose to remain with Viva Films and signed a contract. In 1992, he was launched as a junior action star via the movie "Jesus dela Cruz at ang mga Batang Riles" with Ana Roces as his leading lady. The action film was a mild success and it was followed up with "Blue Jeans Gang" with Dennis Padilla and Leah Orosa as co-stars. However, unlike "Batang Riles", "Blue Jeans Gang" was a flop at the box-office.
Keempee openly admitted to the public in 1993 that he became a victim of drug abuse and as a result, he underwent rehabilitation at New Beginnings in Sucat, Paranaque. Despite this however, he managed to finish two big movies before he went on sabbatical. The two big movies were: Viva's "Sana'y Ikaw na Nga" with Christopher de Leon
and Vina Morales
, and "Alyas Batman en Robin
" with dad Joey de Leon. After his rehabilitation, he became a member of Victory Christian Fellowship while resuming his stalled showbiz career in 1994.
He had his biggest break on TV by playing a leading role in GMA
's Villa Quintana
with Donna Cruz
as his leading lady. He is a former VIVA
contract star along with other members of That's Entertainment Donna Cruz
, Jessa Zaragosa
, Vina Morales
and others. He became Best Drama Actor for Villa Quintana in Star Awards for television. He was also a co-host in GMA Supershow
from 1995–1997 and a gag performer in IBC 13's Goin' Bayabas, a remake of the '80s gag show "Goin' Bananas" in 1998.
In 2002 after he graduated and finished his studies at college, he returned to the small screen via ABS-CBN's Klasmeyts and Recuerdo de Amor but in 2004 he returned to GMA Network
where he was signed up to portray the gay Harold in Bahay Mo Ba 'To?. In the sitcom he was paired with Francine Prieto
. Their tandem became a hit and he continued playing gay roles in the reality sitcom Kung Ako Ikaw
and in films.
In 2008, Keempee returned to primetime via LaLola
which stars Rhian Ramos
and JC de Vera
. He also returned to comedy film for his comeback movie, "Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After", an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, together with Tito & Vic Sotto and his father, Joey De Leon
, with co-stars Jimmy Santos
, Jose Manalo
, Carlene Aguilar, Pauleen Luna
& Ryan Agoncillo
. After LaLola, Keempee plays Paul in the Philippine remake of Korean drama All About Eve
. Currently, Keempee co-hosts a singing completion "Are You The Next Big Star?
" where he works with famous singer, Regine Velasquez
, Carmina Villaroel
, Ara Mina
, Pauleen Luna
and Vina Morales
.
Manila
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. It is one of the sixteen cities forming Metro Manila.Manila is located on the eastern shores of Manila Bay and is bordered by Navotas and Caloocan to the north, Quezon City to the northeast, San Juan and Mandaluyong to the east, Makati on the southeast,...
, Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
) is a Filipino
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
actor
Actor
An actor is a person who acts in a dramatic production and who works in film, television, theatre, or radio in that capacity...
, comedian
Comedian
A comedian or comic is a person who seeks to entertain an audience, primarily by making them laugh. This might be through jokes or amusing situations, or acting a fool, as in slapstick, or employing prop comedy...
and TV host. He is the son of Joey de Leon
Joey de Leon
José María Ramos de León, better known as Joey de Leon is a Filipino comedian, actor, and television presenter. He hosts the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!. He is a member of the comedy trio Tito, Vic and Joey that has made several comedy movies and TV shows...
and Daria Ramirez.
Career
Keempee de Leon started his showbiz career in 1989 via the Viva FilmsVIVA Films
Viva Films is a Filipino film production company which started in 1981. This company is part of the Viva Entertainment Group.-Sharon Cuneta and Gabby Concepcion loveteam:...
movie "I Love You Three Times a Day", where he was paired with Gelli de Belen and worked with soon-to-be-co-host of Eat Bulaga!
Eat Bulaga!
Eat Bulaga! is a noon-time variety show in the Philippines produced by Television And Production Exponents Inc. and aired by GMA Network. The show is broadcast from The New TAPE Studios at the GMA Broadway Centrum in New Manila, Quezon City. Eat Bulaga! is aired Weekdays at 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm ...
, Jimmy Santos. Soon after, he became a regular fixture in three TV shows: Eat Bulaga, That's Entertainment
That's Entertainment (TV series)
That's Entertainment is a defunct Filipino youth-oriented talent and variety show aired by GMA Network.-History:The show was launched on January 6, 1986 by GMA Network and gained popularity almost overnight among young audiences who were on the lookout for idols of their own. Hosted by German...
and Agila
Agila
Agila I was Visigothic King of Hispania and Septimania . Peter Heather notes that Agila's reign was during a period of civil war following the death of Amalaric, the last member of the old Visigothic dynasty, when ambitious Gothic nobles competed openly for the throne.Agila came to power after the...
. In 1990, he was a subject of a tug-of-war between Regal Films and Viva Films when Regal got Keempee to appear as lead role in the romantic comedy movie "Romeo Loves Juliet" opposite Aiko Melendez
Aiko Melendez
better known as Aiko Melendez, is a Filipino former councilor and a former actress. Her father was an actor named Jimmy Melendez who has Japanese and Spanish blood. In the late 1980s, she was discovered by Regal Films where she signed a contract there and became one of Regal Babies...
. In the end, Keempee chose to remain with Viva Films and signed a contract. In 1992, he was launched as a junior action star via the movie "Jesus dela Cruz at ang mga Batang Riles" with Ana Roces as his leading lady. The action film was a mild success and it was followed up with "Blue Jeans Gang" with Dennis Padilla and Leah Orosa as co-stars. However, unlike "Batang Riles", "Blue Jeans Gang" was a flop at the box-office.
Keempee openly admitted to the public in 1993 that he became a victim of drug abuse and as a result, he underwent rehabilitation at New Beginnings in Sucat, Paranaque. Despite this however, he managed to finish two big movies before he went on sabbatical. The two big movies were: Viva's "Sana'y Ikaw na Nga" with Christopher de Leon
Christopher De Leon
-2007 Elections:In 2007, he decided to run as Vice Governor of Batangas. This claims that if her former on screen partner, Vilma Santos won the governorship, then he might win as Vice Governor. He became the running mate of former police officer Nestor Sanares...
and Vina Morales
Vina Morales
Vina Morales is a Filipina singer, actress and model.-Career:...
, and "Alyas Batman en Robin
Alyas Batman en Robin
Alyas Batman en Robin is a fanmade 1991 Filipino Batman comedy film produced by Regal Films spoofing the 1960s Batman television series...
" with dad Joey de Leon. After his rehabilitation, he became a member of Victory Christian Fellowship while resuming his stalled showbiz career in 1994.
He had his biggest break on TV by playing a leading role in GMA
GMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
's Villa Quintana
Villa Quintana
Villa Quintana is a Philippine drama series produced by Viva Television and GMA Network top-billed Keempee de Leon and Donna Cruz in the lead characters.-Plot:It is a story of young lovers, Isagani Samonte and Lynnette Quintana....
with Donna Cruz
Donna Cruz
Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal better known by her stage name Donna Cruz, is a Filipina pop singer and actress. She comes from the Cruz clan which include celebrities Sheryl Cruz, Geneva Cruz and Sunshine Cruz, her cousins....
as his leading lady. He is a former VIVA
VIVA Entertainment
VIVA Entertainment, Inc., also known as Viva Entertainment Group is a Philippine entertainment company. Its history started in 1981 when Vicente "Vic" del Rosario, Jr. founded Viva Films.-Divisions:*Viva Productions, Inc...
contract star along with other members of That's Entertainment Donna Cruz
Donna Cruz
Donna Cruz Yrastorza-Larrazabal better known by her stage name Donna Cruz, is a Filipina pop singer and actress. She comes from the Cruz clan which include celebrities Sheryl Cruz, Geneva Cruz and Sunshine Cruz, her cousins....
, Jessa Zaragosa
Jessa Zaragosa
Richelle Ann Loyola known by her stagename Jessa Zaragoza is a Filipino singer and actress of Spanish Filipino descent.She was born in .-Personal life:She is married to Filipino singer Dingdong Avanzado...
, Vina Morales
Vina Morales
Vina Morales is a Filipina singer, actress and model.-Career:...
and others. He became Best Drama Actor for Villa Quintana in Star Awards for television. He was also a co-host in GMA Supershow
GMA Supershow
GMA Supershow, formerly titled Germside and then Germspesyal, was a Sunday noontime variety show formerly aired by GMA Network from 1978 to 1997, making it one of the longest running Sunday noontime shows in Philippine television history....
from 1995–1997 and a gag performer in IBC 13's Goin' Bayabas, a remake of the '80s gag show "Goin' Bananas" in 1998.
In 2002 after he graduated and finished his studies at college, he returned to the small screen via ABS-CBN's Klasmeyts and Recuerdo de Amor but in 2004 he returned to GMA Network
GMA Network
GMA Network is a major commercial television & radio network in the Philippines. GMA Network is owned by GMA Network, Inc. a publicly listed company...
where he was signed up to portray the gay Harold in Bahay Mo Ba 'To?. In the sitcom he was paired with Francine Prieto
Francine Prieto
Francine Prieto born Anna Marie Falcon is a former award-winning child star, a fashion model and movie actress from the Philippines. She is of Filipino and Norwegian descent.-Education:Francine studied B.S...
. Their tandem became a hit and he continued playing gay roles in the reality sitcom Kung Ako Ikaw
Kung Ako Ikaw
Kung Ako Ikaw is a reality comedy television show in the Philippines that airs three times a week on the GMA Network. It replaces three sitcoms aired by the network; namely, Who's Your Daddy Now?, Bahay Mo Ba 'To, and HP: To The Highest Level Na!...
and in films.
In 2008, Keempee returned to primetime via LaLola
LaLola (Philippine TV series)
LaLola is a Philippine romantic Comedy produced and distributed by GMA Network. It is an adaptation of an Argentine TV series of the same title. The series premiered on October 13, 2008 starring Rhian Ramos and JC de Vera...
which stars Rhian Ramos
Rhian Ramos
Rhian Denise Ramos Howell, who is better known by her stage name Rhian Ramos , is a Filipina actress, commercial model and singer.-Biography:...
and JC de Vera
JC de Vera
John Carlo de Vera, better known by his screen name J.C. de Vera , is a Filipino actor and model.-Biography and career:...
. He also returned to comedy film for his comeback movie, "Iskul Bukol: 20 Years After", an official entry to the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival, together with Tito & Vic Sotto and his father, Joey De Leon
Joey de Leon
José María Ramos de León, better known as Joey de Leon is a Filipino comedian, actor, and television presenter. He hosts the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!. He is a member of the comedy trio Tito, Vic and Joey that has made several comedy movies and TV shows...
, with co-stars Jimmy Santos
Jimmy Santos
Jimmy Santos is an Afro-Uruguayan and Afro-Argentine popular vocalist of candombe, jazz and rock. Jimmy has lived in Argentina since 1976 and is part of the black population in Argentina. He also plays the drums. In 1977 he joined Raíces...
, Jose Manalo
Jose Manalo
Jose Manalo is a Filipino actor, comedian working for GMA Network and stars in noon-time variety show Eat Bulaga!.-Biography and Career:...
, Carlene Aguilar, Pauleen Luna
Pauleen Luna
Marie Pauleen J. Luna is a Filipina actress and television personality. She appears on the GMA Network, particularly as one of the regular hosts of the long-running Philippine variety show Eat Bulaga! where she portrays the humorous child-woman character Baby Poleng.-Career:Luna began her show...
& Ryan Agoncillo
Ryan Agoncillo
Kristoffer Lou Ryan Agoncillo , popularly known as Ryan Agoncillo, is a Filipino Film and Television actor, model, singer, photographer, and TV host.-Early life:Agoncillo was born on April 10, 1978...
. After LaLola, Keempee plays Paul in the Philippine remake of Korean drama All About Eve
All About Eve (Philippine TV series)
All About Eve was the Philippine drama adaptation of a Korean drama of the same name. The pilot episode premiered on March 9, 2009 on GMA Network replacing Luna Mystika. It starred Sunshine Dizon, Iza Calzado, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Alfred Vargas with Richard Gomez, Jean Garcia and Eula Valdez....
. Currently, Keempee co-hosts a singing completion "Are You The Next Big Star?
Are You the Next Big Star?
Are You The Next Big Star? is a reality music competition to find two new solo musical talents, created and developed by GMA New Media, Inc.. It debuted on May 16, 2009 on GMA Network, and is hosted by Regine Velasquez, with comedian-singer Keempee de Leon as the co-host.The program seeks to...
" where he works with famous singer, Regine Velasquez
Regine Velasquez
Regina Encarnacion Ansong Velasquez , better known as Asia's Songbird, Regine Velasquez, is a Filipino singer, actress, record producer and TV host...
Keempee Hairstyle
Keempee de Leon sported a haircut back in the 90s that was imitated by young men at the time. Named after him, Keempee, is parted in the middle of the head and long bangs reach as far as the ears. Up until today, Keempee, the hairstlye, is considered a trademark of the era.Personal life
He has his child with his former wife. His past relationships were Manilyn ReynesManilyn Reynes
Manilyn Reynes-Jimenez is a Filipina actress and singer.At a very young age, her parents noticed her interest in music, encouraging her to join in various singing contests in Cebu...
, Carmina Villaroel
Carmina Villaroel
Maria Carmina Muñiz Villaroel, also known as Carmina Villaroel is a Filipino actress, television host, and model....
, Ara Mina
Ara Mina
Hazel Pascual Reyes , better known by her screen name, Ara Mina, is a Filipina actress, fashion model and singer. She won the Golden Screen Award in 2004 for Best Actress in a drama in the Philippines....
, Pauleen Luna
Pauleen Luna
Marie Pauleen J. Luna is a Filipina actress and television personality. She appears on the GMA Network, particularly as one of the regular hosts of the long-running Philippine variety show Eat Bulaga! where she portrays the humorous child-woman character Baby Poleng.-Career:Luna began her show...
and Vina Morales
Vina Morales
Vina Morales is a Filipina singer, actress and model.-Career:...
.
TV shows
- Iskul Bukol: Kuwelang Kwela 'ToIskul BukolIskul Bukol was a Philippine situational comedy show that aired on the IBC 13 network from 1977 to 1988. It starred Filipino comedians Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon. The show centered on their lives as students of the fictional Wanbol University, parodying it's real life counterpart,...
- Wacky Roque (2011 TV5) - Lucky NumbersLucky NumbersLucky Numbers is a 2000 comedy film directed by Nora Ephron. The screenplay by Adam Resnick was inspired by the 1980 Pennsylvania Lottery scandal.-Plot:...
- Host (2011 TV5) - My Driver Sweet Lover (TV series) - Von (2010 TV5)
- Lady Dada - ???? (2010 TV5)
- Full House - Mr. H (2009 GMA Network)
- Are You The Next Big Star?Are You the Next Big Star?Are You The Next Big Star? is a reality music competition to find two new solo musical talents, created and developed by GMA New Media, Inc.. It debuted on May 16, 2009 on GMA Network, and is hosted by Regine Velasquez, with comedian-singer Keempee de Leon as the co-host.The program seeks to...
- Co-Host / Harold (2009 GMA Network) - All About Eve (Philippine TV series)All About Eve (Philippine TV series)All About Eve was the Philippine drama adaptation of a Korean drama of the same name. The pilot episode premiered on March 9, 2009 on GMA Network replacing Luna Mystika. It starred Sunshine Dizon, Iza Calzado, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Alfred Vargas with Richard Gomez, Jean Garcia and Eula Valdez....
- Paul (2009 GMA Network) - LaLolaLaLola (Philippine TV series)LaLola is a Philippine romantic Comedy produced and distributed by GMA Network. It is an adaptation of an Argentine TV series of the same title. The series premiered on October 13, 2008 starring Rhian Ramos and JC de Vera...
- Josano "Gary" Therico Jose / Grace / Narrator (2008-2009 GMA Network) - Kung Ako IkawKung Ako IkawKung Ako Ikaw is a reality comedy television show in the Philippines that airs three times a week on the GMA Network. It replaces three sitcoms aired by the network; namely, Who's Your Daddy Now?, Bahay Mo Ba 'To, and HP: To The Highest Level Na!...
- host (2007-2008 GMA Network) - Bubble GangBubble GangBubble Gang is a sketch comedy television show in the Philippines. It airs every Friday evenings by GMA Network. The show is part of the network's GMA KiliTV block. Currently, it is now the longest-running gag show in Philippine television. The TV program is known for their parodies of TV...
- Various Roles (2007–Present GMA Network) - Sabi Ni Nanay - various (2007 RPN)
- Nuts EntertainmentNuts EntertainmentNuts Entertainment was a sketch comedy television show in the Philippines aired every Saturday evenings by GMA Network . The show was part of the network's GMA KiliTV block...
- Occasional Cast Member (2007-2008 GMA Network) - Fantastic ManFantastic ManFantastic Man is a television serialization of the box office film of the same name. The series originally starred by Vic Sotto stars Mark Herras as Fantastic Man with Ryza Cenon as her leading lady-turned sidekick Wena aka Fantastic Girl. The series refurbishes and reintroduces Fantastic Man as a...
- Budol (2006-2007 GMA Network) - Bongga Ka Star - co-host (2005-2006 Q Network)
- Kakabaka-Boo - various (2006 GMA Network)
- Kakabakaba Adventures - various (2005 GMA Network)
- Bahay Mo Ba 'To? - Harold Manguluntoy (GMA Network)
- Love to Love - Jason Patrick/Patricia (GMA Network)
- SharonSharonSharon can be a female name which can be spelled with one "r" or two . It also refers to several places in the world.It derives from a Israelite place name meaning "forest" in Hebrew, referring to a fertile plain near the coast of Israel. This gives its name to a type of flowering shrub, the rose...
- guest co-host (ABS-CBN) - O-Ha!O-Ha!O-Ha! was a sitcom produced and broadcast by ABC with only 4 episodes and played once a week from August 9, 2006-January 24, 2007.-Cast:* Sienna Olaso * Bayani Agbayani* Sandara Park* Dennis Trillo* Alfred Vargas...
- various (ABC) - Kung Mamahalin Mo Lang AkoKung Mamahalin Mo Lang AkoKung Mamahalin Mo Lang Ako is an afternoon soap opera aired on GMA Network produced by TAPE Inc. and co-produced by GMA.-Synopsis:The story revolves around the interesting story of life, friendship, fate and love of three women....
- Alfonse (GMA Network) - Hayop Na Hayop (ABC)
- Klasmeyts - host (ABS-CBN)
- Recuerdo de Amor - Carding (ABS-CBN)
- Wow! - host (IBC)
- Back To Iskul Bukol - various (IBC)
- Que Horror - various (ABC)
- Lihim Ng Gabi - various (GMA Network)
- Kagat Ng Dilim - various (GMA Network)
- Walang Kukurap - various (GMA Network)
- Goin' Bayabas - gag performer (IBC)
- Villa QuintanaVilla QuintanaVilla Quintana is a Philippine drama series produced by Viva Television and GMA Network top-billed Keempee de Leon and Donna Cruz in the lead characters.-Plot:It is a story of young lovers, Isagani Samonte and Lynnette Quintana....
- Isagani (GMA Network) - Campus Romance - various (GMA Network)
- TODAS Again- gag performer (IBC)
- GMA SupershowGMA SupershowGMA Supershow, formerly titled Germside and then Germspesyal, was a Sunday noontime variety show formerly aired by GMA Network from 1978 to 1997, making it one of the longest running Sunday noontime shows in Philippine television history....
- co-host (GMA Network) - ManaABS-CBNABS–CBN Corporation is a Philippine-based media conglomerate. It is the Philippines' largest media and entertainment conglomerate. The corporation was the merger of Alto Broadcasting System which at that time owned by James Lindenberg and Antonio Quirino, and the Chronicle Broadcasting Network ...
- as Nida Blanca's son (ABS-CBN) - AgilaAgilaAgila I was Visigothic King of Hispania and Septimania . Peter Heather notes that Agila's reign was during a period of civil war following the death of Amalaric, the last member of the old Visigothic dynasty, when ambitious Gothic nobles competed openly for the throne.Agila came to power after the...
- Bobbet (1988 RPN) - The Sharon Cuneta ShowThe Sharon Cuneta ShowThe Sharon Cuneta Show was a Sunday night musical variety show that starred the Philippines' megastar Sharon Cuneta....
(1989 ABS-CBN) - That's EntertainmentThat's Entertainment (TV series)That's Entertainment is a defunct Filipino youth-oriented talent and variety show aired by GMA Network.-History:The show was launched on January 6, 1986 by GMA Network and gained popularity almost overnight among young audiences who were on the lookout for idols of their own. Hosted by German...
- co-host, Thursday Group - Eat Bulaga - co-host (1989–Present ABS-CBN 1989-1995, GMA Network 1995–Present)
Movies
- Iskul Bukol: 20 years After
- Shake, Rattle and Roll 8
- Ispiritista
- Lovestruck
- Bahay Ni Lola
- Happily Ever After
- Message Sent
- Ten Little Indians
- Nag-iisang Ikaw
- Love Notes
- Barkada Walang Atrasan
- Cuadro de Jack
- Pintsik
- Alyas Batman en Robin
- Sana'y Ikaw na Nga
- Tangga and Chos: Beauty Secret Agents
- Teacher's Enemy No. 1
- Tootsie-Wootsie: Ang Bandang Walang Atrasan
- Aso't Pusa
- Ang lahat ng ito pati na ang langit
- Estudyante Blues
- I Love You Three Times a Day
- Mama Said, Papa Said I Love You
Awards
- (1996) Best Drama Actor for Villa Quintana - Star Awards
- (2005) Best Comedy Actor for Bahay Mo Ba 'To- Star Awards
- (2005) Best Comedy Supporting Actor for Bahay Mo Ba 'To- ENPRESS