Dolphy Biography: Age, Height, Movies, Ethnicity, Parents, Religion, Siblings, Net Worth

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., universally known as Dolphy, was the undisputed King of Philippine Comedy and one of the most beloved entertainers in Filipino show-business history.

For more than six decades, he dominated film, television, and stage with his impeccable comic timing, everyman charm, and groundbreaking portrayals of gay characters that helped normalize LGBTQ representation in local media long before it became widely accepted.

Profile

• Full Name: Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr.
• Stage Name: Dolphy
• Born: 25, July 1928
• Date of death: 10, July 2012 (Aged: 83 years old)
• Birthplace: Tondo, Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Producer
• Height: 1.63 m
• Parents: Melencio Espinosa Quizon and Salud de la Rosa Vera
• Siblings: Georgie Quizon, Laura Coopernurse, Josefina Quizon Andico, Jaime Quizon, Corazon Quizon
• Spouse: None
• Partner: Zsa Zsa Padilla (1988–2012)
• Children: Rodolfo “Dolphy Jr.” Quizon, Eric Quizon, Eula Caballero-Quizon, Jeffrey “Epi” Quizon, Vandolph Quizon, Zia Quizon, Nicole Quizon
• Relationship: Dating
• Net Worth: $20 million to $25 million

Early Life and Education

Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. was born on July 25, 1928, in the working-class district of Tondo, Manila, to Melencio Espinosa Quizon, a mechanic, and Salud de la Rosa Vera, a schoolteacher.

Growing up in a large family during the pre-war years, he experienced poverty firsthand and helped support the household by selling peanuts and cigarettes in theaters. He briefly attended public schools but left formal education early to work various odd jobs.

Dolphy was of mixed Filipino ancestry and was raised Roman Catholic, though he remained privately spiritual rather than strictly observant in adulthood.

Career

Dolphy began his career as a dancer and chorus boy at the Avenue and Life Theaters in Manila during the Japanese occupation, later performing in bodabil (vaudeville) shows where he developed his gift for comedy.

After the war, he broke into radio and film with small roles, eventually landing his first major hit with Jack en Jill (1954) opposite Gloria Romero.

His partnership with Panchito and later with Babalu created some of the most memorable comedy teams in Philippine cinema history, while characters like “Kosme the Cop,” “Facifica Falayfay,” and “John en Marsha” became cultural icons.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Dolphy produced and starred in dozens of blockbuster films under his own RVQ Productions, revolutionizing local comedy by blending slapstick with social commentary.

He fearlessly portrayed gay characters such as the effeminate “Facifica Falayfay” and “Fefita Fofonggay” with warmth and humanity, helping Filipinos laugh with—not at—the LGBTQ community at a time when such representation was rare.

His long-running sitcom John en Marsha (1973–1990) was the highest-rated show of its era and made household names of co-stars Nida Blanca and Maricel Soriano.

Dolphy transitioned smoothly into television in his later years, starring in the groundbreaking sitcom Home Along da Riles (1992–2003) and its sequel series, which consistently topped ratings for over a decade.

He continued making guest appearances and special shows well into his 80s. His contributions earned him every major entertainment award in the Philippines, including the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts distinction (posthumously conferred in 2012) and the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart.

Social Media

Dolphy does not have a social media account.

Personal Life

Dolphy never married legally but had long-term relationships with several partners throughout his life. He fathered 18 children with six different women, maintaining close ties with all of them.

From the late 1980s until his death, he was in a committed relationship with singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla, whom he considered his common-law wife.

Known for his generosity and humility, Dolphy quietly supported countless charities and godchildren. He spent his final years at home in Makati surrounded by family and passed away on July 10, 2012, due to multiple organ failure following pneumonia.

Filmography

• Jack en Jill (1954)
• Silveria (1958)
• Facifica Falayfay (1969)
• Roberta (1970)
• Captain Barbell (1986)
• Espadang Patpat (1990)
• Home Along da Riles (1993 film)
• Father & Son (1995)
• Home Along da Riles 2 (1997)
• Nobody Nobody But Juan (2009)

Net Worth

Dolphy’s net worth was estimated between $20 million and $25 million, at the time of his death in 2012. His wealth came primarily from decades of box-office hits, television royalties, real estate investments, and his own production company RVQ Productions, which he built into one of the most successful independent studios in Philippine cinema.