Joel Torre Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Height

Joel Dizon Torre, widely known as Joel Torre, is a Filipino actor, producer, and director whose career has left an indelible mark on Philippine cinema and television over five decades.

Celebrated for his commanding performances in films like Oro, Plata, Mata (1982) and On the Job (2013), he has earned multiple Gawad Urian Awards and international recognition for his ability to portray complex, morally nuanced characters.

A veteran of both mainstream and indie projects, Torre’s work spans historical epics, gritty crime dramas, and heartfelt teleseryes, establishing him as a pillar of Filipino storytelling with a legacy of authenticity and depth.

Profile

• Full Name: Joel Dizon Torre
• Stage Name: Joel Torre
• Born: 5 June, 1961
• Age: 64 years old
• Birthplace: Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actor, Producer, and Director
• Height: 1.75m
• Parents: Mr. Torre and Mrs. Torre
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Cristy Torre (m. 1990)
• Children: Maria Raphaela Torre and Marella Torre
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Joel Dizon Torre was born on June 5, 1961, in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Philippines, to parents referred to as Mr. and Mrs. Torre in public records.

Growing up in a close-knit family, details about his siblings are not publicly known.

Torre pursued his education at the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, where he developed an interest in theater, participating in local productions that shaped his early passion for performance.

He is of Filipino ethnicity, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

Joel Torre began his acting journey in the late 1970s, debuting in the experimental theater scene in Bacolod before breaking into cinema with a supporting role in Aguila (1979), a historical drama directed by Eddie Romero.

His raw intensity caught the eye of filmmakers, leading to his breakthrough in Peque Gallaga’s Oro, Plata, Mata (1982), where his portrayal of a privileged son navigating wartime turmoil earned critical praise and a Gawad Urian nomination.

Early roles in Karnal (1983) and Bilanggo sa Dilim (1986) showcased his ability to embody conflicted characters, establishing him as a go-to actor for directors seeking depth in gritty, dramatic narratives.

Torre’s career flourished in the 1990s and 2000s with standout performances in films like Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo (1990) and Mumbaki (1996), where he balanced mainstream appeal with indie credibility, winning Best Supporting Actor at Gawad Urian for the latter.

His role as a conflicted hitman in On the Job (2013) earned him international acclaim at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and a Gawad Urian Best Actor award, while Amigo (2010), directed by John Sayles, saw him lead an American-Filipino co-production.

Torre also thrived on television, with memorable roles in ABS-CBN’s Esperanza (1997–1999) and 100 Days to Heaven (2011), blending family-driven stories with social commentary.

Joel Torre remains a towering figure in Philippine entertainment, delivering gripping performances in The Bourne Legacy (2012) as a local contact and Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019) as a heartfelt patriarch.

His recent work in Lolo and the Kid (2024) and Lavender Fields (2024) reflects his enduring versatility, while his directorial efforts and production work on indie projects like Kabayo (2023) highlight his creative range.

Torre’s mentorship of young actors and advocacy for preserving Filipino cinematic heritage through restored classics cement his influence as a storyteller dedicated to truth and cultural pride.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @joeltorre_
• Facebook Handle: Unknown
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Joel Torre has been married to Christy Azcona since 1990.

The couple has two daughters named María “Aila” Ariela Torre and Marella Torre.

Joel and his wife also co-founded JT’s Manukan Grille, a Bacolod-style chicken inasal restaurant, which has expanded to numerous branches since its inception in 2003.

Filmography

• Aguila (1979)
• Oro, Plata, Mata (1982)
• Karnal (1983)
• Bilanggo sa Dilim (1986)
• Pido Dida: Sabay Tayo (1990)
• Mumbaki (1996)
• Amigo (2010)
• On the Job (2013)
• The Bourne Legacy (2012)
• Miracle in Cell No. 7 (2019)
• Kabayo (2023)
• Lolo and the Kid (2024)

Net Worth

Joel Torre has an estimated net worth of $3 million.

His wealth derives from a prolific acting career across film and television, production credits on independent projects, and occasional endorsements tied to his respected industry status.