Roderick Paulate Biography: Ethnicity, Wife, Comedy Series, Age, Height, Net Worth, Movies

Rodolfo Santos Paulate, professionally known as Roderick Paulate, is a veteran Filipino actor, comedian, television host, and former politician who has been a fixture in Philippine entertainment for over five decades.

Famous for his flawless comic timing, fearless portrayal of gay and cross-dressing characters, and his signature high-pitched voice, Paulate rose from child stardom to become one of the country’s most enduring and respected comedians.

Profile

• Full Name: Rodolfo Santos Paulate
• Stage Name: Roderick Paulate
• Born: 4, April 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Television Host, Former Politician
• Height: 1.65 m
• Parents: Estodito Paulate and Paz Mendenilla Paulate
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Not married
• Net Worth: Estimated $8 million to $10 million

Early Life and Education

Rodolfo Santos Paulate was born on April 4, 1960, in Manila, Philippines, to Estodito Paulate and Paz Mendenilla Paulate. He grew up in a modest family in Sampaloc and began performing as a child actor at the age of seven.

Despite early fame, he finished his secondary education and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Commerce degree from José Rizal University in 1984. Paulate is of pure Filipino ethnicity and was raised Roman Catholic, though he has always been open about his identity as a gay man.

Career

Roderick Paulate started as a child wonder in the 1960s, appearing in Sampaguita Pictures dramas and earning the nickname “The Shirley Temple of the Philippines.”

He transitioned into teenage and adult roles in the 1970s and found his true calling in comedy during the 1980s, starring in blockbuster films such as Petrang Kabayo (1988), Inday Bote (1985), and the Charito Solis-Roderick Paulate comedy series. His iconic gay characters — especially “Petra” in the Petrang Kabayo franchise — became cultural landmarks for their wit, heart, and refusal to mock the LGBTQ community.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Paulate dominated television with long-running sitcoms like Oki Doki Doc (1993–2000), Home Along da Riles (recurring), and Mongolian Barbecue (1999), winning multiple PMPC Star Awards for Best Comedy Actor.

He also hosted popular variety shows and noontime programs, proving his versatility beyond acting. From 2016 to 2019 he served as an elected Quezon City Councilor (2nd District), focusing on education, senior citizens, and LGBTQ concerns.

Roderick Paulate remains active in the industry, making special appearances in films and television, most recently in supporting roles in ABS-CBN and GMA programs.

He is widely regarded as a pioneer of respectful gay representation in Philippine media and continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest comedians the country has ever produced.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @roderickpaulate
• Facebook Handle: Roderick Paulate

Personal Life

Roderick Paulate has always been open about being gay and has never married nor had children. He lives a relatively private life in Quezon City, sharing a close relationship with his nieces and nephews whom he treats as his own children.

Known for his generosity, he has quietly supported numerous scholars and charitable causes over the years. In 2022–2023 he faced legal challenges regarding alleged irregularities in his hiring of “ghost employees” during his councilor term, but he maintains his innocence and continues to enjoy overwhelming public support.

Filmography

• Inday Bote (1985)
• Petrang Kabayo at ang Pilyang Kuting (1988)
• Petrang Kabayo 2: Anong Ganda Mo! Mukha Kang Kabayo (1990)
• Daddy Goon (1991)
• Oki Doki Doc: The Movie (1996)
• Ded na si Lolo (2009)
• Praybeyt Benjamin (2011)
• Girl, Boy, Bakla, Tomboy (2013)
• The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin (2014)
• Beauty and the Bestie (2015)

Net Worth

Roderick Paulate has an estimated net worth of $8 million to $10 million. His wealth comes from decades of blockbuster films, top-rated television shows, hosting fees, endorsements, real estate holdings in Metro Manila, and income earned during his term as Quezon City councilor.