Nida Blanca Biography: Movies, Age, Height, Awards, Ethnicity, Husband, Net Worth, Religion, Death

Dorothy Guinto Jones, professionally known as Nida Blanca, was one of the Philippines’ most enduring and versatile leading ladies from the 1950s through the 1990s.

Dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Movies” in her prime, she excelled in drama, comedy, romance, and musicals, starring opposite every major leading man of her era.

Profile

• Full Name: Dorothy Guinto Jones
• Stage Name: Nida Blanca
• Born: 6, January 1936
• Date of death: 7, November 2001 (Aged: 65 years old)
• Birthplace: Gapan, Nueva Ecija, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actress, Singer, Television Host
• Height: 1.57 m
• Parents: John William Jones II and Inocencia Acueza
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Victorino Torres (m. 1950s–1970s), Rod Lauren (m. 1979–2001)
• Children: Kaye Torres
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million to $12 million

Early Life and Education

Dorothy Guinto Jones was born on January 6, 1936, in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, to an American father, John William Jones II, and a Filipina mother, Inocencia Acueza.

She was raised in Manila after her parents separated while she was still a baby. Growing up in post-war Tondo, she attended Mapa High School and later took secretarial courses. Nida was of Filipino-American ethnicity and was raised Roman Catholic.

Career

Nida Blanca began her career at age 15 when she was discovered by producer Manuel Vistan Sr. and signed to LVN Pictures in 1951. She debuted in Korea (1952) opposite Nestor de Villa and quickly became one of the studio’s biggest stars, known for her singing-dancing roles and wholesome charm.

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s she formed memorable love teams with Nestor de Villa, Dolphy, and Eddie Gutierrez, starring in classics such as Waray-Waray (1954), Basta Ikaw series, and Always Kayo Pa (1962).

Her career peaked again in the 1970s when she was cast as the long-suffering but hilarious wife “Marsha” opposite Dolphy’s “John” in the groundbreaking sitcom John en Marsha (1973–1990), the longest-running and highest-rated comedy series in Philippine television history.

She won multiple acting awards and transitioned effortlessly into mature character roles, earning FAMAS Best Actress trophies for dramatic performances in films like Miguelito (1985) and Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? (1989).

Nida Blanca remained active until her death, appearing in soap operas, hosting shows, and serving as a regular judge on talent contests.

Her final television appearance was in ABS-CBN’s Saan Ka Man Naroroon in 2001. She was posthumously honored with a star on the Eastwood Walk of Fame and is remembered as one of the greatest actresses Philippine cinema has ever produced.

Social Media

Nida Blanca has no social media account.

Personal Life

Nida Blanca was first married to actor-musician Victorino Torres with whom she had her only child, Kaye Torres. The marriage ended in annulment. In 1979 she married American singer-actor Rod Lauren in Las Vegas, and the couple lived between Manila and the United States.

On November 7, 2001, Nida was brutally stabbed to death in the parking garage of the Atlanta Centre in San Juan City. Her murder case became one of the most sensational in Philippine history; her husband Rod Lauren was initially a person of interest but was later cleared.

He died by suicide in 2007. The crime remains officially unsolved in the eyes of many, though Philip Medel was convicted in 2007 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Filmography

• Korea (1952)
• Waray-Waray (1954)
• Dalagang Taring (1955)
• Babaing Kalbo (1957)
• John en Marsha (1974 film)
• John en Marsha ’77 (1977)
• Miguelito: Batang Rebelde (1985)
• Magkano ang Iyong Dangal? (1989)
• Darna (1991)
• Huwag Mong Salingin ang Sugat Ko (1991)
• Sana’y Ikaw na Nga (2001 TV series, final role)

Net Worth

Nida Blanca had an estimated net worth of $10 million to $12 million, at the time of her death in 2001. Her wealth was built from decades of top billing in films, record-breaking television royalties from John en Marsha, real estate properties in Metro Manila and the United States, endorsements, and wise investments managed throughout her career.