Vilma Santos Biography: Movies, Children, Age, Net Worth, Height, Siblings, Parents, Husband, TV Series, Songs

Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto, professionally known as Vilma Santos, is a legendary Filipino actress and politician, celebrated as the “Star for All Seasons” for her iconic roles in Philippine cinema, including Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973) and Anak (2000).

With a career spanning over six decades, she is one of the most awarded actresses in the Philippines, earning numerous FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and Luna Awards.

As a politician, she made history as the first female governor of Batangas, serving from 2007 to 2016 and returning in 2025, while also representing Batangas’ 6th district in Congress from 2016 to 2022.

Profile

• Full Name: Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto
• Stage Name: Vilma Santos
• Born: 3 November 1953
• Age: 71 years old
• Birthplace: Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actress, Politician, Singer
• Height: 1.52m
• Parents: Amado Santos and Mila Tuazon Santos
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Edu Manzano (m. 1980–1982), Ralph Recto (m. 1992)
• Children: Luis Manzano, Ryan Christian Recto
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto, known as Vilma Santos, was born on November 3, 1953, in Manila, Philippines, to Amado Santos and Mila Tuazon Santos.

Information about her siblings is not publicly known. Raised in a modest family, she entered showbiz at nine after accompanying her uncle, a cameraman at Sampaguita Pictures, to an audition, where she landed the lead in Trudis Liit (1963).

She completed her high school education at St. Mary’s Academy in Manila and pursued some college coursework, though her acting career took precedence. Her ethnicity is Filipino, and her religious beliefs are Roman Catholic.

Career

Vilma Santos began her acting career at age nine, starring as the title character in Trudis Liit (1963), earning a FAMAS Best Child Performer Award. Her early roles in films like Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965) and Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969) as Imee Marcos showcased her precocious talent.

By the 1970s, she became a leading actress, starring in box-office hits like Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973) and Burlesk Queen (1977), establishing her as a versatile star capable of drama, comedy, and action. Her awards during this period, including multiple FAMAS Best Actress honors, solidified her status as a Philippine cinema icon.

Santos’ career peaked in the 1980s and 1990s with critically acclaimed performances in films like Relasyon (1982), Sister Stella L. (1984), and Anak (2000), earning her 13 FAMAS Awards, 11 Gawad Urian Awards, and 5 Luna Awards. She ventured into television with shows like VIP (Vilma in Person) (1982–1986) and Maalaala Mo Kaya (2010), while maintaining a robust film career.

Her shift to politics began in 1998 as mayor of Lipa City, serving three terms until 2007, followed by her historic tenure as Batangas’ first female governor from 2007 to 2016, where she implemented the HEARTS program focusing on health, education, and infrastructure.

Santos returned to the Batangas governorship in 2025, winning with over 640,000 votes, and revived her HEARTS initiative to enhance healthcare, education, and disaster preparedness. Her recent acting includes When I Met You in Tokyo (2023), and she continues to influence as a cultural and political figure.

Her advocacy for bills like the SOGIE Equality Bill during her congressional term (2016–2022) and her enduring cinematic legacy, recognized by awards like the Dhaka International Film Festival Award, highlight her multifaceted impact. Santos’ blend of artistry and public service remains a cornerstone of her legacy.  

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @rosavilmasantosrecto
• Facebook Handle: Vilma Santos-Recto
• Twitter Handle: Unknown

Personal Life

Vilma Santos was married to actor Edu Manzano from 1980 to 1982, with whom she has a son, Luis Manzano, a well-known actor and host. She married Senator Ralph Recto in 1992, and they have a son, Ryan Christian Recto, who serves as a congressman for Batangas’ 6th district.

Filmography

• Trudis Liit (1963)
• Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965)
• Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973)
• Burlesk Queen (1977)
• Ang Tatay Kong Nanay (1978)
• Relasyon (1982)
• Sister Stella L. (1984)
• Anak (2000)
• Dekada ’70 (2002)
• The Healing (2012)
• Ekstra (2013)
• When I Met You in Tokyo (2023)

Net Worth

Vilma Santos has an estimated net worth of $10 million. Her wealth is primarily derived from her six-decade acting career, with significant earnings from blockbuster films, television shows, and residuals from syndicated projects like Anak and Dekada ’70.

Her political roles, including salaries as governor and congresswoman, along with endorsements and appearances, further contribute to her financial success.