Luis Gonzales

Luis Franco Mercado (June 21, 1928 – March 15, 2012) also known as Luis Gonzales, was a Filipino actor who appeared in more than 100 films during his career, most of them by Sampaguita Pictures. He worked with various celebrities such as Lolita Rodriguez, Gloria Romero, Dolphy, Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Eddie Garcia, and others during his career.

Born on June 21, 1928 in San Luis, Pampanga, and raised in Tondo, Manila, Gonzales may be best known for his portrayals of former President Ferdinand Marcos in three films: Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), a political propaganda film; Pinagbuklod ng Langit (1969), a dramatic film; and Kumander Dante (1988), an action film. Actress Gloria Romero starred opposite him as Imelda Marcos for the former two films. Gonzales and Romero starred in numerous other films together as well.

They first worked together on the 1955 film, Despatsadora, and were paired together more than 30 films under Sampaguita Pictures. He also won 4 FAMAS Awards in his movies as Best Actor such as Iginuhit ng Tadhana, Talipandas, Alaala Kita, and Pinagbuklod ng Langit in the years 1959, 1966 and 1970.

His last movie was Xerex released in 2003 with co-star former actress Aubrey Miles and model turned actor, Jon Hall.

In December 2009, Gonzales received a star of the Eastwood City Walk of Fame, which marked his last public appearance.

Gonzales died of complications from pneumonia and heart problems at Makati Medical Center on the night of March 15, 2012, at the age of 83. He was survived by his wife, Vina Concepcion, and their three children. His funeral (cremation was scheduled in Friday) and three-day-week burial were held at Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. The Interment is on Monday, 2 p.m. for his wake.