Christopher de Leon

{{Infobox officeholder

| name = Christopher de León

| image = Boyet Interview.jpg

| imagesize =

| alt = Christopher de Leon wearing a black suit jacket and a print shirt, with tinted glasses, grinning and looking left of the camera

| caption = De León in 2023

| office = Member of the Batangas Provincial Board from the 2nd district

| term_start = June 30, 2010

| term_end = June 30, 2013

| birth_name = Christopher Strauss de León

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1956|10|31}}

| birth_place = Manila, Philippines

| nationality =

| party = Liberal (2009–present)

| relations = Janine Gutierrez (adoptive granddaughter)

| residence =

| alma_mater =

| occupation = {{hlist|Actor|politician}}

| signature =

| website =

| spouse = {{plainlist|

{{marriage|Nora Aunor|1975|1996|end=annulled}}
{{marriage|Sandy Andolong|2001}}

}}

| parents = Gil de León (father)
Lilia Dizon (mother)

| children = 10 ({{abbr|incl.|including}} Lotlot and Matet)

| module = {{Infobox person

| embed = yes

| alma_mater = University of the East (BFA)

| other_names = Boyet,{{Cite web |last=De Leon |first=Ed |date=February 6, 2024 |title=Hurado ng MIFF, nalito sa best actor/best director para kay Boyet?! |url=https://www.philstar.com/pang-masa/pang-movies/2024/02/06/2331281/hurado-ng-miff-nalito-sa-best-actorbest-director-para-kay-boyet |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star |language=tl|trans-title=MIFF jury confused about best actor/best director for Boyet?!}} Chris

| years_active = 1974–present

|works = Full list

| agent =

| awards = Full list

}}

| otherparty = PMP (until 2009)

}}

Christopher Strauss de León{{cite news|last1=Juan|first1=Stef|title=Real Life, starring Christopher de Leon|url=http://www.philstar.com/feature/336084/real-life-starring-christopher-de-leon|access-date=August 25, 2017|work=The Philippine Star|date=May 11, 2006}} (born October 31, 1956), also known as Boyet, is a Filipino actor, filmmaker and politician. Often referred to as the "King of Philippine Drama",{{Cite web |last=Requintina |first=Robert |date=December 14, 2023 |title=Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon on the secret to successful love team: 'We practice respect and professionalism' |url=https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/13/vilma-santos-christopher-de-leon-on-love-teams-practice-respect-professionalism |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin}} he gained stardom for his leading man roles in numerous film and television productions including period, romantic drama and thriller. His work, covering more than five decades, has received various accolades, including eight FAMAS Awards, two Gawad Urian Awards, four Luna Awards, nine Star Awards, and eight Metro Manila Film Festival Awards.

De León began acting as a teenager, winning the FAMAS Award for Best Actor for his screen debut in Lino Brocka's Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974). He gained wider recognition for his portrayal of a naive peasant in Eddie Romero's Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976), earning him his second FAMAS for Best Actor. He won his first Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for his portrayal in Ishmael Bernal's Ikaw ay Akin (1978). De León continued to gain recognition and critical acclaim for his film work in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s, with leading roles in Haplos (1982), Imortal (1989), Biktima, My Other Woman (both in 1990), Ipagpatawad Mo (1991), Gaano Kita Kamahal (1993), Madrasta (1996), Nasaan ang Puso (1997), Bulaklak ng Maynila (1999), Dekada '70 (2002), Mano Po III: My Love (2004) and Magkaibigan (2008).

De León is cited by critics as one of the best Filipino actors of all time{{Cite book |last=Torre |first=Nestor |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=iFU1AAAAIBAJ&dq=greatest+filipino+actors+of+all+time+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA54&article_id=2153,2743628 |title=Saturday Special. If In Imij. In Best Actors List |date=July 7, 2007 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |pages=54}} and was named one of the highest-paid Filipino actors in the 1980s. He is the recipient of many honorary accolades. He was awarded with the FAMAS Circle of Excellence Award in 2005, a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2006, the Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award by the Golden Screen Awards in 2008 and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting at the International Film Festival Manhattan in 2017. He achieved Grand Slam in 1991, the second actor to win Best Actor in all major award-giving bodies in the country. He is also one of the elite group of actors to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the FAMAS Awards (1993) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (2019), in the Best Actor category.

Early life and education

De León is the son of actors Gil de León and Lilia Dizon (née Claire Strauss). He is of German Jewish descent from his maternal grandfather.[http://www.asianjournalusa.com/default.asp?sourceid=&smenu=157&twindow=Default&mad=No&sdetail=8001&wpage=1&skeyword=&sidate=&ccat=&ccatm=&restate=&restatus=&reoption=&retype=&repmin=&repmax=&rebed=&rebath=&subname=&pform=&sc=1028&hn=asianjournalusa&he=.com]{{dead link|date=February 2012}} On May 11, 1999, he was given United States citizenship, passed to him through his mother from her father.{{Cite web |last=Cruz |first=Anne Stephanie |date=June 14, 2003 |title=Boyet's legacy to his children |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2003/06/14/210034/boyet146s-legacy-his-children |access-date=April 17, 2025 |website=PhilStar Global}} He studied fine arts at the University of the East in Manila.{{Cite web |last=Salut |first=EJ |date=August 18, 2015 |title=6 Celebrities from the University of the East |url=https://push.abs-cbn.com/2015/8/18/fresh-scoops/6-celebrities-from-the-university-of-the-east-106358 |access-date=April 6, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN Push}}

Acting career

=1974–1979: Breakthrough and stardom=

At age 17, De León made his acting debut in Lino Brocka's 1974 film Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qVU1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+Leon+career&pg=PA110&article_id=739,3272003 |title=Viva TV presents Christopher de Leon |date=July 7, 2000 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=110}} The production was a success at the box office and earned De León his first acting award, as Best Actor at the 22nd FAMAS Awards.{{Cite web |date=June 4, 2012 |title=Christopher: Pain is part of my life |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2012/06/04/813436/christopher-pain-part-my-life |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} This helped open doors to more acting projects. The following year, he played the role of an Igorot in Gerardo de León's romance drama Banaue: Stairway to the Sky.{{Cite book |last= |first= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=UANKAQAAMAAJ&q=Banaue:+Stairway+to+the+Sky+Christopher+de+Leon |title=South and Southeast Asia Video Archive Holdings |date=1993 |publisher=General Library System, University of Wisconsin--Madison |page=93}} In 1976, De León starred in two productions. He portrayed a naive Indio in Eddie Romero's period drama Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon?.{{Cite web |title=Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? |url=https://epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/ |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art}} His performance was well received by critics, and he again won Best Actor, at the 24th FAMAS Awards and second Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite web |last=Cuartero |first=Nestor |date=February 8, 2024 |title=Moviegoer: MIFF's de Leon snub remains a mystery |url=https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/7/moviegoer-miff-s-de-leon-snub-remains-a-mystery |website=Manila Bulletin}} He subsequently played a Japanese-Filipino military officer in Mario O'Hara's period drama Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.{{Cite book |last=del Mundo |first=Clodualdo Jr |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NV-VEAAAQBAJ&dq=Tatlong+Taong+Walang+Diyos&pg=PA185 |title=Direk: Essays on Filipino Filmmakers |date=January 1, 2019 |publisher=Liverpool University Press |isbn=978-1-78284-610-9 |page=185}}

The following year, De León appeared in two productions. He starred in Elwood Perez' Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig, which earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 25th FAMAS Awards.{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Marah |date=March 25, 2021 |title=Classic Vilma Santos movie 'Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig,' mapapanood sa GTV |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/75452/classic-vilma-santos-movie-masarap-masakit-ang-umibig-mapapanood-sa-gtv/story |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=GMA Network}} He then appeared in Mike de León's coming-of-age piece Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising, which premiered at the third Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite book |last=Arcache |first=Maurice |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=g48VAAAAIBAJ&dq=Kung+Mangarap+Ka%27t+Magising&pg=PA30&article_id=2293,1972724 |title=My lips are sealed... sometimes |date=March 12, 1989 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=30}} In 1978, he starred in two Ishmael Bernal films, one of which was the drama Lagi Na Lamang Ba Akong Babae?.{{Cite book |last=Tiongson |first=Nicanor G. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EwIvAAAAMAAJ&q=Lagi+Na+Lamang+Ba+Akong+Babae |title=The Urian Anthology, 1970–1979: Selected Essays on Tradition and Innovation in the Filipino Cinema of the 1970s by the Manunuri Ng Pelikulang Pilipino: with about 550 Photos and Illustrations and a Filmography of Philippine Movies, 1970–1979 |date=1983 |publisher=M.L. Morato |isbn=978-971-10-3000-1 |page=515}} This earned him his fifth Best Actor nomination, at the 27th FAMAS Awards. He next starred in the drama Ikaw Ay Akin.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T1Y1AAAAIBAJ&dq=ikaw+ay+akin+vilma+nora&pg=PA35&article_id=2764,44369856 |title=No principles |date=May 25, 2005 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=35 }} His performance received critical acclaim, winning him a Best Actor trophy at the Gawad Urian Awards. In 1979, he starred in one of the first Filipino films on peasant oppression, Ang Alamat ni Julian Makabayan.{{Cite book |last=Red |first=Isah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zZkVAAAAIBAJ&dq=Ang+Alamat+ni+Julian+Makabayan&pg=PA37&article_id=4562,3126041 |title=Is Philippine cinema ready for historical films? |date=December 28, 2001 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=37}}

=1980s: Critical acclaim=

After playing a series of dramatic roles, De León starred in Mike de León's musical comedy Kakabakaba Ka Ba?. Released in 1980, the film was praised for its satirical plot and good mix of music.{{Cite web |title=Charo, Christopher reunite with "Kakabakaba ka ba" cast after 35 years |url=https://careers.abs-cbn.com/updates/6090/CHARO,-CHRISTOPHER-REUNITE-WITH-ldquo;KAKABAKABA |website=ABS-CBN Careers}} The same year, he appeared in two more production: the drama Taga sa Panahon, which premiered at the sixth Metro Manila Film Festival,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gpAtAAAAIBAJ&dq=Taga+sa+Panahon+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA11&article_id=6815,758256 |title=The year of the mediocre |date=January 12, 1988 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=11}} and Aguila.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oFk1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Aguila+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA56&article_id=3121,10004826 |title=National Artist and Drama King reunites in 'faces' |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=February 24, 2007 |page=56}} His portrayal earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 29th FAMAS Awards. In 1981, he starred in Elwood Pérez's Pakawalan Mo Ako.{{Cite web |date=November 1, 2023 |title=Gabby Eigenmann, "na-frustrate" sa pakikipagtrabaho kina Vilma Santos at Christopher de Leon |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/176860/gabby-eigenmann-vilma-christopher-a4118-20231101 |access-date=March 30, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} His performance earned him his ninth Best Actor nomination, at the 30th FAMAS Awards. De León had three releases in 1982: Ishmael Bernal's Relasyon,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zq41AAAAIBAJ&dq=relasyon+1982+vilma&pg=PA29&article_id=3421,40366062 |title=For God, and for entertainment |date=November 12, 2002 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=29}} for which he won Best Actor at the Catholic Mass Media Awards as well as another nomination at the FAMAS Awards;{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2000 |title=The last say: Red Romero on 'OPM/AMP issue' |url=https://qa.philstar.com/entertainment/2000/06/03/92122/last-say-red-romero-opmamp-issue |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}}{{Cite web |title=31st FAMAS Awards (1982) |url=https://www.vistaprint.com/digital-marketing/webs-shutdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717171103/http://www.freewebs.com/famas_awards/ |archive-date=July 17, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences}} the mystery drama Haplos,{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=February 20, 2023 |title=Christopher de Leon hints at having a crush on Vilma Santos in the past: 'Tayo sana noong panahon na iyon' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/486881/christopher-de-leon-hints-on-having-a-crush-on-vilma-santos-in-the-past-tayo-sana-noong-panahon-na-iyon |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=Inquirer Entertainment}} for which he received his second Best Actor win at the Metro Manila Film Festival; and finally, Lino Brocka's thriller drama Cain at Abel.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RZQ1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Cain+at+Abel+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA13&article_id=1895,1209657 |title=Phillip Salvador, Christopher De Leon Reunited |date=December 11, 2007 |publisher=The Manila Times |page=13}} The film was the first Filipino entry at the San Sebastián International Film Festival, and De León received his third Best Actor nomination at the Gawad Urian Awards.{{Cite web |last=Gabinete |first=Jojo |date=May 22, 2023 |title=Phillip Salvador pays tribute to late mentor Lino Brocka |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/173471/phillip-salvador-lino-brocka-a734-20230522-lfrm |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}}

In 1983, De León appeared in Ishmael Bernal's drama film Broken Marriage,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yZgVAAAAIBAJ&dq=Broken+Marriage+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA19&article_id=4608,2069046 |title=Christopher, Vilma together again |date=July 21, 1997 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=19}} which earned him Best Actor nominations from both FAMAS and Gawad Urian.{{Cite web |date= |title=8th Gawad Urian Nominees (1984) |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/search?query=gawad%20urian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190503180323/http://www.manunuri.com/8th_gawad_urian_nominees_1984 |archive-date=May 3, 2019 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP)}}{{Cite web |title=31st FAMAS Awards (1983) |url=https://www.vistaprint.com/digital-marketing/webs-shutdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717171103/http://www.freewebs.com/famas_awards/ |archive-date=July 17, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences}} He appeared in three productions in 1985: the drama musical Bituing Walang Ningning,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=x1U1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Bituing+Walang+Ningning+Christopher&pg=PA27&article_id=443,17976391 |title=ABS-CBN... |date=June 8, 2000 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=27}} Mike de León's romantic drama Hindi Nahahati ang Langit,{{Cite web |date=November 18, 2014 |title='Hindi Nahahati ang Langit' joins roster of digitally restored films |url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2014/11/18/1393079/hindi-nahahati-ang-langit-joins-roster-digitally-restored-films |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} and Carlo J. Caparas' God... Save Me! For this performance, De León received a Best Actor nomination at the FAMAS. He began television work in 1986, with the sketch comedy Goin' Bananas.{{Cite book |last=San Diego Jr. |first=Bayani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JFU1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Goin+Bananas+1986+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA37&article_id=3561,10622722 |title=The story of a Bad Banana |date=June 9, 2006 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |pages=3}} In 1987, he appeared in Lino Brocka's Maging Akin Ka Lamang,{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Ruel |date=December 12, 2007 |title=TV remake of "Maging Akin Ka Lamang" starts taping in January 2008 |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/15748/tv-remake-of-maging-akin-ka-lamang-starts-taping-in-january-2008 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} which earned him his fourteenth Best Actor nomination at the FAMAS Awards. The following year, he starred in the romantic drama Kapag Napagod ang Puso.{{Cite web |date=May 11, 2005 |title=More ABS-CBN shows to sign off |url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2005/07/11/285939/more-abs-cbn-shows-sign-off |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} Writing for Manila Standard, critic and director Lav Díaz praised De León's complex performance, stating that the film was "another big step for Christopher de Leon [...] toward greatness in the art of acting".{{cite news|last1=Diaz|first1=Lav|author-link=Lav Diaz|title=Sulit ang pagod|trans-title=The exhaustion is worth it|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19880704&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=February 12, 2021|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Standard Publications, Inc.|date=July 4, 1988|page=14|language=tl|quote=Walang pasubaling isa na namang malaking hakbang ni Christopher de Leon ang pelikulang ito tungo sa kadakilaan sa sining ng pag-arte...}} De León received his first Best Actor nomination at the Luna Awards, and won Best Actor at the FAMAS and Movie Magazine Awards.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fI8VAAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+Leon+award&pg=PA15&article_id=6350,226525 |title=Predictions on Fap Awards. By Eddie O. Liboon |date=March 2, 1989 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=15}}

Later in 1988, De León appeared in Laurice Guillen's Magkano ang Iyong Dangal?.{{Cite web |last=Medina |first=Rogelio Constantino |date=June 4, 2012 |title=Christopher: Pain is part of my life |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2012/06/04/813436/christopher-pain-part-my-life |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=philstar.com}} His portrayal was once again praised by critics, with Lav Díaz stating that his acting "almost reaches the point that whenever people watch a film [de Leon] is featured in, he is now the one being watched instead of the film".{{cite news|last=Diaz|first=Lav|authorlink=Lav Diaz|title=Kuwentong seks|trans-title=Sex story|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19881231&printsec=frontpage&hl=en |accessdate=August 24, 2020|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Manila Standard News, Inc.|date=December 31, 1988|page=16|language=tl|quote=Umaabot na halos sa puntong kapag nanuod ang tao ng isang pelikulang kinatatampukan niya, siya na ang pinanunood at hindi ang pelikula.}} For the final year of the decade, De León starred in two productions, including the third instalment of the anthology film, 3 Mukha ng Pag-ibig and{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dv4tAAAAIBAJ&dq=3+mukha+ng+Pag-ibig+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA58&article_id=3706,3289493 |title=Three Sharons in one mega movie |date=January 21, 1996 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=58}} Eddie García's Imortal.{{Cite web |last=Llemit |first=Kathleen |date=April 9, 2023 |title=LOOK: Vilma Santos, Christopher de Leon start filming reunion movie in Japan |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2023/04/09/2257630/look-vilma-santos-christopher-de-leon-start-filming-reunion-moviein-japan |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} He won his third Best Actor award at the Metro Manila Film Festival and received nominations from FAMAS and Gawad Urian in the same category.{{Cite web |title=38th FAMAS Awards (1989) |url=https://www.vistaprint.com/digital-marketing/webs-shutdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717171103/http://www.freewebs.com/famas_awards/ |archive-date=July 17, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences}}{{Cite web |date=July 25, 2019 |title=13th Gawad Urian Nominees (1990) |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/search?query=gawad%20urian |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725070709/http://www.manunuri.com/13th_gawad_urian_nominees_1990 |archive-date=July 25, 2019 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP)}}

=1990s: Established leading man=

De León starred in two Lino Brocka films in 1990, including Biktima,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Jq8VAAAAIBAJ&dq=Biktima+1990+Sharon+Christopher&pg=PA24&article_id=6889,136559 |title=Gina keeps coming back to Brocka |date=December 1, 1990 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=24 }} for which he won Best Actor at the Luna Awards and Star Awards for Movies. He had a supporting role in the political thriller Gumapang Ka sa Lusak,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vaU2AAAAIBAJ&dq=Gumapang+Ka+sa+Lusak+1990&pg=PA79&article_id=562,29891003 |title=Gawad Dekada |date=March 18, 2001 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=79}} which scored him a Supporting Actor of the Year win at the Star Awards and a nomination at the Gawad Urian in the same category.{{Cite book |last=Torre |first=Noelani |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=w6U2AAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+Leon+award&pg=PA48&article_id=2799,32518267 |title=More opportunities for women in the movies |date=March 24, 2001 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=48}}{{Cite web |title=14th Gawad Urian Nominees (1991) |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/search?query=gawad%20urian) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190510070357/http://www.manunuri.com/14th_gawad_urian_nominees_1991 |archive-date=May 10, 2019 |website=Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (MPP)}} He also appeared in the romantic drama My Other Woman,{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EGcVAAAAIBAJ&dq=My+Other+Woman+1990+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA41&article_id=4849,931745 |title=No ST scenes for Christopher |date=November 5, 1990 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=41}} for which he won Best Actor at the FAMAS, Gawad Urian, and Catholic Mass Media Awards.{{Cite web |date=May 7, 2002 |title=Urian Best Actor honor roll |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/05/07/159960/urian-best-actor-honor-roll |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}}{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=caAVAAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+Leon+award&pg=PA12&article_id=6462,2012827 |title=Features: Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon |date=May 13, 1991 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=12}} This distinction made him the second Filipino actor to win Best Actor from all major award-giving bodies in the country for two films. The following year, he worked again with Laurice Guillen in her drama Ipagpatawad Mo.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EuhMAAAAIBAJ&q=Ipagpatawad+Mo+Christopher+de+Leon |title=Ipagpatawad Mo on Viva SineRama |date=April 21, 1993 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=19}} His critically acclaimed portrayal won him Best Actor again at FAMAS, Luna, and Star Awards.{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=March 28, 2000 |title=Cesar, Sunshine building a 'conjugal' house in Bohol |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2000/03/28/92059/cesar-sunshine-building-conjugal-house-bohol |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}}{{Cite web |title=40th FAMAS Awards (1991) |url=https://www.vistaprint.com/digital-marketing/webs-shutdown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060717171103/http://www.freewebs.com/famas_awards/ |archive-date=July 17, 2006 |access-date=March 28, 2024 |website=The Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences}} In 1992, De León starred in Joel Lamangan's Hiram na Mukha, followed by the biopic Gaano Kita Kamahal a year later.{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Bernie V. |date=March 8, 2024 |title=Gaano Kita Kamahal — the Movie |url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/03/24/gaano-kita-kamahal-the-movie |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=Daily Tribune}} He tied with Phillip Salvador as Movie Actor of the Year at the Star Awards and received Best Actor nominations at the Gawad Urian and Luna Awards.{{Cite web |last=Lo |first=Ricky |date=March 28, 2000 |title=Cesar, Sunshine building a 'conjugal' house in Bohol |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2000/03/28/92059/cesar-sunshine-building-conjugal-house-bohol |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} In 1993, De León started making appearances in the weekly anthology Star Drama Presents.{{Cite web |last=Bardinas |first=Mary Ann |date=February 10, 2023 |title=Kapamilya Spotlight: Christopher de Leon's notable Kapamilya teleserye journey through the years |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/batangquiapo/articles-videos/kapamilya-spotlight-christopher-de-leons-notable-kapamilya-teleserye-journey-through-the-years-19002 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN Entertainment}}

In 1995, De León starred in Chito Roño's action thriller Eskapo.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZTpNAAAAIBAJ&dq=Eskapo+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA31&article_id=5655,2983455 |title=The great escape |date=January 20, 1995 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=31}} The following year, he appeared in Rory Quintos' Sa Aking mga Kamay.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m58VAAAAIBAJ&dq=sa+aking+mga+kamay+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA35&article_id=4689,3657754 |title=Lucky Ronnie |date=March 22, 1996 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=35}} After making a cameo in the biblical drama Kristo,{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2001 |title=Kristo sa Semana Santa |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2001/04/04/119619/entertainment |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} De León starred in the family drama Madrasta.{{Cite web |date=August 24, 2022 |title=What Sharon Cuneta wants to do for her next movie |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2022/08/24/2204586/what-sharon-cuneta-wants-do-her-next-movie |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} His performance received praise, winning him top honors at the Young Critics Circle and Star Awards.{{Cite web |title=Young Critics Circle Citations for 2008 PDF {{!}} PDF {{!}} Cinema {{!}} Leisure |url=https://www.scribd.com/document/181886008/Young-Critics-Circle-Citations-for-2008-pdf |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=Scribd |page=24}} At the 27th Box Office Entertainment Awards, he was hailed as the "Box Office King". The same year, he starred in the drama Nasaan ang Puso, for which he won Best Actor at the 23rd Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite book |last=Red |first=Isah |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JVMbAAAAIBAJ&dq=Nasaan+ang+Puso+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA21&article_id=6533,515773 |title='Tongue-tied' in Tokyo |date=December 5, 1997 |publisher=Manila Standard |page=21}} In 1998, he played a priest in the action drama Ama Namin. The following year, he starred in the fantasy film Wansapanataym: The Movie.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5lQ1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Wansapanataym+The+Movie+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA19&article_id=3358,19926687 |title=Holy Week movies air on SkyCable |date=April 11, 2001 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=19}} De León closed the decade with an acclaimed performance in Joel Lamangan's Bulaklak ng Maynila. His portrayal earned him Best Actor wins at Luna and the Metro Manila Film Festival, as well as nominations from Gawad Urian and the Young Critics Circle.{{Cite web |date=January 15, 2024 |title=PEP Troika: Best Actors and Actresses of 2023 |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/178350/pep-troika-best-performances-of-2023-a4118-20240115-lfrm |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}}

=2000–2019: Further critical and commercial success=

Between 2000 and 2010, De León only appeared in ten films and ventured further into television. In 2000, he hosted the Filipino edition of the game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hqU2AAAAIBAJ&q=Who+Wants+to+Be+a+Millionaire%3F+Christopher+de+Leon&pg=PA56&article_id=1865,2297756#v=onepage |title='Who Wants to be a Millionaire' enter its third season |date=July 21, 2000 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=56}} Veronique del Rosario-Corpus, Viva Television president, revealed that he underwent training and workshops to prepare for his first hosting stint.{{Cite web |date=July 23, 2007 |title=Christopher de Leon: hands down winner |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/13214/christopher-de-leon-hands-down-winner |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} He later received a nomination for Best Game Show Host at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. The following year, De León starred with an ensemble cast in Laurice Guillen's American Adobo, which premiered at the San Diego Asian Film Festival. In 2002, he starred in the romantic drama series Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw as well as its sequel, Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw Pa Rin (2003).{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2003 |title=Boyet after all these years |url=https://www.philstar.com/other-sections/starweek-magazine/2003/09/28/222358/boyet-after-all-these-years |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} The same year, he appeared with Vilma Santos in the film adaptation of Lualhati Bautista's novel Dekada '70, under the direction of Chito Roño.{{Cite web |last=Scheib |first=Ronnie |date=July 31, 2003 |title=Dekada 70 |url=https://variety.com/2003/film/awards/dekada-70-1200540200/ |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=Variety}} The film premiered at the 28th Metro Manila Film Festival. His performance earned him Best Actor nominations from Gawad Urian and Luna. In 2003, De León was among the council in the second season of StarStruck.{{Cite web |last=Anarcon |first=James Patrick |date=September 14, 2019 |title=Anatomy of a Reality Show: GMA-7's StarStruck |url=https://www.pep.ph/peptionary/145975/starstruck-anatomy-of-a-reality-show-a724-20190914-lfrm7 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} He next appeared in the second instalment of Mano Po 2: My Home and reprised his role in Mano Po III: My Love, in 2004.{{Cite web |title=Mano Po 2 My Home |url=https://regalfilms.com/product/mano-po-2-myhome/ |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=Regal Home Entertainment}}{{Cite web |last=Olea |first=Jerry |date=October 27, 2023 |title=Vilma Santos and Christopher de León's birthday wish: for moviegoers to return to the cinemas |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/176762/vilma-santos-christopher-de-leon-moviegoers-a4113-20231027-lfrm |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} He also appeared in the drama series Hanggang Kailan.{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2005 |title=Christopher de Leon: A season of grace |url=https://qa.philstar.com/entertainment/2005/12/11/311639/christopher-de-leon-season-grace |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} In 2005, he had a role in the third installment of Now and Forever, Agos.{{Cite web |last=Anarcon |first=James Patrick |date=April 4, 2019 |title=Anatomy of a Pinoy teleserye: From the point of view of GMA-7 actresses (Part 1) |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/142244/anatomy-of-a-teleserye-from-the-point-of-view-of-gma-7-actresses-part-1-a724-20190404-lfrm5 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} The same year, he was an antagonist in the fantasy drama Darna.{{Cite web |last=Calderon |first=Nora |date=December 2, 2009 |title=Christopher de Leon tries his luck in politics again |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/24061/christopher-de-leon-tries-his-luck-in-politics-again |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}}

In 2006, De León played the role of a banking magnate in the romantic family drama Maging Sino Ka Man and later reprised his role in the sequel, Maging Sino Ka Man: Ang Pagbabalik, which aired in 2007.{{Cite web |last=Erece |first=Dinno |date=May 7, 2007 |title=Christopher de Leon will return to "Maging Sino Ka Man", win or lose |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/13147/christopher-de-leon-will-return-to-maging-sino-ka-man-win-or-lose |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} He next starred with an ensemble cast in Joel Lamangan's Blue Moon.{{Cite web |last=Palermo |first=Juliana |date=January 8, 2006 |title=It has been a 'Blue Moon' week |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2006/01/08/315568/it-has-been-145blue-moon146-week |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} De León then appeared in the pilot episode of the drama series Pangarap na Bituin,{{Cite web |last=Ancheta |first=Michael |date=September 8, 2007 |title=TV Ratings (Sept. 3–6): "Impostora" outstrips "Marimar", "Pangarap Na Bituin" debuts at No. 6 overall |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/14693/tv-ratings-sept-36-impostora-outstrips-marimar-pangarap-na-bituin-debuts-at-no-6-overall |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} followed by a supporting role in Kahit Isang Saglit (2008).{{Cite web |date=December 7, 2008 |title=Kahit Isang Saglit finale |url=https://qa.philstar.com/entertainment/2008/12/07/421514/kahit-isang-saglit-finale |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}}{{Cite web |last=Santiago |first=Erwin |date=November 24, 2009 |title=RP fails to win an award at the 37th International Emmy Awards |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/23976/rp-fails-to-win-an-award-at-the-37th-international-emmy-awards |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} De León also starred opposite Angel Aquino in Eddie Romero's final directorial effort, Faces of Love (2007).{{Cite web |last=Santiago |first=Erwin |date=November 30, 2006 |title=Eddie Romero's 'Faces of Love' graded A by CEB |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/11444/eddie-romero39s-39faces-of-love39-graded-a-by-ceb |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2009, he had supporting roles in the drama series Lovers in Paris and Sana Ngayong Pasko. Later that year, De León appeared in the film Mano Po 6: A Mother's Love, which premiered at the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite web |last=Caliwara |first=Karen A.P. |date=December 26, 2009 |title=PEP REVIEW: A Mother's Love prevails in Mano Po 6 |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/5302/pep-review-a-mother39s-love-prevails-in-mano-po-6 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}}

==2010s: ''Sa 'yo Lamang'', ''El Presidente'', and Lorenzo==

In 2010, De León starred with an ensemble cast in Laurice Guillen's Sa 'yo Lamang.{{Cite web |title=Sa 'yo Lamang |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl1281328385/weekend/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=Box Office Mojo}} The film earned him a Best Actor nomination at the 29th Luna Awards. Also in 2010, he played the character of a black sorcerer in the fantasy film Ilumina.{{Cite web |last=Calderon |first=Nora |date=July 28, 2010 |title=Christopher de Leon clueless about his reported pullout from Ilumina |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/26317/christopher-de-leon-clueless-about-his-reported-pullout-from-ilumina |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} He next appeared in the anthologies SRO Cinemaserye and Maalaala Mo Kaya, as well as making guest appearances in the dramas Jillian: Namamasko Po and Panday Kids.{{Cite web |last=Nepomuceno |first=Neil Patrick |date=April 21, 2021 |title=Will Christopher de Leon try TikTok soon? |url=https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/20/will-christopher-de-leon-try-tiktok-soon/ |access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=Manila Bulletin}}{{Cite web |title=Paulo Avelino assumes Aureus role in 'Panday Kids' {{!}} GMA Entertainment |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/6471/paulo-avelino-assumes-aureus-role-in-panday-kids/story?amp |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=GMA Network}} In 2011, De León starred in the political drama Sa Ngalan ng Ina and made guest appearances in the dramas 100 Days to Heaven and Bantatay.{{Cite web |last=Paglicawan |first=Mc Richard |date=August 3, 2011 |title=Christopher de Leon, susunod na guest sa 100 Days to Heaven |url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2011/08/christopher-de-leon-susunod-na-guest-sa-100-days-to-heaven/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=LionhearTV}}{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2011 |title=It's Bantay versus the Terrorists in the Final Two Weeks of 'Bantatay'! {{!}} GMA Entertainment |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/7110/its-bantay-versus-the-terrorists-in-the-final-two-weeks-of-bantatay/story?amp |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=GMA Network}} He also played a supporting role in the fantasy action series Captain Barbell.{{Cite web |last=Reyes |first=William |date=October 21, 2011 |title=Christopher de Leon to concentrate on two Kapamilya soaps after finishing his scenes on TV5's Sa Ngalan Ng Ina |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/31582/christopher-de-leon-to-concentrate-on-two-kapamilya-soaps-after-finishing-his-scenes-on-tv539s-sa-ng |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}}{{Cite web |date=March 26, 2011 |title=Christopher tinanggalan ng maskara sa Captain Barbell |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2011/03/26/669526/christopher-tinanggalan-ng-maskara-sa-captain-barbell |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star }} The same year, he played a special role in the romantic comedy Catch Me, I'm in Love.{{Cite web |last=Tomines |first=Nica |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Pep review: Catch Me...I'm in Love is a simple love story with a lot of heart |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/7863/pep-review-catch-mei39m-in-love-is-a-simple-love-story-with-a-lot-of-heart |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2012, De León portrayed General Antonio Luna in the biographical film El Presidente. His performance received a Best Supporting Actor nomination at the 38th Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} Also in 2012, he played supporting roles in the dramas Dahil sa Pag-ibig, Pahiram ng Sandali, Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo, and Luna Blanca. In 2013, he produced the play Lorenzo, a musical on the life of Lorenzo Ruiz, with music by Ryan Cayabyab and book and lyrics by Juan Ekis and Paul Dumol. The play's maiden run was held in September 2013 at DLS-CSB's SDA Theater.{{cite news|title=Lorenzo |url=http://www.lorenzorocks.com/ |website=lorenzorocks.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130823065923/http://www.lorenzorocks.com/ |access-date=October 9, 2023|archive-date=August 23, 2013 }}

De León had more supporting roles in soap operas in the succeeding years. He was cast in main roles in several television series, such as Muling Buksan ang Puso (2013),{{Cite web |date=September 27, 2013 |title='Muling Buksan Ang Puso' finale on Oct. 4 |url=https://www.philstar.com/the-freeman/cebu-entertainment/2013/09/27/1238760/muling-buksan-ang-puso-finale-oct-4 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} The Legal Wife (2014),{{Cite web |last=Dugena |first=Jennifer |date=June 10, 2014 |title=Top list: The Legal Wife memorable quotes |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/13931/top-list-the-legal-wife-memorable-quotes |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} Ikaw Lamang (2014),{{Cite web |date=August 14, 2014 |title=The powerhouse cast of Ikaw Lamang Book 2 |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/4805/the-powerhouse-cast-of-ikaw-lamang-book-2 |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} and Beautiful Strangers (2015),{{Cite web |title=Telesilip: Christopher De Leon of 'Beautiful Strangers' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/beautiful_strangers/41504/telesilip-christopher-de-leon-of-beautiful-strangers/evideo |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=GMA Network}} earning Best Drama Supporting Actor nominations at the Star Awards for TV for the latter three.{{Citation needed|date=April 2024}} In that span, De León was in two films, including the action feature Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina at mga Anak (2014){{Cite web |last=Franco |first=Bernie |date=January 30, 2014 |title=Movie review: Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina At Mga Anak—an action movie with substance |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/13318/movie-review-sa-ngalan-ng-ama-ina-at-mga-anakan-action-movie-with-substance |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} and the supernatural horror Tragic Theater (2015).{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2015 |title=A buried past resurfaces in Tragic Theater |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2015/01/08/1410513/buried-past-resurfaces-tragic-theater |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}} In 2016, he made guest appearances in Ang Probinsyano and Alyas Robin Hood{{Cite web |last=Paglicawan |first=Mc Richard |date=November 1, 2017 |title=Former action stars who appeared in "Ang Probinsyano" |url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2017/11/former-action-stars-appeared-ang-probinsyano/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=LionhearTV }} as well as landing supporting roles in Little Nanay and Ang Panday.{{Cite web |date=December 29, 2015 |title=Christopher de Leon joins ex-wife Nora Aunor in 'Little Nanay' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/showbiznews/news/20653/christopher-de-leon-joins-ex-wife-nora-aunor-in-little-nanay/story?amp |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=GMA Network}} That same year, he played an ex-military officer-turned-kidnapper in the suspense thriller Dukot.{{Cite web |last=Villano |first=Alexa |date=October 15, 2016 |title=In 'The Escort,' Lovi, Derek and Christopher navigate complicated relationships |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/149195-lovi-poe-derek-ramsay-christopher-de-leon-love-scenes-the-escort/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=RAPPLER}} Supporting roles came in the following years, with Kambal, Karibal (2017) and Sana Dalawa ang Puso (2018).{{Cite web |last=Baltan |first=Angela |date=March 7, 2018 |title=Christopher de Leon killed in 'Kambal Karibal' for 'Sana Dalawa Ang Puso'? Archives |url=https://www.lionheartv.net/tag/christopher-de-leon-killed-in-kambal-karibal-for-sana-dalawa-ang-puso/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=LionhearTV}} In that span, he also made film appearances in Carlo J. Caparas' Kamandag ng Droga (2017),{{Cite web |date=December 2, 2017 |title=Kamandag nina Lorna, Christopher, Sarah ilalabas na! |url=https://www.philstar.com/pilipino-star-ngayon/showbiz/2017/12/02/1764719/kamandag-nina-lorna-christopher-sarah-ilalabas-na |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=The Philippine Star}}{{Cite web |last= |date=October 12, 2017 |title=Caparas on upcoming 'drugs' movie |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/more-articles/caparas-on-upcoming-drugs-movie |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc.}} Raya Martin's Smaller and Smaller Circles (2017), and Ruel Bayani's Kasal (2018).{{Cite web |last=Villano |first=Alexa |date=October 20, 2018 |title='Kasal' review: Bridge over troubled lovers |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/202928-kasal-review-bea-alonzo/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=RAPPLER}}{{Cite web |last=Villano |first=Alexa |date=December 4, 2017 |title=Smaller and Smaller Circles: The reflection of the times |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/movies/190330-smaller-and-smaller-movie-sid-lucero-nonie-buencamino/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=RAPPLER}}

=2020s: Continued presence in film and television=

File:Metro_Manila_Film_Festival_Christopher_de_Leon_85.jpg Parade of Stars in 2023]]

In 2020, De León played a supporting role in the drama series Love Thy Woman.{{Cite web |last=Villano |first=Alexa |date=March 18, 2020 |title=Select 'Love Thy Woman' cast, crew asked to undergo self-quarantine |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/254997-love-thy-woman-cast-staff-interacted-christopher-de-leon-undergo-self-quarantine/ |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=RAPPLER}}{{Cite web |date=August 5, 2020 |title=Christopher de Leon, Ariel Rivera's characters killed off in ABS-CBN shows |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/153091/christopher-de-leon-ariel-rivera-end-stint-in-respective-abs-cbn-shows-a724-20200805 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} He next appeared in an episode of the anthology series I Can See You, the following year. He also made a special appearance in the drama series Huwag Kang Mangamba.{{Cite web |date=September 28, 2021 |title=Christopher de Leon returns to ABS-CBN; replaces Ian Veneracion in Huwag Kang Mangamba |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/160998/christopher-de-leon-ian-veneracion-abs-cbn-series-a724-20210928 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2021, De León had a supporting role in Erik Matti's crime thriller On the Job: The Missing 8.{{Cite web |title=On the Job 2: The Missing 8 |url=https://www.fareastfilm.com/eng/archive/2022/on-the-job-2-the-missing-8/?IDLYT=15535 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Far East Film Festival}} In 2022, he played a supporting role in the action drama series Lolong. Before its premiere, De León revealed in an interview that he performed all of his stunts.{{Cite web |last=Ruiz |first=Mariah |date=July 3, 2022 |title=Christopher de Leon performed own stunts for 'Lolong' |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/entertainment/tv/lolong/90156/christopher-de-leon-performed-own-stunts-for-lolong/story?amp |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=GMA Entertainment}} In 2023, De León reprised his role in the psychological thriller Cattleya Killer, the sequel to the 1996 film Sa Aking mga Kamay.{{Cite web |date=June 2, 2023 |title="Cattleya Killer" debuts as most watched series on Prime Video Philippines |url=https://ent.abs-cbn.com/articles-news/cattleya-killer-debuts-as-most-watched-series-on-prime-video-philippines-19873 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=ABS-CBN Entertainment}}

Also in 2023, De León was cast as the main antagonist in the action drama series Batang Quiapo, based on the 1986 action-comedy film of the same name.{{Cite web |last=Mallorca |first=Hannah |date=December 15, 2022 |title=Christopher de Leon joins 'FPJ's Batang Quiapo' cast |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/476606/christopher-de-leon-joins-fpjs-batang-quiapo-cast |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=Inquirer Entertainment}} The same year, he reunited with Vilma Santos for their 25th film together, When I Met You in Tokyo, which premiered at the Metro Manila Film Festival.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=December 4, 2023 |title='When I Met You in Tokyo' marks 25th Santos-De Leon collaboration |url=https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/the-power-of-playlists-elevating-local-artists-through-spotify-wrapped-2 |access-date=March 31, 2024 |website=SunStar Publishing Inc.}}

Other ventures

=Political career=

In 2007, De León decided to run as vice governor of the province of Batangas. He was supposed to be the running mate of incumbent vice governor Ricky Recto but instead ran with former Batangas police director Nestor Sanares;{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=March 29, 2007 |title=Boyet de Leon files bid for Batangas vice gov |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/36286/boyet-de-leon-files-bid-for-batangas-vice-gov/story/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=GMA News Online}} he lost to Mark Leviste. He ran once more in 2010, this time for board member of the Second District of Batangas, which he won. Garnering the highest number of votes among those elected, he became Senior Board Member of Batangas.{{Cite web |last=Almo |first=Nerisa |date=February 8, 2010 |title=Election watch: Christopher de Leon divides time between showbiz work and election campaign |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/24650/election-watch-christopher-de-leon-divides-time-between-showbiz-work-and-election-campaign |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2013, he was a candidate for the 2nd Congressional District of the Province of Batangas but lost to Rep. Mandanas' chief of staff, Raneo Abu.{{Cite web |last=Jr |first=Reynaldo Santos |date=June 24, 2013 |title=Star-studded gov't: More celebs win in 2013 polls |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/elections/31903-more-celebrities-win-2013-polls/ |access-date=April 2, 2024 |website=RAPPLER}}

{{Election box begin no change | title=2013 Philippine House of Representatives election at Batangas' 2nd district}}

{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change|

|party = Nacionalista Party

|candidate = Raneo Abu

|votes = 94,531

|percentage = 39.86

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|

|party = United Nationalist Alliance

|candidate = Danilo Berberabe

|votes = 93,426

|percentage = 39.39

|change =

}}

{{Election box candidate with party link no change|

|party = Liberal Party (Philippines)

|candidate = Christopher De Leon

|votes = 34,218

|percentage = 14.43

|change =

}}

{{Election box margin of victory no change

|votes = 1,105

|percentage = 0.47%

|change =

}}

{{Election box invalid no change

|votes = 15,003

|percentage = 6.33

|change =

}}

{{Election box total no change

|votes = 237,178

|percentage = 100.00

|change =

}}

{{Election box gain with party link without swing

|winner =Nacionalista Party

|loser =Liberal Party (Philippines)

|swing =

}}

Reception

De León has been named the most successful Filipino drama actor for three decades (1970s, 1980s, 1990s).{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yYc1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+Leon+King&pg=PA30&article_id=2998,4328646 |title=Winning Still Matters to the Winningest Actor |date=December 23, 2000 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=30}} He was one of the highest-paid film actors in the Philippines during the 1980s, with a salary reaching over ₱300,000 per film.{{cite news|last=Arevalo|first=Ike|title=Brighter times for moviepeople with bigger grosses at the till|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=8cBNEdFwSQkC&dat=19881127&printsec=frontpage&hl=en|access-date=June 20, 2020|work=Manila Standard|publisher=Manila Standard News, Inc.|date=November 27, 1988|page=22}} In a 2001 interview with journalist Remy Umerez, César Montano described De León as the most professional actor he had ever worked with, saying: "He comes to the set fully prepared and you better watch out if you don't know your lines well. He can memorize a revised script in the wink of an eye." Montano also praised De León's acting style, saying: "He has a very sharp memory and his approach to acting is infectious...Difficult scenes become easy to stage with seasoned actors like Boyet."{{Cite book |last=Umerez |first=Remy |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4KU2AAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+Leon+King&pg=PA25&article_id=899,46603788 |title=Cesar Looks Forward to Baby with Sunshine and Face-Off with Boyet |date=May 22, 2001 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=25}}

De León has starred in numerous critically acclaimed films that hold significance within Philippine cinema. In 2006, six renowned film critics through the Philippine Daily Inquirer listed Gumapang Ka sa Lusak (1990) and Dekada '70 (2002) among the 21 best Filipino films in the last 21 years.{{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8FY1AAAAIBAJ&q=Gumapang+Ka+sa+Lusak+1990 |title=Top 21 movies of the past 21 years |date=December 9, 2006 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |page=102}} In 2007, the Philippine Entertainment Portal named three films, Aguila (1979), Dekada '70 (2002), and Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976) on their list of top ten Philippine historical films of all time.{{Cite web |last=Dimaculangan |first=Jocelyn |date=June 8, 2007 |title=PEP's Top 10 historical films |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/739/peps-top-10-historical-films- |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2021, Far Out Magazine named Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976) one of the ten essential films from the Philippines.{{Cite web |date=January 26, 2021 |title=A guide to Filipino cinema: 10 essential films from the Philippines – Far Out Magazine |url=https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/filipino-cinema-guide-10-best-films-philippines/ |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=Far Out Magazine}} In 2023, critics from the Philippine Entertainment Portal named De León among the best actors of the year for his role in When I Met You in Tokyo.

Personal life

De León's first marriage was to actress Nora Aunor. The couple, who eventually separated,{{cite news|last1=Reyes|first1=William R.|title=Nora Aunor on failed marriage with Christopher de Leon: "Kung hindi naging matigas ang ulo ko noon, hindi sana kami naghiwalay."|url=http://www.pep.ph/news/31002/nora-aunor-on-failed-marriage-with-christopher-de-leon-kung-hindi-naging-matigas-ang-ulo-ko-noon-hin|access-date=August 25, 2017|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=September 9, 2011}} had five children, including actresses Matet and Lotlot de León.{{cite news|last1=Torre|first1=Nestor|title=All in the family|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/143951/all-in-the-family|access-date=August 25, 2017|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=June 5, 2014}} De León's second marriage, to actress Sandy Andolong, produced five children.{{cite news|last1=Reyes|first1=William R.|title=PEP: Boyet de Leon on showbiz, politics, family, and ex-wife Nora|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/pep/223422/pep-boyet-de-leon-on-showbiz-politics-family-and-ex-wife-nora/story/|access-date=August 25, 2017|work=Philippine Entertainment Portal|publisher=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=June 14, 2011}}

De León is a practicing Roman Catholic.{{cite news|title=Pinoy celebrities share excitement for Pope Francis visit|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/404551/pinoy-celebrities-share-excitement-for-pope-francis-visit/story/|access-date=August 25, 2017|work=GMA News and Public Affairs|date=January 14, 2015}}

On March 17, 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, De León announced that he had been diagnosed with the virus.{{cite web |title=Christopher De Leon positive for coronavirus |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/368464/christopher-de-leon-positive-for-coronavirus |website=Inquirer.net |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=March 17, 2020 |date=March 17, 2020}} He claimed to be asymptomatic, and was not in contact with any COVID-19 carriers.{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/chikaminute/730126/istopher-de-leon-confirms-he-has-covid-19/story/|title=Christopher De Leon confirms he has COVID-19|date=March 17, 2020|work=GMA News Online|access-date=March 17, 2020}} He recovered and was released from hospital on March 24.{{cite news |title=Actor Christopher de Leon discharged from the hospital |url=https://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2020/3/25/christopher-de-leon-discharged-covid-19.html |access-date=March 31, 2020 |work=CNN Philippines |date=March 25, 2020 |archive-date=April 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200401064035/https://cnnphilippines.com/entertainment/2020/3/25/christopher-de-leon-discharged-covid-19.html |url-status=dead }}

Acting credits and accolades

{{main|Christopher de Leon on screen and stage|List of awards and nominations received by Christopher de Leon}}

Among numerous accolades for his acting work, De León has won a total of eight FAMAS Awards, two Gawad Urians, four Lunas, nine Star Awards, and eight Metro Manila Awards.{{Cite web |title=In the spotlight: MMFF best actor, best actress winners over the years |date=December 25, 2023 |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/533467/in-the-spotlight-mmff-best-actor-best-actress-winners-over-the-years |access-date=March 29, 2024}} In 1991, he became the second Filipino actor to achieve the "Grand Slam", for his performances in Biktima (1990) and My Other Woman (1990), winning in the Best Actor category from all major Philippine award-giving bodies. De León has been inducted into the hall of fame of two of these: FAMAS (1993) and the Metro Manila Film Festival (2019), in the Best Actor category.{{Cite web |last= |date=December 27, 2019 |title=Lookback: Who won the most best actress and actor awards in MMFF? |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/most-best-actress-actor-awards-metro-manila-film-festival/ |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=RAPPLER}}{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2022 |title=Allen Dizon, iniluklok na sa Hall of Fame ng FAMAS Awards |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/pep-troika/167466/allen-dizon-famas-hall-of-fame-a4118-20220731 |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=PEP.ph |language=tl}} For his contributions to Philippine cinema, De León is also a recipient of several honorary accolades. In 2008, he was presented with the Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award at the Golden Screen Awards.{{Cite web |last=Calderon |first=Ricky |date=June 20, 2008 |title=Christopher de Leon to receive Gawad Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award at 5th Golden Screen Awards |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/17951/christopher-de-leon-to-receive-gawad-lino-brocka-lifetime-achievement-award-at-5th-golden-screen-awa |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2011, he was awarded the Ulirang Artista Lifetime Achievement Award by the PMPC Star Awards for Movies.{{Cite web |date=June 24, 2011 |title=Christopher de Leon "still with the best" after more than three decades of acting |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/25001/christopher-de-leon-still-with-the-best-after-more-than-three-decades-of-acting |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=PEP.ph}} In 2017, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in Acting at the International Film Festival Manhattan.{{Cite web |last=Tanjutco |first=Carol |date=December 10, 2017 |title=Int'l Film Festival Manhattan extols Nebrida's 'Across the Crescent Moon' |url=https://usa.inquirer.net/7983/intl-film-festival-manhattan-extols-nebridas-across-crescent-moon |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=INQUIRER.net USA}} The same year, he was named one of the "People of the Year" by People Asia magazine.{{Cite web |last= |date=January 28, 2017 |title=In photos: PeopleAsia's People of the Year Awards Night 2017 |url=https://peopleasia.ph/in-photos-peopleasias-people-of-the-year-awards-night-2017/ |access-date=March 29, 2024 |website=PeopleAsia}}

With more than 200 acting credits to his name, some of De León's most critically and commercially successful films, according to the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes include Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974), Ganito Kami Noon... Paano Kayo Ngayon? (1976), Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Ikaw Ay Akin (1978), Kakabakaba Ka Ba? (1980), Relasyon (1982), Kapag Napagod ang Puso (1988), My Other Woman (1990), Biktima (1990), Madrasta (1996), Bulaklak ng Maynila (1999), Dekada '70 (2002), Pangarap Ko ang Ibigin Ka (2003), Magkaibigan (2008), and When Love Begins (2008). His television work includes the series Ang Iibigin ay Ikaw (2002), Hanggang Kailan (2004), Maging Sino Ka Man (2006), Kahit Isang Saglit (2008), The Legal Wife (2014), Ikaw Lamang (2014), Beautiful Strangers (2015), Lolong (2022), and Batang Quiapo (2023–present).

Discography

Mga Awit Pelikula ni Christopher de Leon (2006){{Cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KVg1AAAAIBAJ&dq=Christopher+de+leon+first+album&pg=PA215&article_id=400,15653603 |title=Music: Christopher de Leon releases his first album |date=January 27, 2006 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |pages=215 |language=}}