Cherie Gil
Introduction '''Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann''' (; June 21, 1963 – August 5, 2022), known professionally as '''Cherie Gil''' (), was a Filipino actress. With a career spanning nearly 50 years, she was dubbed the "''La Primera Contravida''" ("The Prime Villain") for her acting prowess which landed her numerous antagonistic roles on film, television, and even on stage.Gil was a FAMAS Award winner, a recipient of Ani ng Dangal by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and a Hall of Famer at the Metro Manila Film Festival in the Best Supporting Actress category. In 2015, she won the Best Actress trophy at the ASEAN International Film Awards. The same year, she also won the Best Lead Actress in a Foreign Language Film at the 2015 Madrid International Film Festival. In 2019, she was awarded the Best Supporting Actress at the 42nd Gawad Urian Awards for her portrayal of the character Patricia Medina in the feature film ''Citizen Jake''.She began her career as a child actress at the age of 9, and was best known for her role as Lavinia Arguelles in ''Bituing Walang Ningning'' (1985) where she uttered the iconic line ''"You're nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat!"'' to Dorina Pineda, Sharon Cuneta's character.
Early life Cherie Gil was born on June 21, 1963 as Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann to a family of actors. Her parents were Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil. She had two brothers, Michael de Mesa and Mark Gil (1961–2014), both actors, and a half-sister, Elaine Eigenmann.
Career Gil started in showbiz at an early age being the daughter of celebrities and sibling of equally-talented actors. She was cast either as a daughter or part of a circle of friends of the lead actor. However, she was given a lead star status in ''Bubot na Bayabas'' in 1978 opposite another newbie, Ronald Bregendahl (Rita Gomez and Ric Rodrigo's son). The movie was a forgettable release. But in 1979, film matriarch Lily Monteverde re-launched her via ''Problem Child'' with the then-current teen sensation, Lloyd Samartino. The movie fared mildly, and she was continually cast by Regal Films in films such as ''City After Dark'', ''Salawahan'', ''Ito Ba Ang Ating Mga Anak'' and ''Sugar Daddy''. She went freelance with assignments like "Beach House", "Ang Bouncer at ang Dancer", "Dancing Master", "Girlfriend" among others. In 1982, Gil portrayed a naïve lass affected by World War II in Bacolod in the now classic film ''Oro, Plata, Mata''. She tried singing and had another mild hit, ''"I Love You, Boy"''. On TV, she was one of the co-hosts of German Moreno in ''Germspesyal'' from 1979 to 1981.Gil became a mainstay of ''Champoy'' with Subas Herrero and Noel Trinidad from 1981 to 1986.Gil resurfaced as a villain in 1985 via Viva Films' ''Bituing Walang Ningning'', providing the lead actress Sharon Cuneta formidable support in the role of Lavinia Arguelles, a famous but insecure singer. From this movie, she became famous for her iconic line, "You're nothing but a second rate, trying hard copycat!" This favorable reception consequently opened her for classy and sultry villainess roles, throughout the 1980s until the present.She appeared in a number of hit teleseryes and primetime shows on ABS-CBN and GMA Network. Starred in numerous films, TV and has performed in theatre for play such as Master Class playing Maria Callas (PETA) Arbol de Fuego, an adaptation of Anton Chekov's ''The Cherry Orchard'' and Full Gallop as Diana Vreeland, bestowing her the Best Actress award for her one-woman portrayal in 2014.In 2000–2001, she starred in her first soap ''May Bukas Pa'' that aired on PTV-4 as part of Viva Entertainment TVs block timer and in 2002–2003 on ABS-CBN's ''Bituin'', where she resumed her vocal talents and in 2004 TV series, ''Marina''. In 2006, she took on the role as Menang Medel in the hit TV remake of ''Gulong Ng Palad''.In 2010, she was chosen to star in the fantasy series ''Grazilda'' on GMA Network. In early 2011, she joined the cast of the comedy fantasy series, ''Magic Palayok'' co-starred by Carla Abellana, and Geoff Eigenmann. The series did not get picked up for a second season after the season 1 finale which is composed of 88 episodes. The GMA Network cast her in another television show, ''Time of My Life''.Gil was part of 83 awardees of the Ani ng Dangal award by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), represented the cinema category on February 29, 2016.This, for simultaneously winning the Best Actress award at The ASEAN Film Festival for her role in Sonata and Best Actress in a foreign film at The Madrid Film festival for her portrayal in MANA, both in the same year.Her last acting role would be in the GMA Network 2021 television series ''Legal Wives''. In May 2021, she announced that she had left her role in an unspecified television series, lamenting on how her efforts were not "seen and met in the same light".
Later life and death In October 2021, Gil was diagnosed with a "rare" form of endometrial cancer, and she chose to conceal information on her illness to the public. Gil's showbiz career ended in February 2022 when she moved to the United States to be with her children and prioritize her own "mental, emotional, and spiritual states". She also shaved her head to symbolize her own "personal growth". Gil died on August 5, 2022, at 4:48 a.m. EDT (4:48 p.m. PHT) from her cancer in New York City. Prior to her death, she had been receiving treatment at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Personal life She was married to Rony Rogoff, an Israeli violinist; the couple had a daughter and a son. Their relationship ended in 2008 after 20 years of marriage. She also had another son, her eldest, from a previous relationship with actor Leo Martinez. Shortly after their separation, Gil's two children with Rogoff would be under their father's custody in Israel while Gil's eldest son would remain with her in the Philippines. All three children would eventually reside in the United States. Gil reportedly reconciled with ex-husband Rogoff in 2021 with both deciding to be "companions" to each other.
Filmography ===Film=== Year Title Role Notes Source 1970 ''Bruka: Queen of Evil (She Yao Jing: Manda vs. Kung Fu)'' young Manda/Bruka Credited as "Cherie Gil" 1973 ''Cofradia'' Child/young Raquel Montesa 1977 ''Beerhouse'' Corazon 1979 ''Dancing Master'' Candy 1980 ''Gabi ng Lagim Ngayon'' La Luna ''Manila by Night'' Kano  ''Puga'' Leonor Dimalanta ''Beach House'' ''Bubot Na Bayabas'' ''Problem Child'' Rita ''Girlfriend'' ''Beerhouse Dancers'' ''Deadly Brothers'' Flora 1981 ''The Betamax Story'' 1982 ''Ito Ba ang Ating Mga Anak?'' Jenny ''Oro, Plata, Mata'' Trining Ojeda ''No Other Love'' Nurse Guest role  ''Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan''  1983 ''M.I.B. : Men in Brief'' Diana ''Sana, Bukas Pa ang Kahapon'' Ellen  1984 ''Sa Hirap at Ginhawa'' Karen ''Imortal'' Natasha Quintania  ''Bagets 2'' Marinel 1985 ''Kailan Sasabihing Mahal Kita?'' Arianne Velez  ''Bituing Walang Ningning'' Lavinia Arguelles  ''God, Save Me!'' Edita  1986 ''Palimos ng Pag-ibig'' Verna Castillo  ''Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas'' Monique Versoza  ''Bilanggo Sa Dilim'' Marissa 1987 ''Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?'' Zeny  ''Saan Nagkamali Ang Pag-ibig?'' Jasmin Romero-Bulaong ''Jack & Jill'' Susan 1988 ''Hamunin ang Bukas...''  ''Huwag Mong Itanong Kung Bakit'' Aning 1989 ''Jessa: Blusang Itim Part II'' Lara Loren ''Rosenda'' Ria  ''Kahit Wala Ka Na'' Debbie  ''Ang Bukas Ay Akin, Langit ang Uusig'' Miriam  ''Ang Babaeng Nawawala sa Sarili'' Oliva  1990 ''Nagsimula sa Puso'' Charie  ''Trese'' Angie ''Tayo Na sa Dilim'' Mimosa 1992 ''Ngayon at Kailanman'' Donna Benitez  1994 ''Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga'' Shirley Evangelista  ''Wating'' Anya  ''Mars Ravelo's Darna! Ang Pagbabalik'' Valentine  2000 ''Ika-13 Kapitulo'' Marge  ''Sugatang Puso'' Miriam  2003 ''My First Romance'' Jackie's mother 2004 ''Lastikman: Unang Banat'' Editha / Lastika 2006 ''Donsol'' Mars 2009 ''Agaton & Mindy'' Tanya  2010 ''Working Girls'' Amanda Dela Vega ''Father Jejemon'' Violeta 2012 ''Sosy Problems'' Martina Bertrand  2013 ''A Moment in Time'' Karen Linden  ''Ang Huling Henya'' Chief Gabriel Uncredited  ''Sonata'' Regina Cadena Also producer (as My Own Mann)  ''Ekstra'' Herself / Doña Beatriz 2015 ''Mana'' Sandra  ''Baka Siguro Yata'' Remy ''Para sa Hopeless Romantic'' Miss Katigbak 2016 ''A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery'' Babae / Tikbalang  2018 ''Kasal'' Helen 2019 ''Just a Stranger'' Hilda Guest Role ''Unforgettable''Customer ''Tia Madre'' Emilia 2020 ''Sensitive and in Love'' Dr. Gina 2021 ''Elehiya'' Dr. Celine de Miranda Last Movie Appearance===Television / Digital Series=== Year Title Role Notes  Source  1980–1985 ''Champoy'' Herself Supporting cast 1984–1989 ''Superstar'' Co-host 1987 ''Regal Shocker'' Tessie Episode: "Halimaw ng Dilim"  Credited as "Cherrie Gil" 1992 ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Sonia Episode: "Walis Tambo"Credited as "Cherie Gil" 1994 ''Bisperas ng Kasaysayan'' 2000—2001 ''May Bukas Pa'' Divina Miguel  2000 ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Episode: "Postcard" 2001—2003 ''Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka'' Star / Nena 2002—2003 ''Bituin'' Carmela Gaston Main Cast / Antagonist  2004 '' Marina'' Victoria Raymundo  2006 ''Bahay Mo Ba 'To?'' Tet Ano ''Now and Forever'': ''Dangal'' Chandra  ''Gulong ng Palad'' Philomena "Menang" Medel  2007 ''Kemis: Ke Misis Umaasa'' Clarisse ''Sineserye Presents'': ''May Minamahal'' Becky Tagle 2007—2008 ''Mars Ravelo's Lastikman'' Ayessa White / Frosta 2008—2009 ''Carlo J. Caparas' Pieta'' Amanda Tupaz  2009 ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Romana Episode: "Wheelchair" 2009—2010 ''Katorse'' Doña Margaret Arcanghel  2010 ''Rubi'' Sylvana Velasco-dela Fuente  2010—2011 ''Grazilda'' Veronne 2011 ''Magic Palayok'' Yvonne Ledesma ''Time of My Life'' Martha Llorico 2012 ''Legacy'' Eva Altamirano-Alcantara ''Protégé: The Battle For The Big Artista Break'' Herself – Judge 2012—2013 ''Temptation of Wife'' Stella Salcedo  2013 ''Muling Buksan Ang Puso'' Marietta Beltran 2014 ''Ikaw Lamang'' Señora Miranda Salazar-Hidalgo Book 1  ''Wansapanataym'' Stella Tuason Episode: "My App #Boyfie" 2015 ''Maalaala Mo Kaya'' Maritess Episode: "Takure" ''The Half Sisters'' Magnolia McBride ''Magpakailanman'' Magda Episode: "Ina Ko, Bugaw Ko" ''Single / Single'' Bianca  2016 ''Dolce Amore'' Luciana Marchesa  2016—2017 ''Alyas Robin Hood'' Margarita "Maggie" Balbuena 2017 ''Tadhana'' Madam Bilal 2018 ''Sirkus'' La Ora / Laura ''Barangay 143'' Sophia Rivera Dubbed voice ''Dear Uge'' Angelita Buensalida Episode: "Terror Boss" 2018—2019 ''Onanay'' Helena Montenegro 2019''Starstruck'' Herself—Judge  2019—2020 ''Beautiful Justice'' Diorella Peñareyes 2020 ''Tadhana'' Cordella Episode:"Hindi pa huli ang Umibig" (Parts 1 & 2) 2021 ''Daddy's Gurl'' Cherry Hills ''Legal Wives'' Zaina Guimba-Makadatu Last TV Appearance Signing Off===Theatre=== Year Title Role Notes  Source  2006 ''Doubt: A Parable'' Sister Aloysius Atlantis Theatricals; Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City  2006 ''The Sound of Music'' Baroness Elsa SchraederRepertory Philippines; Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City  2008''Master Class''Maria CallasCarlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City 2012 ''Nine'' Liliane La Fleur Atlantis Theatricals; Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City 2014''Full Gallop''Diana VreelandCarlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City  2015 ''Arbol de Fuego'' Enriquetta Jardeleza Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA); PETA Theater Center, Quezon City; Filipino-language adaptation of Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard" by Rody Vera2017''Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike''MashaRepertory Philippines; Onstage Theater, Greenbelt 1, Makati City2019''Angels in America: Millennium Approaches''Hannah Pitt / Ethel Rosenberg / Rabbi Isidor Chemelwitz / Dr. HenryAtlantis Theatrical Entertainment Group; Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati City; Last Stage Appearance
Awards and nominations  Year Work Award Category Result Source  1985 ''God... Save Me!'' 1985 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Supporting Actress  1989 ''Imortal''1989 Metro Manila Film Festival  2000 ''Sugatang Puso''2000 Metro Manila Film Festival  2006 ''Gulong ng Palad'' 20th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Actress  2014 ''Sonata'' 11th Golden Screen Awards Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Drama)  ''A Moment in Time'' 2014 FAMAS Awards Best Supporting Actress  ''Muling Buksan Ang Puso'' 28th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Drama Supporting Actress   2015 ''Mana'' 31st PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Actress of the Year Madrid International Film FestivalBest Actress  2019 ''Citizen Jake'' 35th PMPC Star Awards for Movies Movie Supporting Actress of the Year
References
External links * *  "Tomorrow is Always a Day Away", ''Manila Standard''; accessed September 4, 2014. *  "Truth and beauty in ‘Master Class’", The Philippine Inquirer; accessed September 4, 2014. *  "Underrated and under-utilized actors we should see more often", The Philippine Inquirer; accessed September 4, 2014. *  "After you Cherie! ", Philippine Headline News; accessed September 4, 2014. *  Studio Whispers:  Cherie,  Dawn Get Husbands' Nod To Return To Showbiz, Philippine Headline News; accessed September 4, 2014. *  "Nescafé Gold Spot Awards: Seeking the top culinary destinations" – Philippine Star*  "Cherie Gil goes onstage via Doubt", SunStar.com; accessed September 4, 2014.