Johnny Monteiro: Versatile actor
Versatility is the mark of Johnny Monteiro, actor of the late ‘40s, ‘50s and early ‘60s.
An American mestizo (John Monteiro Montgomery), Johnny started acting onstage during the Japanese Occupation. When director-producer Manuel Conde learned Johnny was good at fencing, he cast him as one of the seven brothers in Siete Infantes de Lara. This was followed by other Conde starrers, Genghis Khan and Sigfredo.
Impressed by Johnny’s acting skill, director Carlos Vander Tolosa chose him to play Judas in Kalbaryo ni Jesus.
Throughout the ‘50s and up to the early ‘60s, Johnny played varied roles, be they dramatic, action, costume, period, horror, comedy, offbeat. He was a swordsman in Apat na Anino, a drug addict in Opio, half-man and half-cat in Pusang Itim.
He stood out as a villain in Salabusab, FAMAS Best Picture in 1953. He was nominated for Ang Matatapang Lamang (1959), Suicide Susy (1962) and God Knows (1963). — RKC
- Latest
- Trending
