Joel Torre

José Rizalino "Joel" de León Torre^[1] (born June 19, 1961) is a Filipino actor and producer who is best known for his numerous films such as the biographical film José Rizal (1998), crime thriller film On the Job (2013) and the historical drama Amigo (2010), with the latter winning him the Best Actor Award at the 17th Puchon International Fantastic Film Festival.^[2][3][4][5]

Torre originated from Bacolod^[6] and studied at the University of St. La Salle.^{[citation needed]}

At age seven, Torre was a member of the Bacolod-based Masskara theater group ran by director Peque Gallaga, where his passion for acting started. He was the youngest member in the group which composed of 13 people. He then played a small role in Lino Brocka's Gumising ka, Maruja which was shot in Bacolod in 1978. A few years later, Gallaga tasked Torre to play a role for his 1982 film Oro, Plata, Mata.^[7][8]

Torre's middle name, Rizalino, comes from the fact that he was born exactly 100 years after the Filipino national hero José Rizal.^[9] His parents were Alfonso Obregon Torre and Luz de Leon Diaz. He is the grandson of former Iloilo City municipal president (now City Mayor) Juan de Leon who served from 1904–1905. His uncle is Dr. Pablo O. Torre. He is married to Christy Azcona in 1990. They have two daughters, Maria "Aila" Ariela and Maria "Marela" Raphaela.^[10]

In 2003, Torres and his wife founded JT's Manukan Grille in Quezon City. It offers Bacolod-style chicken inasal, a native dish of his. Currently, it has 35 branches in the country.^[11]

In 2024, Philippines AirAsia partnered with Torre's JT’s Manukan Grille to offer Bacolod chicken inasal in-flight. It also opened its first overseas restaurant in Lucky Plaza.^[12]

• Kabisera (2013)
• The Diplomat Hotel (2013)
• Juana C. the Movie (2013)
• Mariposa: Sa Hawla ng Gabi (2012)
• Huling Biyahe (2012)
• Captive(2012)
• Flight of an Angel (2011)
• Deep Gold 3D (2011)
• Sabungero (2009)
• Surviving Evil (2009)
• Affliction (2008)
• Green Paradise (2007)
• Casket for Hire (2007)
• Possessed (2007)
• Baliw (2007)
• Ina, Anak, Pamilya (2006)
• Umaaraw, Umuulan (2006)
• Hari ng Sablay: Isang tama, sampung mali (2005)
• Beneath the Cogon (2005)
• Rigodon (2005)
• Ang Anak ni Brocka (2005)
• Say That You Love Me (2005)
• Camiling Story (2005)
• Lasponggols (2005)
• Pinoy/Blonde (2005)
• Boso (2005)
• Kuya (2004)
• Ang Kapitbahay (2003)
• Chavit (2003)
• Abong: Small Home (2003)
• First Time (2003)
• Sanib (2003)
• Utang ni Tatang (2002)
• Taxi ni Pilo (2001)
• Batang West Side (2001)
• Anak (2000)
• Bayaning 3rd World (1999)
• Still Lives (1999)
• Kiss Mo 'Ko (1999)
• Hubad sa Ilalim ng Buwan
• Seventeen (1999)
• Berdugo (1998)
• Ilaban Mo, Bayan Ko: The Obet Pagdanganan Story (1997)
• Maalaala Mo Kaya (1997)
• Puerto Princesa (1997)
• Tirad Pass: The Story of Gen. Gregorio del Pilar (1997)
• Nakaw Na Sandali (1997)
• Ilaban Mo Bayan Ko (1997)
• Wala Na Bang Pag-ibig? (1997)
• Milagros (1997)
• DNA (1997)
• Nasaan Ka nang Kailangan Kita (1996)
• Mumbaki (1996)
• Sana Naman (1996)
• Victim No. 1: Delia Maga (Jesus, Pray for Us!) (1995)
• Redeem Her Honor (1995)
• Rollerboys (1995)
• Bocaue Pagoda Tragedy (1995)
• The Lilian Velez Story: Till Death Do Us Part (1995)
• Eskapo (1995)
• Asian Cop: High Voltage (1995)
• Tunay na magkaibigan, walang iwanan... peksman (1994)
• Lipa 'Arandia' Massacre: Lord, Deliver Us from Evil (1994)
• Comfort Women: A Cry for Justice (1994)
• The Myrna Diones Story (Lord, Have Mercy!) (1993)
• Maricris Sioson: Japayuki (1993)
• Leonardo Delos Reyes: Alyas Waway (1993)
• Pandoy: Alalay ng Panday (1993)
• Noli Me Tángere (1992)
• Matud Nila (1991)
• Shake, Rattle & Roll III (1991)
• McBain
• Kasalanan ang Buhayin Ka (1990)
• Machete: Istatwang buhay (1990)
• Mana sa ina
• Kunin mo ang ulo ni Ismael (1990)
• First Lesson (1989)
• Mahirap ang magmahal (1989)
• Anak ng demonyo (1989)
• Magkano ang iyong dangal? (1988)
• Arturo Lualhati (1988)
• Isusumbong kita sa Diyos (1988)
• Hiwaga sa Balete Drive (1988)
• Olongapo... The Great American Dream (1987)
• Susuko ba ako, inay? (1987)
• Once Upon a Time (1987)
• Saan Nagkamali Ang Pag-ibig (1987)
• Evelio (1986)
• Bilanggo sa Dilim (1986)
• I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa (1986)
• The Graduates
• Unfaithful Wife (1986)
• Bagong Hari (1986)
• Bed Sins (1985)
• Beware: Bed Sins (1985)
• Isla (1985)
• Shake, Rattle & Roll (1984)
• Batgts 2
• Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan (1984)
• Of the Flesh (1983)
• Init sa Magdamag (1983)
• Oro, Plata, Mata (1982)
• Wake Up, Maruja (1978)

• Celebrity Inductee, 2013 Eastwood City Walk Of Fame
• Nominated, Best Drama Actor "Boracay" PMPC Star Awards For TV 1991
• Winner, Best Supporting Actor "Under a Piaya Moon" Puregold CinePanalo Film Festival 2024

• Joel Torre at IMDb