Richard Gomez

Biography and entertainment career

Gomez is the only child of race car driver Eddie Kelly Gomez and Josephine Icasiano (known famously by her stage name Stella Suarez), an actress in the 1960s. His cousin is Stella Suarez Jr. (also known as Pinky Suarez) who was adopted by his parents and raised as his sibling. He was raised by his grandmother after his parents separated.

Gomez was working at McDonald's when he was discovered by talent manager Douglas Quijano. He then became one of the faces of Bench, a Philippine clothing brand. His acting debut came in the 1984 film Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan.

In April 1998, he married Lucy Torres at the Saints Peter and Paul Parish Church in Ormoc, Leyte. They currently reside in Ormoc, and have one daughter, Juliana Marie Beatriz (b. 2000), who graduated cum laude from the UP National College of Public Administration and Governance. In 2002, he transferred to GMA network with his first melodrama show, Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw and its sequel Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw Pa Rin as well as presenting S-Files. His first GMA sitcom was Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita which aired from 2003 to 2007.

Gomez hosted the Philippine edition of Family Feud on GMA Network. He is a former GMA Network contract artist under GMA Artist Center (now Sparkle GMA Artist Center).

After his movie Filipinas in 2003, Gomez made a comeback in the indie film Bente which starred Senator Jinggoy Estrada and Iza Calzado. He briefly returned to GMA Network in the weekly drama anthology, Claudine, and returned to the Kapatid Network The 5 Network after 17 years by hosting the weekend variety show, P.O.5.. He appeared in the drama show, My Driver Sweet Lover, and Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak. Gomez was part of the teleseries Walang Hanggan from January 16, 2012. He co-hosted The Biggest Game Show In The World (Asia) with Joey de Leon, and appeared in the comedy-drama, Madam Chairman. In 2015, he starred in the mystery drama You're My Home with Dawn Zulueta and an ensemble cast.

Aside from his native tongue Tagalog, Gomez is also fluent in English and Cebuano.

Education

He graduated from the University of the Philippines Open University (Associate in Arts, 2009) and the University of Perpetual Help System DALTA (Masters in Business Administration, 2016). He earned a doctorate in public administration from the Cebu Technological University in 2019.

Political career

Gomez was a nominee of Mamamayan Ayaw sa Droga (MAD) Partylist in the Congressional election of 2001. Their party won but was disqualified for failing to present proof of sectoral representation. He planned to run as governor of Bulacan province but, lacking the residency requirements, ran instead as an independent in the 2007 Senatorial elections which he lost.

In 2010, he ran for a seat in the Congress for the 4th district of Leyte but was disqualified by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for failing to establish residency in Ormoc. His wife, Lucy Torres-Gomez, took his place and won. He served as his wife's chief of staff during her term as congresswoman.

In 2013, he ran for mayor of Ormoc but lost. He was finally elected as Mayor in 2016 and was reelected in 2019.

He ran for a seat in the Congress for the 4th district of Leyte in 2022, switching places with his wife and eventually won.

Sports

Fencing

Gomez competed in fencing with the épee as his weapon.

Gomez first major appearance as a competing fencer was at the 1995 Finlandia Fencing Championships at the Shangri-La Plaza where he outbested national team members to claim the men's épee title.

Gomez represented the Philippines internationally at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games as a fencer starting in the 1995 edition in Chiang Mai. He later won a gold medal each in the 2003 and 2005 editions He quit fencing in the SEA Games after.

He later won a gold medal for the Philippines at the Asian Master Fencing Championship in 2015.

Gomez served as president of the Philippine Fencing Association from 2016 to 2023.

Sports shooting

After taking part as a fencer at the 2001 SEA Games, Gomez took up sports shooting. Gomez competed in both fencing and shooting in the 2005 edition. In the shooting event, Gomez participated in the trap and skeet.

Gomez also competes in clay pigeon shooting. In 2022, he participated in the 4th FITASC Asian Sporting Championships, where he won the senior category silver medal at the Compak Sporting event and fourth place at the sporting clays event. Gomez is the organizer of the Sporting Clays Association of the Philippines. Gomez returns to the SEA Games in the 2025 edition in Thailand as a clay pigeon shooter.

Rowing

Gomez managed the Philippine rowing team at the 1991 SEA Games in Manila.

Other sports

Gomez was a member of the Philippine national rowing Team (1989–1991), national volleyball team (2014–2005). Gomez is also the president of the Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association.

Controversies

In 2019, Gomez's painting titled "Oooohh", which depicted a male genitalia, went viral and gained controversy. Displayed at the ManilART fair at SMX Convention Center Aura in Taguig, the piece was sold for , garnering significant attention on social media. Critics argued that Gomez used his celebrity status to gain entry to the fair, questioning the artistic merit of his work and highlighting the disconnect between fame and genuine artistry. Gomez described the painting as "self-explanatory" and stated that "with deeper thought, it represents lust, self-pleasure, and power." He has been painting since the 1990s and collecting art since the 1980s.

In 2024, Gomez wrote a Facebook post where he complained about being stuck in traffic on EDSA for two hours. In the post, he suggested that the EDSA Busway should opened to regular traffic, arguing that "only a few buses use [it]". This statement drew backlash online, causing Gomez to delete the post but issue a follow-up statement the next day, defending his comments as his own personal opinion. He reiterated his stance, comparing his proposal to the practice of opening counterflow lanes on the Metro Manila Skyway during rush hour. He later made a post on Threads criticizing media outlets for allegedly misreporting that he had deleted the posts, clarifying that he had only hidden them.

In August 2025, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) criticized Gomez for a Facebook post accusing reporters of engaging in “media spin” after they sought his comment on the collapse of a flood control project in Matag-ob, Leyte. NUJP said his post, which included screenshots showing journalists’ names and phone numbers, posed risks to reporters’ safety and could constitute a violation of data privacy laws. The group added that media requests for comment provided Gomez the opportunity to address allegations made by Matag-ob Mayor Bernie Tacoy regarding his supposed lack of support during the flooding. Gomez apologized and deleted the post in September.

Alleged connection to Albuera shooting incident

Gomez and his wife, incumbent Ormoc mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez, were alleged by Albuera, Leyte mayoral candidate Kerwin Espinosa to possibly be connected to an assassination attempt on the latter's life on April 10, 2025. In his claim, Espinosa stated that Ormoc police chief Reydante Ariza, a suspect in the incident, would have only answered to the Gomez couple, though he refrained from accusing them outright of instructing Ariza to target him. Gomez has denounced Espinosa's statement, and claimed that the assassination attempt on Espinosa was "scripted".

Filmography

Films

• Hindi Mo Ako Kayang Tapakan (1984) - Jun
• Naked Paradise (1985)
• Inday Bote (1985) - Edward Salameda
• Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang ("Zombie" segment) (1985) - Zombie
• I Can't Stop Loving You (1985) - Alvin Laurel
• Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1986)
• Blusang Itim (1986) - Angelo
• When I Fall in Love (1986) - Dong
• Balimbing: Mga Taong Hunyango (1986)
• Paalam... Bukas ang Kasal Ko (1986) - Paul Raymundo
• Super Islaw and the Flying Kids (1986) - Islaw/Super Islaw
• Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita (1986) - Dinky
• Tuklaw (1986)
• Once Upon a Time (1987) - Rommel
• Tagos ng Dugo (1987) - Pepito
• Forward March (1987) - Danny
• Ibigay Mo sa Akin ang Bukas (1987)
• Kid, Huwag Kang Susuko (1987) - Cesar 'Shawie' Arroyo
• Paano Kung Wala Ka Na (1987) - Sonny
• Kumander Gringa (1987)
• Fly Me to the Moon (1988) - Prinsipe Dax
• Stupid Cupid ("Forever My Love" segment) (1988) - Ruel
• Nasaan Ka Inay (1988) - Donald
• Buy One, Take One (1988)
• Nagbabagang Luha (1988) - Bien
• Sa Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas (1988)
• Lamat sa Kristal (1988)
• Babaing Hampaslupa (1988) - Jimmy
• Kailan Mahuhusgahan ang Kasalanan (1989) - Robert Quintana
• Kahit Wala Ka Na (1989) - Patrick
• Impaktita (1989) - Rudy
• Eastwood & Bronson: Palibhasa Detektib (1989) - Eastwood
• Rape of Virginia P. (1989)
• Isang Araw Walang Diyos (1989) - Lt.Cary Altamonte
• Rosenda (1989) - Efren
• Dyesebel (1990)- Edward
• Nagsimula sa Puso (1990)- Carlo
• Hanggang Saan ang Tapang Mo (1990) - Ruben Alejandro
• Kapag Langit ang Humatol (1990) - Hector
• Iputok Mo... Dadapa Ako! (Hard to Die) (1990) - Tricycle driver
• Lover's Delight (1990) - Machete
• Shake, Rattle & Roll II (1990; "Aswang" segment) - Tricycle driver
• I Want to Live (1991)
• Para sa Iyo ang Huling Bala Ko (1991) - Quintin
• Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (1991) - Gabriel
• Buburahin Kita sa Mundo (1991) - Rodel Segovia
• Akin ang Pangarap Mo (1992) - Leo Hidalgo
• True Confessions (Evelyn, Myrna & Maggie) (1992)
• Lumayo Ka Nga sa Akin (1992) - Raul
• Ikaw ang Lahat sa Akin (1992) - Cesar
• Iisa Pa Lamang (1992) - Arman
• Buddy en Sol (Sine Ito) (1992)
• Ang Siga at ang Sosyal (1992)-Aris
• Paminsan-minsan (1992)
• Ngayon at Kailanman (1992) - Edwin Torres
• Ikaw Pa Lang ang Minahal (1992) - David
• Saan Ka Man Naroroon (1993) - Miguel
• Wating (1994) - Ardo
• Bakit Pa Kita Minahal (1994) - Teddy
• Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie (1994) - Mike
• Sana'y Mapatawad Mo (1994) - Bong
• Kapantay Ay Langit (1994) - Steve
• Eskapo (1995) - Sergio Osmeña III
• Sa'yo Lamang (1995)- Andrew
• Dahas (1995) - Jake
• Kahit Kailan (1997)
• Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin (1997) - Mike Reyes
• Walang Katumbas ang Dugo (1998)
• Ang Babae sa Bintana (1998) - Mitch
• Linlang (1999) - Lance
• Minsan Minahal Kita (2000) - Albert Simone
• Ikaw Lamang Hanggang Ngayon (2002) - Ryan
• Mano Po (2002) - Raf
• Walang Kapalit (2003) - Dennis Rustia
• Filipinas (2003) - Samuel Filipinas
• Eternity (2006) - Fencing Instructor
• Bente (2009) - Roman
• Sonata (2013)
• She's Dating the Gangster (2014) - Adult Kenji
• The Janitor (2014)
• The Trial (2014) - Julian Bien
• The Love Affair (2015)- Vince Ramos
• Love Me Tomorrow (2016)- cameo
• Three Words to Forever (2018) - Rick Andrada

Television

Awards and nominations

Film

• FAMAS Award for Best Actor for The Love Affair (nominee)
• Gawad TANGLAW Awards 2015 for Best Supporting Actor for The Trial
• 17th Gawad PASADO Awards 2015 for PinakaPASADOng Katuwang na Aktor for The Trial
• FAMAS Award for Best Actor for Filipinas (nominee)
• FAMAS Award for Best Actor for Dahas
• FAP Award for Best Actor for Dahas (tied with Fernando Poe Jr. for Kahit Butas ng Karayom)
• Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Dahas (nominee)
• Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Waiting
• Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (nominee)
• Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Saan Ka Man Naroroon
• Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Nagsimula sa Puso (nominee)
• Gawad Urian Award for Best Actor for Hihintayin Kita Sa Langit
• Metro Manila Film Festival 2003 for People's Choice Awards for Best Actor for Filipinas
• Metro Manila Film Festival 1995 for Best Actor for Dahas
• Star Awards for Movies: Actor of the Year for Dahas (1996)

Television

• 23rd PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Game Show Host for Family Feud (Philippine Edition)
• 26th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actor for Walang Hanggan (nominee)
• Golden Screen TV Awards 2013 Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Drama Series for Walang Hanggan
• 30th PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actor for You're My Home (nominee)

Others

• Metro Manila Film Festival 2011 for Ellen Lising Male Face of the Night
• GMMSF Box-Office Entertainment Awards 2013 for All Time Favorite Love Team on Movies and TV (with Dawn Zulueta)

References

References

1. (14 December 2025). "Richard Gomez". Rappler.
2. "Richard Gomez proclaimed Ormoc City mayor". Rappler.
3. "Richard Gomez: The life story of the 1980s hottie". KAMI.
4. Pingol, Anna. (May 2, 2008). "Richard Gomez and Lucy Torres-Gomez celebrate 10th wedding anniversary". PEP.ph.
5. (September 9, 2018). "IN PHOTOS: Juliana Gomez celebrates 18th birthday". Rappler.
6. (July 30, 2024). "Juliana Gomez graduates cum laude in UP". [[GMA Integrated News]].
7. [http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=95526 Inquirer, Richard Gomez faces tax evasion charges]
8. "2009 Nescafé Gold Spot awarding ceremony". Philippine Entertainment Portal.
9. [https://entertainment.inquirer.net/356026/look-richard-gomez-earns-doctoral-degree-in-public-administration#ixzz6TS6N6fWp LOOK: Richard Gomez earns doctoral degree in public administration]
10. "Richard Gomez Running For Bulacan Governor".
11. (February 17, 2010). "Richard Gomez disqualified from Leyte congressional race". ABS-CBN News.
12. (May 10, 2016). "At last, Richard Gomez wins an election". ABS-CBN.
13. (May 14, 2019). "#HalalanResults: Richard Gomez set to retain seat as Ormoc City mayor". ABS-CBN.
14. Meniano, Sarwell. (July 28, 2022). "Richard Gomez celebrates win as new Leyte solon". Philippine News Agency.
15. (24 April 1995). "Actor Gomez is fencing champ". Manila Standard.
16. (21 February 1998). "Alaxan fencing starts today". Manila Standard.
17. (28 January 2007). "Goma has new target in sight". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
18. (12 May 2007). "Goma chides TF over outright qualifiers". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
19. Lino, Cha. (2019-12-02). "LOOK: Richard Gomez shows throwback of 1995 SEA Games PH fencing team".
20. (June 23, 2021). "Richard Gomez reelected as fencing chief". Manila Bulletin.
21. (November 15, 2023). "Gacuma is new president of Philippine Fencing Association". The Manila Times.
22. (November 23, 2022). "Richard Gomez wins silver in int'l sporting clay championships". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
23. (11 December 2025). "Richard Gomez makes his SEA Games comeback in new shooting event". Sports Interactive Network Philippines.
24. (12 September 1997). "Richard Gomez bags silver in epee tilt". Manila Standard.
25. (14 January 2023). "These Filipino Personalities Were Also World-Class Jocks".
26. (2020-02-16). "Philippine Modern Pentathlon Association". Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM).
27. (November 9, 2019). "Richard Gomez's indecent exposure". [[The Varsitarian]].
28. Bigtas, Jannielyn Ann. (October 14, 2019). "Richard Gomez explains meaning behind viral yellow painting: 'It shows lust, self pleasure and power'". GMA News.
29. Llanesca, Panti. (August 30, 2024). "Richard Gomez asks: Why not open EDSA bus lane during heavy traffic?". [[GMA Integrated News]].
30. NewsWatch Plus. (August 30, 2024). ""IT WAS AN OPINION AND MY REKLAMO AT THAT MOMENT"".
31. Pasajol, Anne. (August 31, 2024). "Richard Gomez slams writers after Edsa traffic remark". [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]].
32. Barreiro Jr., Victor. (August 29, 2025). "NUJP calls out Leyte Rep. Richard Gomez for accusing reporters of media spin". Rappler.
33. Gregorio, Agatha. (September 2, 2025). "Richard Gomez apologizes to journalists after including their personal info in online post". ABS-CBN.
34. Evite, Sharon. (April 12, 2025). "Gomez: 'Do not believe somebody like Kerwin Espinosa'". [[ABS-CBN Corporation]].
35. Bonifacio, Jazmin. (April 11, 2025). "Kerwin Espinosa says he received death threat before gun attack in Leyte". Inquirer Interactive Inc..
36. Inso, Futch Anthony. (April 13, 2025). "Gomez on Kerwin's allegation: 'Don't believe somebody like him'". Inquirer Interactive Inc..
37. Cabuenas, Jon Viktor. (April 13, 2025). "Espinosa to Gomez: I am not an actor like you". [[GMA Network (company).
38. (March 5, 1994). "Aggressive program development". Kamahalan Publishing Corporation.
39. [http://www.pep.ph/photos/3796/44th-guillermo-mendoza-box-office-entertainment-awards "44th Guillermo Mendoza Box-Office Entertainment Awards"]. ''[[Philippine Entertainment Portal. Pep.ph]]''. Retrieved May 19, 2014.