Maricel Soriano

Maricel Soriano
Soriano in 2023
Born
Maria Cecilia Dador Soriano

(1965-02-25) February 25, 1965 (age 59)
Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines
NationalityFilipino
Occupations
  • Actress
  • television personality
Years active1971–present
WorksFull list
Spouse
(m. 1989; ann. 1991)
Children2
RelativesMeryll Soriano (niece)
Mel Martinez (brother)
AwardsFull list

Maria Cecilia "Maricel" Dador Soriano (born February 25, 1965) is a Filipino actress and television personality. Known for her intense acting style and versatility, she is known for playing dramatic and comedic leading roles in films and television. Over the course of her career, she has received numerous accolades, including two Asian Television Awards, five FAMAS Awards, four Luna Awards, thirteen Box Office Entertainment Awards and ten Star Awards for Television.

Soriano began a career as a child actress, debuting in the 1971 film My Heart Belongs to Daddy. She went on to appear in several supporting roles in the 1970s, winning her first acting award at the 9th Manila Tagalog Film Festival as "Best Child Actress" for her performance in the film Alaala Mo, Daigdig Ko (1973) and as Shirley Puruntong in the longest running Philippine sitcom John en Marsha (1973-1991). She received her first FAMAS Award nomination at age 14 in the film Yakuza Contract (1978). In the early '80s, she was launched as one of the first Regal Babies and appeared in blockbuster films throughout the decade such as Inday Bote (1985), Batang Quiapo (1986) and Babaing Hampaslupa (1989).

She remained visible in television through her drama anthologies Maricel Regal Drama Special (1987-1990) and The Maricel Drama Special (1990-1997). She received fourteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the FAMAS Awards, thirteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the Luna Awards, fourteen 'Best Actress' nominations at the Star Awards for Movies, eight 'Best Actress' nominations at the Gawad Urian Awards and eight 'Best Actress' nominations at the Metro Manila Film Festival for her acclaimed portrayals in films. She was inducted at the Eastwood City Walk of Fame for her significant contributions to Philippine film and television.