Efren Reyes, Sr.

Efren Ongpin Reyes Sr. (June 18, 1924 – February 11, 1968) was a Filipino actor, director, writer, and producer. He is known for originating the role of Pedro Penduko in film. When he became a director, he often collaborated with Fernando Poe Jr. He was the father of Efren Reyes Jr.

Early life Reyes Sr. was born on June 18, 1924, in Manila. Efren's grandfather was the celebrated Lola Basyang author, Severino Reyes, also the author and producer of Walang Sugat, the most popular of local zarzuelas.

Career Reyes was discovered by director Gregorio Fernandez. He started his career at an early age doing supporting roles in such movies as Hiram na Pangalan (1948) and Wala na akong Luha (1948). Kumander Sundang (1949) was his first break and biggest hit. He became Premiere Productions' top contract star turning in memorable performances in Kapitan Bagwis (1951), Kapitan Berong (1953), Paltik (1954), Abenturera (1954), Pedro Penduko (1954), Ander Di Saya (1954), Mag-asawa'y Di Biro (1954), and Ifugao (1954). For his role in Ifugao, he was awarded the Asian Film Festival Best Actor Award in 1955, the first Filipino to win that award. Two of his movies, Salabusab (1954) and Kalibre .45 (1957) were adjudged FAMAS Best Pictures, while he won the FAMAS Best Actor award for Kadenang Putik (1960). Known for his fencing skills, he appeared in many swashbuckling movies --- Prinsipe Don Juan (1950), Carlos Trece (1953), Prinsipe Villarba (1956), Haring Espada (1956), Prinsipe Alejandre (1957) and Eskrimador (1957). His sword duels with Johnny Monteiro in many movies they made together were a big treat to their legions of fans.

Reyes, according to his son, Efren Jr., pioneered the so-call Pinoy Western in Philippine movies, when his dad did Bandido in 1950. His colleagues then were reluctant and were not sold to the idea of doing the said movie because they saw it unrealistic as there were no cowboys in this country. The movie later turned out to be a big box-office hit that started the western genre in Philippine cinema.

He was also into film directing. His first directorial job was Haring Espada in 1956 using the pen name of Severino Reyes III. He likewise excelled in this field, gaining wide recognition and being nominated several times--- for Albano Brothers (1962), Sigaw ng Digmaan (1963), Pilipinas Kong Mahal (1965) and Dugo ang Kulay ng Pag-ibig (1966). He directed the legendary Fernando Poe Jr. in many memorable movies, among them, Sigaw ng Digmaan (1963), which won the FAMAS Best Picture that year, Ito ang Maynila (1963), Daniel Barrion (1964), Baril na Ginto (1964), Ang Daigdig Ko'y Ikaw (1965), Pilipinas Kong Mahal (1965) and Zamboanga (1966).

Reyes also produced and wrote several movies. He produced and directed Larawan ng Buhay, which he also wrote and starred in. He and his father Pedrito Reyes then collaborated on the screenplay of Lola Basyang.

Personal life Efren Sr. was married to Primitiva Reyes, April 1, 1944. They had three children together, Reynaldo (1945–1951, Congenital Polio Meningitis), Winifrida (1948), and Efren Jr. (1950–1981)

He later married actress Virginia Montes, his leading lady in Bandido. 1960 FAMAS Award for Best Actor Kadenang Putik +As directorYearCategoryFilmResultRef.1963FAMAS Award for Best PictureSigaw ng Digmaan Honors

2006: Eastwood City Walk of Fame