Melanie Marquez

Mimilanie "Melanie" Laurel Marquez (; born 16 July 1964) is a Filipino actress and beauty queen who won Miss International 1979.

Career Pageant career

Marquez won a local beauty pageant competition when she was 15 years old, and the 1979 Miss International pageant.

In 1985, Marquez became the "Face of the 80s" in New York, USA. In 1986, she was the first runner-up in the "Supermodel" competition. In 2000, she was voted the "Most Beautiful Miss International Winner", and in 2005, was one of the six finalists at "Mrs. World" pageant held in India. She has appeared in the Binibining Pilipinas "World of BC 2004" and "World of Canada 2004" pageants.

Post-pageantry Marquez became a fashion and commercial model and was featured on local and international magazine covers. She toured Europe and the United States. As an actress, she has played parts in action and dramatic films, including the title role in her own bio-picture. Later, she became a TV host, film producer, and celebrity endorser.

Marquez is also a modeling and image-enhancement coach. She trained Ruffa Gutierrez (Miss World 1993 Second Princess); Charlene Gonzales (Miss Universe 1994 - Top 6 finalist); and Miriam Quiambao (Miss Universe 1999 First Runner-up). She has been a judge, coach, commentator, and host in beauty pageants, modelling contests, and talent-search competitions.

Personal life Marquez has six children. She has one with Filipino actor and politician Lito Lapid. She has two with Filipino-Chinese businessman Frederick Dee, one of whom, Michelle Dee, was Miss World Philippines 2019 and Miss Universe Philippines 2023. She has one with an Arab sheikh, and two with American Adam Lawyer.

In a 2026 interview, Marquez accused Lawyer of physically abusing her and said she had previously been placed in a mental hospital without her consent for 10 days before being confined at a rehabilitation center in Pasig for eight months. Lawyer denied the accusations.

Awards Year Award-giving body Category Work Result 1987 Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress The Untold Story of Melanie Marquez Best Story