Richard Gomez

Richard Frank Icasiano Gomez (; born April 7, 1966 ) is a Filipino actor, TV host, politician, and épée fencer. He has been serving as the Representative of Leyte's 4th district since 2022, and was mayor of Ormoc from 2016 to 2022.

Gomez was a leading actor in the early 1990s, earning several awards and nominations. He played the title character in Super Islaw and The Flying Kids (1986) and appeared in the romantic drama films Nagbabagang Luha and Babaing Hampaslupa (both 1988), and starred in Hihintayin Kita sa Langit (1991) opposite Dawn Zulueta. From 1987 to 1998, he co-starred in the ABS-CBN sitcom Palibhasa Lalake alongside John Estrada and Joey Marquez. In 1998, he married actress Lucy Torres, who later also became a politician. The couple starred in the ABS-CBN sitcom Richard Loves Lucy from 1998 to 2001. He was then part of the main casts of Mano Po (2002) and The Trial (2014), and appeared in the GMA sitcom Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita (2003–2007), and teleseryes Captain Barbell (2006–2007), Marimar (2007–2008), and Codename: Asero (2008). He was paired again with Zulueta in Walang Hanggan (2012), The Love Affair (2015), and You're My Home (2015–2016). He also co-hosted the talk show S-Files (2002–2007), and presented the Philippine version of Family Feud (2008–2009).

In politics, Gomez had an unsuccessful start. His party was disqualified in the 2001 House of Representatives elections, and he then lost in the 2007 Senate election. He moved to his wife's hometown of Ormoc to run for the local House seat in 2010 but was disqualified for failing to establish residency. In 2013, he lost the mayoral election but won in 2016 and was re-elected in 2019.

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.

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 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.

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 Relosa 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 (1996) - Raul Hanggang Kailan Kita Mamahalin (1997) - Mike Reyes Walang Katumbas ang Dugo (1998) - Carlos Romano 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 Salvageland (2025) - PO3 Ernesto Morales

Television Year Title Role 1987–1998 Palibhasa Lalake Goma/Ricky/Ricardo 1994–1995 Tondominium Charlie 1997–20022011–2016 ASAP Host 1998–2001 Richard Loves Lucy Richard/Goma 2001 Your Honor 2002–2003 Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw Waldo Sandoval 2003 Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw Pa Rin 2002–2007 S-Files Host 2003–2007 Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita Ric 2004–2005 Forever in My Heart Raphael Cruzado 2005 Balikbayan Guest Encantadia Raquim 2006 Encantadia: Pag-ibig Hanggang Wakas 2006–2007 Captain Barbell Viel Villan / The General 2007–2008 Marimar Renato Santibañez 2008 The Sweet Life Guest Codename: Asero Ibsen Abesamis/Agent Zeus Obra Guest 2008–2009 Family Feud Host 2009 All About Eve Frederico Gonzales 2010–2011 P.O.5 Host My Driver Sweet Lover Delfin 2011 Mga Nagbabagang Bulaklak Apollo Ortega 100 Days to Heaven Tagabantay (an ice cream vendor) My Binondo Girl Yong Shu Syneryn 2012 The Biggest Game Show In The World (Asia) Host Walang Hanggan Marco Montenegro Gandang Gabi, Vice! Guest Toda Max Ricky 2013 It's Showtime Guest 2013–2014 Top Gear Philippines Host 2014 Madam Chairman Ex-Boyfriend 2014–2015 Quiet Please!: Bawal ang Maingay Host 2015 Sabado Badoo Cameo Featured Footage 2015–2016 You're My Home Gabriel Fontanilla 2016 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Traysikel Raphael 2017 Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho Guest 2025 Fast Talk with Boy Abunda Guest

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)