Jane Florence Benitez de Leon (born November 22, 1998) is a Filipino actress, commercial model and philanthropist. She began her acting career after signing up with Star Magic in 2015. She initially played minor roles in films, made several appearances in drama anthologies and eventually landed supporting roles in Halik (2018) and Ang Probinsyano (2021). Her breakthrough came following her portrayal of the titular role in the series Mars Ravelo's Darna (2022). She has received two nominations from PMPC Star Awards for Television for her performances in two Maalaala Mo Kaya episodes: "Medal" and "Doctor Hero".
Jane de Leon | |||||||
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![]() de Leon in 2020 | |||||||
Born | Jane Florence Benitez de Leon November 22, 1998 San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines | ||||||
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Years active | 2013–present | ||||||
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YouTube information | |||||||
Channels | Jane De Leon | ||||||
Years active | 2022–present | ||||||
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Subscribers | 159,000 | ||||||
Total views | 1.2 million | ||||||
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Last updated: April 16, 2024 |
Early life and background
editJane Florence Benitez de Leon was born on November 22, 1998, in San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines, to Maricor Benitez-De-Leon, a housewife and Ruel Florencio de Leon, a businessman.[1] She is the youngest in the family with an older brother named Francis.[2] Her family was living well growing up, until her father lost his job.[3] This forced her to audition for various modeling and acting projects. De Leon and her family became unfortunate that they couldn't afford basic needs. During her one-on-one interview with columnist Ogie Diaz on one of his YouTube videos, De Leon revealed that she would often sneak out at night, together with her mother to come to Metro Manila for various auditions as her father greatly opposed De Leon's passion for acting.[4] Before becoming a commercial model and actress, De Leon's mother encouraged her to join various beauty pageants.[4] Her father had four other children from his prior relationships namely Ned, Kirox, Carol, and Karen. She attended Sampaguita Village Elementary School and San Roque Elementary School in San Pedro, Laguna for her primary schooling and Sampaguita Village National High School for secondary studies. In 2016, her father died due to lung cancer, after that she went on to pursue her luck for show business.[4]
Career
edit2013-2017: Early work
editDe Leon began her career by joining pageants and modeling competitions.[5] She joined Teen Supermodel Philippines in 2013 and finished as a semi-finalist. The following year, De Leon signed with Glamoure Talent Agency Inc. and landed her first TV commercial for the brand Quake Overload.[6] She was discovered by talent manager Tyrone Escalante, who convinced her to venture acting, and started doing acting workshops with Star Magic right after.[7] In 2015, she began playing minor roles in films. Her first film appearance was an uncredited character in the romantic comedy Just The Way You Are.[8] Later in 2015, she played a supporting role in the romantic drama Ex with Benefits. De Leon also auditioned to be part of the noontime show Eat Bulaga! and Simon Fuller's group Now United but lost to Maine Mendoza and Bailey May.[9]
In 2016, she was launched as one of the members of the noontime show It's Showtime's girl group GirlTrends alongside Loisa Andalio, Maris Racal, and Barbie Imperial.[10] The same year, she made her TV debut in a Wansapanataym episode "Tikboyong", where she played the love interest of McCoy de Leon' s character.[11] She also began appearing occasionally in the drama anthologies Maalaala Mo Kaya and Ipaglaban Mo!. In 2017, De Leon was cast in the action fantasy series La Luna Sangre as Lauren Catapang.[12] The same year, she appeared in two film productions. She played major roles in the slasher film The Debutantes and the advocacy film Jose Bartolome: Guro.[13]
2018-2022: Breakthrough
edit2018 proved to be a promising year for De Leon. She played the feisty sister of Jericho Rosales' character in the drama series Halik. She also played a supporting role in Jose Javier Reyes' film Walwal. In 2019, she played a cameo role in the film The Heiress. After Liza Soberano backed out due to finger injury, De Leon was announced as the actress to play the title character in the film Darna in July 2019.[14] Director Olivia Lamasan explained that De Leon earned the unanimous vote of ABS-CBN executives and Darna director Jerold Tarog.[15] It was even Tarog who presented De Leon's audition tapes to the executives and according to him, De Leon impressed him for being an "instinctive actress."[15] However, in August 2020, it was announced that the film project would be postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and a Darna TV series, also starring De Leon, would be developed in its place.[16][17]
While the project was indefinitely postponed, De Leon joined the cast of Ang Probinsyano in 2021 where she played the agent Natalia Mante. After seven months on the show, she made her exit and started preparing for her role as Darna. She started vigorous trainings and worked out to prepare for her fight scenes required for the role.[18] She also had to practice modulating her voice for her character's signature yell.[19] In August 2022, Darna finally premiered on television. Her performance was met with praises from critics and viewers. Ryan Oquiza of Rappler called her portrayal as "sincere and genuine".[20] Chito S. Roño stated that he was impressed by De Leon's performance saying: "she has done very well."[21]
2023-present: Recent projects
editDe Leon starred in the comeback film of the longest-running horror franchise, Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme (2023) with Iza Calzado and Jane Oineza.[22] It was released at an earlier date after not making it to the Metro Manila Film Festival. While the film received mixed reviews from the critics, her performance was praised. Writing for The Philippine Star, Januar Junior Aguja described De Leon as the highlight of the "Rage" episode, saying her character had "the most interesting character development".[23] Commercially, the film performed moderately at the box-office, grossing ₱52 million. She is set to reunite with Janella Salvador in the upcoming film How to Be a Good Wife.[24]
Other ventures
editPhilanthropy
editIn September 2019, De Leon was announced as the winner for the Belo Beauty Special Award at the annual ABS-CBN Ball.[25] During the interview with ABS-CBN, she revealed that instead of taking the proceeds from the award, she decided to give it all to the beneficiary of the said Ball - the social welfare programme, Bantay Bata 163.[25] This foundation aims to protect disadvantaged and at-risk children through a nationwide network of social services. De Leon said that it is better to be an example to help these children, who may have their own ideas on what they want for the future lives.[25] In the same year, De Leon also attended the Red Charity Gala, to raise funds for the Philippine Red Cross, a non-profit humanitarian organization and a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.[26][27]
Acting credits
editFilm
edit† | Denotes films that have not yet been released |
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s). |
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 | Just the Way You Are | Bit role | Uncredited | [28] |
Ex With Benefits | Arki's sister | [29] | ||
2017 | The Debutantes | Jenny | [30] | |
Jose Bartolome: Guro | [31] | |||
2018 | Walwal | Carla | [32] | |
2019 | The Heiress | Young Luna | Cameo | [33] |
2023 | Shake, Rattle & Roll Extreme | Trina | Segment: “Rage” | [34] |
2024 | How to Be a Good Wife † | TBA | [35] | |
Battle Ready † | TBA | [36] | ||
Strange Frequencies: Haunted Hospital | TBA | Entry to MMFF 2024 | [37] |
Television
edit† | Denotes shows that have not yet been aired |
Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref(s). |
---|---|---|---|---|
2016 | Wansapanataym | Sassy | Episode: "Tikboyong" | [38] |
Maalaala Mo Kaya | Apple | Episode: "Gitara" | [39] | |
Sally | Episode: "Pantalan" | [40] | ||
Vilma | Episode: "Karnabal" | [41] | ||
2017 | Angelique | Episode: "Tahanan" | [42] | |
Doreen | Episode: "Tubuhan" | [43] | ||
Young Marlene | Episode: "Diploma" | [44] | ||
La Luna Sangre | Lauren Catapang | [45] | ||
2018 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Cesar's Daughter | Episode: "Portrait" | [46] |
Ipaglaban Mo! | Kate Dollente | Episode: "Bayad" | [47] | |
Halik | Margarita "Maggie" Bartolome | [48] | ||
2019 | Ipaglaban Mo! | Tere | Episode: "Dignity" | [49] |
2020 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Nesthy Petecio | Episode: "Medal" | [50] |
Dr. Lerma Bhelle Iglesia | Episode: "Stethoscope" | [51] | ||
Episode: "Bracelet" | [52] | |||
2021 | FPJ's Ang Probinsyano | P/Cpt. Natalia "Lia" Mante | [53] | |
2022–2023 | Mars Ravelo's Darna | Narda Custodio / Darna | [54] |
Music video appearances
editYear | Title | Artist | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|
2016 | "Mahal Mo Pa Rin Ako" | Ace | [55] |
2023 | "Day and Night" | Alamat | [56] |
Accolades
editSee also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Jane de Leon: Rise of the next-generation Darna". PEP.ph. Retrieved December 20, 2021.
- ^ Atilano, Joseph R. (August 18, 2022). "Spotlight on Jane de Leon". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ Baylon, Khryzztine Joy (August 19, 2022). "Jane de Leon recalls hardship before achieving success: "Minsan yung kinakain na lang namin, asin."". PEP.ph. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ a b c Atilano, Joseph (August 18, 2022). "Spotlight on Jane de Leon". Inquirer. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ Ichimura, Anri (July 17, 2019). "Who is Jane De Leon, the New Darna?". Esquire Magazine. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "Jane de Leon talks showbiz and becoming Darna". ABS-CBN Push. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Tuazon, Nikko (July 24, 2019). "The beautiful transformation of Jane de Leon from 2013 to 2019". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Mercado, Sarah (October 20, 2021). "Jane de Leon: Rise of the next-generation Darna". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (September 15, 2017). "Bailey May to join global pop group Now United; Jane de Leon drops hint about Philippines Now United". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "Girltrend Jane De Leon celebrates her 18th Birthday". ABS-CBN Entertainment. December 5, 2016. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Nitura, Jam (July 18, 2019). "10 Things You Need to Know About Jane de Leon A.K.A. the New "Darna"". Preview Philippines. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "Jane de Leon's remarkable TV portrayals that prepared her to become Darna". ABS-CBN Entertainment. August 12, 2022. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Villano, Alexa (October 8, 2017). "'The Debutantes' review: Designed to death". Rappler. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "IN PHOTOS: Meet the new Darna, Jane De Leon". ABS-CBN News. July 17, 2019.
- ^ a b "Why Jane De Leon? ABS-CBN execs explain decision in choosing new 'Darna'". TheSummitExpress.com. The Summit Express. July 18, 2019. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ Biong, Ian (August 21, 2020). "'Darna' production postponed indefinitely over COVID-19 concerns, ABS-CBN clarifies". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ "'Darna' film starring Jane de Leon scrapped—report". INQUIRER.net. August 20, 2020. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel (August 12, 2022). "Why latest 'Darna' the 'woke version,' according to Jane de Leon and series nemesis Janella Salvador". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ Cardona, Yssa (August 16, 2022). "Jane De Leon Reveals The *Intense* Vocalization Process It Took Her To Perfectly Shout 'Darna!'". COSMO.PH. Retrieved August 20, 2022.
- ^ "'Darna' review: A gritty, modern retelling with the guts to fly higher". RAPPLER. August 18, 2022. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Dumaual, Miguel. "Why director Chito S. Roño, a fan of 'Darna' since childhood, is 'very pleased' with Jane de Leon's portrayal". Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jane De Leon proves naysayers wrong with two new films post-Darna". The Philippine Star. November 18, 2023. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Aguja, Januar Junior (December 6, 2023). "'Shake, Rattle and Roll' makes decent return with 'Extreme'". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Pasajol, Anne (November 14, 2023). "Janella Salvador, Jane de Leon to headline new film 'How to Be a Good Wife'". Inquirer Entertainment. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ a b c Hsia, Heidi (September 17, 2019). "Jane de Leon donates proceeds of award to charity". yahoo.com. Yahoo Singapore. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
- ^ "LOOK: Jane De Leon, a golden goddess at the Red Charity Gala". push.abs-cbn.com. ABS-CBN. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
- ^ "Jane De Leon Was A Stunner At The Red Charity Gala 2019". Preview.com. Preview. Retrieved August 31, 2022.
- ^ Abunda, Boy (September 1, 2022). "Jane de Leon shares rejections, hardships before getting biggest break". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ Atilano, Joseph R. (March 21, 2021). "#Exclusive: Jane De Leon on her showbiz beginnings and becoming Darna". Lifestyle Inquirer. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Cruz, Marinel R. (July 22, 2019). "The 1st thing Jane de Leon did after clinching Darna role". Inquirer Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Bonifacio, Julie (July 20, 2017). "Karl Medina swak na swak sa 'Jose Bartolome: Guro'". Bandera Inquirer. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Lo, Ricky (June 24, 2018). "Let's hear it from the Walwal girls". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (November 29, 2019). "Jane de Leon, tinanggap ang cameo role sa The Heiress nang di pa siya napipiling Darna". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Tuazon, Nikko (November 26, 2023). "Jane de Leon on absence of 'Shake, Rattle, & Roll: Extreme' at MMFF 2023". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Abad, Ysa (November 14, 2023). "Janella Salvador, Jane de Leon to star in 'How to Be A Good Wife'". Rappler. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Gabinete, Jojo (March 28, 2024). "Dondon Monteverde, nag-reveal ng mga proyektong pagbibidahan nina Enrique, Bea, Juday". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "MMFF 2024 announces 1st batch of entries". Philippine Star. July 18, 2024.
- ^ "She's ready to fly! Check out Jane De Leon serving fiery looks in red OOTDs". ABS-CBN Entertainment. December 8, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "Ama, kalaguyo ang ex ng mismong anak sa "MMK"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. July 27, 2016. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Plaza, Gerry (September 4, 2016). "REVIEW: MMK "Pantalan" shows why true friendship brings real love". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Plaza, Gerry (December 27, 2021). "REVIEW: Yves Flores' acting depth marvels viewers in MMK "Karnabal"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "John Estrada napasabak sa matinding drama sa MMK". Bandera Inquirer. January 21, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "MMK Tubuhan: Noven, nawawalan na ng pag-asa na matupad ang kanyang pangarap | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN Entertainment. April 23, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "MMK Diploma: Memerto, nagsimulang malulong sa sugal". ABS-CBN Entertainment. October 7, 2017. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Dela Cruz, Liezel (July 10, 2022). "6 Kapamilya shows that displayed Jane De Leon's astonishing beauty and acting talent | ABS-CBN Entertainment". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "MMK Family Portrait Recap: Ang kwento ng buhay ni Edgardo Angara". ABS-CBN Entertainment. April 24, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jane de Leon fights for her dignity in "Ipaglaban Mo"". ABS-CBN. ABS-CBN Entertainment. March 21, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Dela Cruz, Liezel (March 25, 2019). "Jane de Leon acts out Lino's trending scenes in Halik". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jane de Leon fights for her dignity in "Ipaglaban Mo"". ABS-CBN Corporate. March 21, 2019. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "Jane De Leon grew unexpected friendship with Nesthy Petecio while taping for MMK". ABS-CBN Entertainment. March 6, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Plaza, Gerry (November 29, 2020). "REVIEW: Arjo Atayde, Sylvia Sanchez deliver moving, deeply ingrained portrayals in well-crafted MMK "Stethoscope"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ "WATCH: Jane De Leon, Arjo Atayde and Sylvia Sanchez showcase superb acting in Maalaala Mo Kaya "Bracelet"". ABS-CBN Entertainment. December 5, 2020. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Alarcon, James Patrick (August 20, 2021). "Jane de Leon's character bids goodbye to Cardo; Ang Probinsyano leaves teaser for next chapter". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Pasajol, Anne (February 11, 2023). "Jane de Leon reaches full potential as Darna in finale; Janella Salvador 'chooses to be free' as Valentina". Inquirer Entertainment. Retrieved April 15, 2024.
- ^ Mahal Mo Pa Rin Ako [Ace], September 19, 2016
- ^ "Alamat's newest MV features Jane de Leon as a mermaid". ABS-CBN News. June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 16, 2023.