The Enduring Success of the Henyo Master Joey de Leon
Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr., known professionally as Joey de Leon and affectionately as the “Henyo Master” or “Boss Joey,” stands today as one of the most enduring and influential figures in Filipino media. A veteran comedian, actor, television host, and prolific songwriter, his career, spanning over five decades, is defined by his unique brand of wit and sarcasm. He is most famously known as one-third of the iconic comedy trio TVJ (Tito, Vic, and Joey) and as the creative force behind one of the Philippines’ longest-running and most celebrated noontime variety shows, Eat Bulaga!—a show whose title he coined, and for which he is officially recognized as the creator.
Personal Information and Early Life
Joey de Leon was born Jose Maria Ramos de Leon Jr. on October 14, 1946, in Binondo, Manila, Philippines. He is the second child of Jose Seoane de Leon (1918–2008), who was of Spanish Filipino descent, and Emma Manahan Ramos (1925–2019). His paternal grandfather served as the first mayor of Malolos, Bulacan. When de Leon was three years old, his parents divorced, and his father subsequently relocated to Madrid, Spain.
Before launching his entertainment career, de Leon prepared for a different path, earning an architecture degree from the National University in Manila.
Family Life
De Leon has been married twice. His first marriage was to actress Daria Ramirez (which was later annulled). He is currently married to Eileen Macapagal, whom he married in 1982. He is a father to five children from these two relationships.
Children with Daria Ramirez:
1. Joseph Joachim “Keempee” de Leon: An accomplished actor, comedian, singer, songwriter, and TV host, Keempee also co-manages a restaurant with his sister.
2. Jacinda Myrtle “Cheenee” de Leon: A former actress and commercial model who was part of That’s Entertainment. She later left the limelight to focus on her family and family business, while also assisting her brother Keempee in managing a restaurant.
Children with Eileen Macapagal:
1. Jocas Eightria de Leon: She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Economics and also studied fashion, later working as a merchandise manager in the ladies’ wear division of a major retail chain.
2. Jako Raphaelle de Leon: He has a degree in Psychology, which was intended as a pre-med course. He worked in developmental pediatrics before shifting his focus to video production, becoming an executive producer for TV and online shows and now working as a content creator.
3. Jio Sebastiean de Leon: He studied Cinema Studies, worked as a writer for TAPE Inc. (the show’s original production company), and is currently a producer for local and international television networks.
Entertainment Career
De Leon’s professional journey began in the 1960s, where he honed his skills as a radio disc jockey and announcer, working for 12 radio stations, including several under the ABS-CBN Corporation banner.
His first significant exposure on television was on the gag show OK Lang on IBC 13.
The Trio (TVJ)
The iconic partnership with Tito Sotto and Vic Sotto began in 1975 when De Leon, who was co-hosting GMA Network’s Discorama, invited the Sotto brothers to join the show. Only Tito and Vic accepted, leading to the formation of the legendary comedy trio TVJ. They became famous for performing comedy newscast segments and parodies of Top 40 songs.
Eat Bulaga!
In 1979, the trio launched the noontime show Eat Bulaga! on Radio Philippines Network (RPN). Joey de Leon is credited with coining the show’s title. Despite stiff competition initially, the show rapidly gained top-rating status by 1980. De Leon and the Sotto brothers have remained the show’s pioneer hosts throughout its transitions across RPN, ABS-CBN, and GMA Network, and are still active in the Holy Week Dramas featured during the Lenten Season.
Solo Work and Songwriting
Aside from his work with TVJ, De Leon has had a successful career as a solo artist. He starred in the 1982 RPN sitcom Joey and Son and was launched as a solo comedian by Viva Films in the movie She-Man: Mistress of the Universe. He has appeared in numerous films, including the notable comedy Starzan.
De Leon is also a highly prolific songwriter. He wrote the majority of the lyrics for songs by VST & Co., contributed to some Cinderella songs, and co-wrote “Ilagay Mo Kid” with Mike Hanopol, performed by Hagibis. His songwriting credits also include “Ang Labo Mo” for Sharon Cuneta.
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See also: List of Famous Filipino Actors