Filipino actor, comedian and host
Paolo Ballesteros |
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 Ballesteros in 2012 |
| Born | Paolo Elito M. Ballesteros IV
(1982-11-29) November 29, 1982 (age 41)
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| Other names | Pao, Pochoy, P4 |
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| Occupation(s) | Actor, TV host, Model, Comedian, Product Endorser |
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| Years active | 2001–present |
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| Children | 1 |
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| Relatives | Eula Valdez (aunt)[1]
Fernando Amorsolo (great-grandfather)[2]
Sylvia Amorsolo-Lazo (grandaunt)
Pablo Amorsolo (great-granduncle) |
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Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV (born November 29, 1982) is a Filipino actor, comedian and drag queen. He has appeared in films and several TV shows, and he is currently one of the co-hosts of longtime noontime show Eat Bulaga! from 2001 until today, as well he is also the host of Drag Race Philippines.
Career
In March of 2016, Ballesteros was reportedly suspended from Eat Bulaga! for six months, in light of several rants which he posted on his Facebook account; in the post, he discussed his personal grievances with the live-show setup, organization, and filming process, in addition to the food and catering.[3] During his six-month suspension period, Ballesteros took on two roles in two different movies, Die Beautiful and Bakit Lahat ng Gwapo may Boyfriend? and, eventually, returned to Eat Bulaga! on September 5, 2016.[4] He won his first international 'Best Actor' nomination, for his role in Die Beautiful, at the 29th Annual Tokyo International Film Festival.
In 2022, he was chosen to be the host of Drag Race Philippines along with recurring judges, Jiggly Caliente and Kaladkaren Davila.[5]
Impersonation and makeup transformation
Ballesteros is renowned for his various impersonation of female and male artists and has earned international acclaim for his makeup skills.[6] He has posted pictures of his numerous makeup transformations through his Instagram account, transforming himself into Hollywood celebrities,[7] as well as local artists.[8]
For the 2016 Tokyo International Film Festival he impersonated two female celebrities, the first being Angelina Jolie (calling himself "Angelina Magdangal", a play on Filipina actress Jolina Magdangal) during the red carpet and opening ceremony, in an Emerald Modern Filipiniana Fishtail black velvet terno gown, with typical squared sleeves, black opera gloves and black high heels.[9] On the awards night and following press conference he emulated Julia Roberts, wearing a gold sequin dress with white high heels and white opera gloves.[10]
Personal life
Paolo Elito Macapagal Ballesteros IV is related to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo, who is his great-grandfather, and fellow celebrity Eula Valdez, who is his aunt.[11]
He was romantically involved with Katrina Nevada, with whom he has a daughter, Keira Claire.[12]
In August 2019, during a press conference for the film The Panti Sisters, Ballesteros came out as gay after years of speculation on his gender identity.[13][14]
