Gloria Romero

Romero began her film career at the age of sixteen in 1950. She initially worked as an extra in a number of films before landing her first major film role in Madame X (1952). She received critical recognition for her portrayal of a spirited tobacco-smoking maiden in Dalagang Ilocana (1954). Since then, she rose to popularity with leading roles in romantic comedies, remakes of pre-war musical films, and adaptations of comics serials. Outside of film, her stage work was limited to portraying the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Lenten play Martir sa Golgota, a role she performed annually from 1954 to 1956. From mid 1950s to 1960s, Romero was a major box-office draw across Asia and later expanded to modeling. She worked closely with Ramon Valera as one of her muse and was one of the original Karilagan models that represented Philippine couture in domestic and international high profile runway events. She was noted for shifting the social standing of actors by bridging the gap between the film industry and high society. Romero eventually parted ways with Sampaguita Pictures and explored complex roles, playing more mature, darker, and morally ambiguous characters. While she continued appearing in films, she ventured into television in the late 1980s, a period where she also experienced critical resurgence, winning major competitive acting accolades for the first time in over thirty years for her roles in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987) and Nagbabagang Luha (1988). Romero gained newfound success in the latter part of her career with Tanging Yaman (2000) and Bahay ni Lola (2001), the highest grossing films of the 2000 and 2001 Metro Manila Film Festivals. She won a Gawad Urian for her role in Magnifico (2003) and starred in her final film Rainbow's Sunset (2018). Romero has received numerous honorary accolades, including the Pama-As Gintong Bai Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2005, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board in 2009, and Film Development Council of the Philippines in 2024. She was honored with a commemorative stamp in 2022 issued by the Philippine Post Office and was posthumously conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2025.

• Name — Gloria Romero • Birth Name — Gloria Anne Borrego Galla • Born — 16 December 1933 • Birthplace — Denver, Colorado, U.S. • Died — 25 January 2025 • Place of death — Quezon City, Philippines • Occupation — * Actress • model • Years Active — 1949–2025 • Works — Full list • Children — Maritess Gutierrez • Relatives — Chris Gutierrez (grandson) • Awards — Full list • Resting Place — Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Crypt, Quezon City • Honors — * Presidential Merit Award Gloria Romero (lang; born Gloria Anne Borrego Galla; December 16, 1933 – January 25, 2025) was an American-born Filipino actress. Regarded as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema", she has appeared in more than 300 film and television productions throughout her career that spanned seven decades. She was Philippines' highest paid and biggest box-office movie star during the Golden Age of Philippine cinema. Romero began her film career at the age of sixteen in 1950. She initially worked as an extra in a number of films before landing her first major film role in Madame X (1952). She received critical recognition for her portrayal of a spirited tobacco-smoking maiden in Dalagang Ilocana (1954). Since then, she rose to popularity with leading roles in romantic comedies, remakes of pre-war musical films, and adaptations of comics serials. Outside of film, her stage work was limited to portraying the Blessed Virgin Mary in the Lenten play Martir sa Golgota, a role she performed annually from 1954 to 1956. From mid 1950s to 1960s, Romero was a major box-office draw across Asia and later expanded to modeling. She worked closely with Ramon Valera as one of her muse and was one of the original Karilagan models that represented Philippine couture in domestic and international high profile runway events. She was noted for shifting the social standing of actors by bridging the gap between the film industry and high society. Romero eventually parted ways with Sampaguita Pictures and explored complex roles, playing more mature, darker, and morally ambiguous characters. While she continued appearing in films, she ventured into television in the late 1980s, a period where she also experienced critical resurgence, winning major competitive acting accolades for the first time in over thirty years for her roles in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987) and Nagbabagang Luha (1988). Romero gained newfound success in the latter part of her career with Tanging Yaman (2000) and Bahay ni Lola (2001), the highest grossing films of the 2000 and 2001 Metro Manila Film Festivals. She won a Gawad Urian for her role in Magnifico (2003) and starred in her final film Rainbow's Sunset (2018). Romero has received numerous honorary accolades, including the Pama-As Gintong Bai Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2005, Lifetime Achievement Awards from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board in 2009, and Film Development Council of the Philippines in 2024. She was honored with a commemorative stamp in 2022 issued by the Philippine Post Office and was posthumously conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2025.

Gloria Romero was born as Gloria Anne Borrego Galla on December 16, 1933, in Denver, Colorado, to Pedro Galla and Mary Borrego. Her father was a Filipino who went to the United States to pursue his education. There he met Mary, an American of Spanish descent. In 1937, they went to the Philippines to visit Pedro's parents in Mabini, Pangasinan. The family's plan of returning to Denver was always postponed, and the supposed vacation was extended. When World War II broke out, the Gallas were trapped in the Philippines. During the war, they learned how to farm. In 1943, Japanese soldiers arrested and interrogated Romero's mother. Days before the war ended, her mother died after falling down the stairs inside their residence. Gloria's father decided that the family would stay in the Philippines for good. Romero's three siblings became successful as they reached adulthood; the eldest sibling Louise became a nurse, her brother Tito Galla (1935–1979) became a popular actor, and the youngest, Gilbert, was a US-based doctor. Romero attended Mabini Elementary School and Riverview High School, also in Mabini. She did not finish her studies in high school.

• Illustration — Romero with Dolphy in the 1954 film Dalagang Ilocana At age 11, Romero started aspiring to become an actress. After she left school, her family moved to Manila and with her father's consent, tried her luck in show business. She first appeared as an extra in the 1949 film Ang Bahay sa Lumang Gulod, as well as in two other films under Premiere Productions, Prinsipe Don Juan (1951) and Bahay na Tisa (1951). She was eventually dismissed from the film production company and transferred to Sampaguita Pictures with the help of her distant uncle, Nario Rosales, who was the studio's chief editor. She appeared in more films as an extra in Kasintahan sa Pangarap (1951), Bernardo Carpio (1951), Barbaro (1952), Dugong Bughaw (1951) and Prinsesa at Pulubi (1950). After playing several other minor roles Romero finally bagged her first supporting role in Madame X (1952) and as lead actress in the film Palasig opposite Cesar Ramirez. After her breakthrough role in Monghita (1952) opposite Oscar Moreno she started to gain a massive following. In 1953, she starred in another blockbuster film Cofradia opposite Ramon Revilla. Her films also launched the careers for actors such as Lolita Rodriguez, Ric Rodrigo and Luis Gonzales for the films Pilya (1954) and Despachadora (1955). She received her first acting award in 1954 at the FAMAS Awards as Best Actress for the film Dalagang Ilocana. It was the first time an actress from a comedy film won the award and also starred in another blockbuster film Kurdapya later that year.

By 1957, Romero has already starred in over twenty four films that became blockbusters in the Philippines and in several parts of Asia. According to Graphic Kislap Magazine, her films occupied the top three positions of the highest-grossing films of 1957. Sino Ang May Sala placed at No. 1 with earnings of, Hongkong Holiday placed at No. 2 with while Paru-Parong Bukid secured the third spot with total earnings of at the box-office. In September 1960, Romero and Juancho Gutierrez were married at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati, Rizal. Dubbed the "Wedding of the Year", the event was covered all over radio and leading newspapers and magazines in the country. Romero also became a bankable commercial model and was one of the pioneering endorsers of Coca-Cola in the Philippines. She was the second personality (after Douglas MacArthur) after the war to endorse the soft drink brand. Among the other consumer products she endorsed were Talon Zipper, DariCreme, Sanka, Swans Down cake flour, Calumet baking powder, Camay and Gloco beauty soaps, Johnsons Medicated Talcum powder, Del Monte banana catsup, Silver Swan soy sauce and Lola Remedios. In 1965, Romero appeared in five productions. She portrayed the former First Lady of the Philippines Imelda Marcos in the biographical film Iginuhit ng Tadhana. The film was a success at the box-office and received a special recognition from the Asian Film Festival. Romero revealed in an interview that they were only allowed to shoot at the Malacañang Palace "after office hours at 6 p.m. and wind up at 6 a.m. the next day". For her performance, she received a nomination for Best Actress at the 14th FAMAS Awards.

Romero considered her 1984 film Condemned with Nora Aunor a turning point in her career. Her portrayal earned her a Best Supporting Actress nomination at the FAMAS Awards. In 1987, she played an unfaithful wife in the film Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?. for which she won a Star Award for Best Supporting Actress. The following year, she was cast in Ishmael Bernal's Nagbabagang Luha. Her performance was met with praise from the critics, winning her a second FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress. Romero also ventured television in the late 1980s. One of her earliest television shows was the ABS-CBN sitcom Palibhasa Lalake. The program consistently performed well in ratings and earned her a Star Award for Best Comedy Actress. In 1989, Romero appeared in another Nora Aunor vehicle, Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit. Her portrayal earned her another FAMAS Best Supporting Actress nomination. She continued acting in various films while taking roles in television. In 1990, she played the matriarch Octavia in the revenge drama Kapag Langit ang Humatol. In 1996, she starred on the television series Familia Zaragoza. It was followed by the series Labs Ko si Babe (1999). The series was the first Filipino romantic-comedy drama in television and one of the longest-running shows of ABS-CBN.

In 1999, Romero was cast in the romantic comedy Dahil May Isang Ikaw and earned her a Young Critics Circle citation. The following year, she led an ensemble cast in the family drama Tanging Yaman which competed at the Metro Manila Film Festival. Her portrayal, of what Philippine Daily Inquirer contributor Lito Zulueta described as "credible" and "competent", drew rave reviews from critics and swept the awards season the following year. Commercially, the film became Romero's biggest commercial success with over 167 million and was the third all-time highest-grossing Star Cinema-produced film as of June 2003. Romero returned to the film festival the following year through the horror comedy Bahay ni Lola. Though the film received mixed reviews, it was a commercial success with box-office receipts exceeding 100 million and became the highest-grossing film of that years festival. Following its success, a spin-off Singsing ni Lola was released in 2002 with an increased production budget of a reported 40 million. The film performed moderately at the box-office, grossing 5 million on its first day. Also in 2002, she played a supporting role in the situational comedy OK Fine, 'To ang Gusto Nyo!. On February 4, 2003, Romero was announced as the image model for Ricky Reyes' hair salon chain and was the only septuagenarian with billboard advertisements placed all over EDSA. The same year, Romero was cast in the coming-of-age drama Magnifico. Produced for a reported 27 million, the film initially received favorable reviews and earned Romero the Gawad Urian and Luna Awards for Best Supporting Actress. The film was distributed in several international film festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival where it was awarded the Kinderfest Crystal Bear and Grand Jury Award. She next worked with filmmaker Gil Portes in the drama Beautiful Life in 2004, a film that tackled women from varied social classes. For her role, she earned her fifth Luna Award nomination. Romero's next roles were minor appearances in Moments of Love in 2006, Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! in 2007, and Paupahan the following year, the latter of which earned her a Star Award nomination. Fuchsia (2009) featured Romero with Eddie Garcia, whom she worked with many times, and Robert Arevalo. The film won her a Golden Screen Award for Best Actress and nomination for a Star Award for Movie Actress of the Year. Also in 2009, she reunited with Eddie Garcia and Dolphy in the comedy film Nobody, Nobody But... Juan. An official entry to the 35th Metro Manila Film Festival, it was one of the festival's least performing films at the box-office, grossing nearly 32 million. Romero began to appear in less films but remained active on television. She next played minor and supporting roles in May Bukas Pa (2009), Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo and Kokey at Ako (both in 2010), which were her last projects under ABS-CBN. Also in 2010, she appeared in Wenn V. Deramas' commercially successful remake of Petrang Kabayo.

• Illustration — Romero at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival Gabi ng Parangal After 24 years with ABS-CBN, she transferred to GMA Network and worked on her first show Munting Heredera (2011). The series drew high viewership, garnering 49.5% peak ratings in Mega Manila households and was extended for ten more weeks due to its success. In 2012, she was honored with an Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement at the 26th PMPC Star Awards for Television. In 2012 she played as Evil Señora Soledad Silvestre in Makapiling Kang Muli which making her first vicious role. The 78-year-old Movie Queen explains why she accepted the role: “Nagustuhan ko kaagad kasi ibang-iba siya from... other roles I did sa ibang mga drama series. I said yes kaagad kasi malaking challenge ito for me. Paano ko magagampanan ito sa edad ko ngayon? Ito ang mga gusto kong roles and I had a great time with the whole cast. Starring Richard Gutierrez, Sarah Lahbati, Carla Abellana, and Mark Anthony Fernandez. The following year, she starred alongside Heart Evangelista and Geoff Eigenmann in the series Forever. The series debuted with high viewership, attaining 15.3% ratings in Mega Manila households. In 2014, she was cast in the series Niño starring Miguel Tanfelix and David Remo. According to AGB Neilsen, the series attained 30.4% TV ratings on Mega Manila households. She also played supporting roles in several television series such as The Rich Man's Daughter (2015), Juan Happy Love Story (2016) also she cast two series in (2017) Meant to Be (2017) Kambal Karibal also in (2017) starring Kyline Alcantara, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix and Pauline Mendoza. In 2017, she played a supporting role as Rosa Batungbakal in the film Ang Panday starring Coco Martin. The same year, she top billed the drama fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, which would eventually become her last television show. Aired and produced by GMA Network, the series won numerous accolades throughout its run including three PMPC Star Awards for Television as "Best Horror/Fantasy Program". Following the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, Romero took a break from the series. She made a special appearance in 2022 for the fifth anniversary of the anthology series. In 2018, she starred with Eddie Garcia and Tony Mabesa in the family drama LGBT-themed film Rainbow's Sunset. It was an official entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival and grossed an estimated 50 million at the box-office. Romero's performance was also met with praise from critics and audiences, winning "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan and MMFF, including nominations at The EDDYS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies. In 2019, she was honored with the "Mga Natatanging Bituin ng Siglo" award at the PMPC Star Awards for Movies, recognizing her significant contributions to Philippine cinema. In celebration of her 90th birthday, Romero made her first public appearance at the Sampaguita Studios in Quezon City since the COVID pandemic. The event was attended by Barbara Perez, Celia Rodriguez, Helen Gamboa, Liza Lorena and Gina Alajar among others. Romero was bestowed a two-hour Manila Hotel tribute on February 28, 2024, organized by Daisy Romualdez, making it her final public appearance.

Romero was crowned Miss Visayas at the Boys Town Carnival in 1954, finishing as third runner-up to the Miss Philippines titleholder Maria Teresa Larrazabal. For her win, she received cash prize. During the pageant, she wore a creation designed by Ramon Valera. Although she was often encouraged to pursue pageantry further, Romero chose to prioritize her acting career with Sampaguita Pictures. From 1954 to 1956, Romero performed in the annual Lenten play Martir sa Golgota. Her casting as the Blessed Virgin Mary was recommended by the theater group Dramatic Philippines, a role that received formal approval from the Archbishop of Manila, Rufino Santos. The production premiered during Holy Week at the Manila Grand Opera House and was attended by high profile personalities, including Philippine President Ramon Magsaysay.

Romero was one of the original models of Karilagan International, founded by Conchita Sunico in the early 1960s. The production helped promote Philippine fashion globally and toured numerous cities in the United States. Standing at 5'6" and weighing 115 pounds, Romero was one of Ramon Valera's signature model and muse. She was handpicked by Valera for the Oka-Valera Collections fashion show in 1960, which was held at the Manila Hotel Fiesta Pavilion. According to columnist Danny Dolor, she was the most applauded at the event. Writing for Kislap Graphic, Ricardo Fermin stated that Ramon Valera "drafted Gloria into modelling, and is usually credited with having helped her acquire polish as a model." Fermin also added that Valera admired her for projecting the clothes first before herself and argued that among the movie stars, Romero was the "most in demand as a model." In 1962, Romero took part in the Seattle World's Fair where she was sent as one of the Philippine representatives. Cultural writer and socialite Bambi Harper, who also participated in the event, stated that Romero "was never a prima donna" and revealed that "she was a favorite among the organizers and the crowds. We were a big hit!". Following the exposition in Seattle, Romero modeled for Pitoy Moreno the following year in Karilagan '63, a month-long runway event held in several cities in the U.S., including Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco, San Diego and Los Angeles.

On September 24, 1960, Romero married fellow Sampaguita Pictures actor Juancho Gutierrez at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati. Romero's bridal gown was designed by National Artist for Fashion Ramón Valera. The entourage included the biggest stars of Sampaguita Pictures. The bridesmaids were Daisy Romualdez, Barbara Perez, Susan Roces and Amalia Fuentes. The wedding was covered by all the major newspapers and magazines and radios, headlined "Wedding of the Year". The couple had one daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, who tried acting briefly, and became a chef. Romero had a grandson, Chris Gutierrez, a former artist of Star Magic.

The couple separated after 12 years of marriage in 1972, and Gloria did not marry again. In 2000, Juancho suffered a diabetic stroke that left him paralysed and reunited him with his wife Gloria, who took care of him until Juancho's death on October 2, 2005.

Romero was considered one of the most beautiful actresses in Philippine cinema. Writing for Malaya Business Insight, Gay Ace Domingo wrote that her "mestiza features and tall frame became a standard of beauty during the 1950s to the 1960s." Entertainment writer Boy Villasanta described her as a "symbol of classic beauty in her time—pretty face, elusive, typical mestiza actress molded in Hollywood tradition of a star, magnetic personality, enigmatic character." Edu Jarque of Daily Tribune agreed that "She was a true class act, beloved not only for her beauty and talent, but also for her kindness, humility, and grace." Romero was often called the Grace Kelly of the Philippines by the media for her "sophisticated," "modest," "quiet and gentle gestures." Hairstylist Ricky Reyes, who has worked with Romero in beauty campaigns, believed that she "epitomizes great character, good values, everything that makes a woman beautiful not just physically but spiritually as well." Romero was also admired for her longevity and professionalism. Philippine Daily Inquirer contributor Nestor Torre Jr. described Romero as "a true lover of the film craft and complete professional", adding: "Gloria is an important beacon of abiding love and resolute hope for the current beleaguered Filipino movie industry... May we all learn to be as lovingly committed and passionate as she has been." Iza Calzado stated that she was inspired by how Romero was respected in the industry: "...When people talk about [Romero], they talk about how nice she is." Film producer Violetta Sevilla described her as a "role model of everything", adding that Romero's beauty and character made her a lifelong fan. Vilma Santos, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Lorna Tolentino, Cherry Pie Picache, Dingdong Dantes, Mylene Dizon, and Boy Abunda have either named her as a major influence or expressed admiration towards Romero. She was featured three times on Yes! magazine's annual list of 100 Most Beautiful Stars. Lifestyle Asia identified Romero as a pivotal figure who redefined the Filipino "It girl" by bridging the gap between exclusive high-society and broader media stardom. A model and fashion icon in her youth, Behn Cervantes of Philippine Daily Inquirer named her one of the most popular models in high society fashion shows while Amrie Cruz, contributor for women's lifetyle website Preen.ph, included her on their list of five most stylish actresses of the 1950s and wrote in part: "Romero built a reputation as one of the most beautiful faces during the golden age of Philippine cinema." Fashion editor Randz Manucom agreed that Romero's "wardrobe mirrored the glamour of Sampaguita Pictures’ golden era" and noted "her ability to adapt her style with each phase of her career."

Romero's most acclaimed and commercially successful films include Musikong Bumbong (1953), Cofradia (1953), Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Kurdapya (1954), Alaalang Banal (1958), Despatsadora (1955), Hongkong Holiday (1956), Sino Ang May Sala? (1957), Ikaw Ang Aking Buhay (1959), Iginuhit ng Tadhana (1965), Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973), Condemned (1984), Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987), Nagbabagang Luha (1988), Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989), Tanging Yaman (2000), Bahay Ni Lola (2001), I Think I'm in Love (2002), Magnifico (2003), Beautiful Life (2004), Fuchsia (2009), Tarima (2010), and Rainbow's Sunset (2018).

• Illustration — Romero's grave at the Mount Carmel Shrine columbarium in Quezon City • Illustration — Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. with Romero's daughter Maritess Gutierrez and grandson Chris Gutierrez, posthumously honoring Romero with the Presidential Medal of Merit at the Malacañan Palace. Romero died on January 25, 2025 in Quezon City, at the age of 91. She was rushed from her residence in New Manila, Quezon City to the nearby St. Luke's Medical Center by her daughter Maritess Gutierrez on December 31, 2024, after Romero refused to eat. After a 16-day hospitalization, she was discharged and monitored by a team of medical staff attending to her 24 hours. On January 22, 2025, her blood pressure dropped until her death at her home three days later. Her wake was held at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City. Her remains were cremated on January 29, 2025, and were placed in a columbarium next to her parents Pedro Galla and Mary Borrego-Galla at Mt. Carmel Shrine in Quezon City. Upon Romero's death, many people released statements honoring her including Philippine President Bongbong Marcos, who wrote in part: "I first met Gloria Romero on the set while filming Iginuhit ng Tadhana, and have been an admirer of her work as an actress ever since. She was always a great lady with the dignity of a true star," adding, "Not just a brilliant artist but a very fine person, the world of Filipino cinema and all of entertainment will never forget her." Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna declared a three-day mourning period in honor of Romero, who wrote: "Manila is grateful to Gloria Romero for having served as a guiding star of Filipino performing arts, culture, and family values." Her wake was attended by former Philippine President and actor Joseph Estrada. Media executive Charo Santos-Concio wrote: "Tita (Auntie in Filipino) Glo (unofficial nickname) had this remarkable way of making everyone around her feel valued and respected. She treated every role with the same reverence." On January 29, 2025, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed Senate Resolution No. 1290 in honor of Romero, stating that she "had a significant role in enriching Philippine cinema and culture". The House of Representatives also adopted House Resolution No. 2198, filed by Cavite representatives Lani Mercado, Jolo Revilla and Bryan Revilla, in commemoration of her life and legacy. The resolution stated: "Beyond her professional achievements, [Romero] was deeply admired for her warmth, humility, and kindness, leaving an indelible impression on her colleagues and serving as an inspiration to generations of Filipino artists". On February 3, 2025, The Senate of the Philippines filed the Resolution No. 1287 honoring the life and career of Romero. Senator Grace Poe, who sponsored the resolution, described her as a "cultural institution" for leaving "an indelible mark on our nation's cultural identity", and a "trailblazer" for helping "define the golden age of Philippine cinema" and reminding "us that genuine artistry is tireless and her sheer dedication serves as a model for all of us to emulate". On May 4, 2025, Romero was posthumously conferred with the Presidential Medal of Merit from President Bongbong Marcos for her services to the arts. Film Development Council of the Philippines chairperson Jose Javier Reyes believed that Romero should be considered for National Artist, saying, "[she] was more than just a symbol of Philippine movies, she represented an entire history." Google's 'Year in Search' report for the Philippines in 2025 listed Romero as the sixth most searched individual in the 'Farewells' category. On January 9, 2026, the British Film Institute (BFI), through its film magazine Sight and Sound, included Romero on their annual feature "In memoriam: obituaries of those who died in 2025" as a tribute and historical record of important film figures.

• Illustration — Romero, as depicted in a PhilPost commemorative post stamp The Manila Times have described Romero as an "iconic figure in Philippine film industry" and was one of the last surviving stars of the Golden Age of Philippine cinema. Entertainment journalist Bong Godinez noted that she left an "indelible mark on culture and the arts" while The Philippine Star contributor Nathalie Tomada identified her as a "pioneering and enduring force in the industry." In his book Huwaran/hulmahan Atbp, film writer Johven Velasco credited Romero for "breaking the social barrier" that excluded movie stars from upward mobility in high society. During the 1950s to 1960s, societal attitudes toward actors, especially actresses, were often dismissive and were seen as entertainers from a lower social stratum. Also writing for The Philippine Star, Jerry Donato agreed that "her life and times as a showbiz icon have laid out what one could consider a foundation or a blueprint on leading and living a legendary and successful career path." Dubbed the "Queen of Philippine cinema", Romero is often named among the greatest Filipino actresses of all time. Film director Laurice Guillen agreed in 2001 that "she is at par with some of the world's best actresses... but is seldom notice because her style is light and restrained." Behn Cervantes, a journalist for Philippine Daily Inquirer, wrote that she was an "underrated dramatic actress" and credited her for setting high standards in acting, noting that she "would quietly listen and deliver her lines with ease and surprising depth." Film writer Nestor Torre Jr. praised her performance in Tanging Yaman (2000), stating that "only an actress of Gloria's experience, sensitivity and age could have come up to the role's rigorous demands". While lauded for her achievements in her later years, Romero was snubbed by award-giving bodies for a long time. After winning her first acting award for Dalagang Ilocana in 1955, her next victory took over 34 years when she won for Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? in 1987. Romero has often been named the Philippines' "greatest" and "longest reigning" movie queen. The biggest box office star of the 1950s, her films were blockbusters at the Philippine box-office and across Asia. In 1957, Romero was named the highest-paid Filipino actress with annual earnings of $45,000 the year prior. Film director and chairperson of Film Development Council of the Philippines Jose Javier Reyes commented that "there is absolutely no better way of defining the Filipino movie queen than Gloria Romero... [she] has become the epitome not only of professionalism but everything that Filipino cinema was before in the past decades." Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News notes her "powerful screen presence" in the 2018 family drama Rainbow's Sunset, stating that "a mere sad look or crack in her voice could already make tears well in my eyes... Anne Curtis and Kim Chiu still have miles to go to even hope to reach Romero's level of acting for the big screen." Romero's other films such as Bahay ni Lola (2001) placed second on When In Manilas list of the "10 Most Unforgettable Pinoy Horror Films". Spot PH included her scene with Nora Aunor in Condemned (1984) on their list of the "Top 10 Most Epic Dramatic Showdowns in Pinoy Movies".

Romero received numerous accolades for her acting work. At age 85, she became the oldest woman to win Best Actress at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival. She has won three FAMAS Awards in the competitive categories: Best Actress for Dalagang Ilocana (1954) and Tanging Yaman (2000); and Best Supporting Actress for Nagbabagang Luha (1988). She has also won two competitive Gawad Urian Awards for Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Best Supporting Actress for Magnifico (2003), as well as three competitive Metro Manila Film Festival Awards: Best Actress for Tanging Yaman (2000) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018); and Best Supporting Actress for I Think I'm in Love (2002). Romero was the recipient of three Luna Awards from the Film Academy of the Philippines in the competitive categories, winning Best Actress for Tanging Yaman, Best Supporting Actress for Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? and Magnifico. She has also won two competitive PMPC Star Awards for Movies for Best Supporting Actress for her roles in Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig? (1987) and Tarima (2010). For her performance in the sitcom Palibhasa Lalake (1987), she won Best Comedy Actress at the PMPC Star Awards for Television. She also received international recognition for her performance in Rainbow's Sunset, winning an International Film Festival Manhattan Award for Best Ensemble Acting.

Romero was posthumously conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit in 2025 by Philippine president Bongbong Marcos. In 2005, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts presented her the Pama-As Gintong Bai Award for her contributions to Philippine cinema. In 2009, Romero became the first recipient of Movie and Television Review and Classification Board's Lifetime Achievement Award. The Film Development Council of the Philippines have also awarded her the Ilaw ng Industriya Award in 2021 and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024 "for serving as a veritable matriarch to the film industry and as a beacon of professional artistry and sublime inspiration to generations of film actors." In 2022, the Philippine Postal Corporation issued a commemorative stamp featuring Romero as part of the "Living Legends: Outstanding Filipinos" series. Numerous award-giving bodies have awarded Romero a Lifetime Achievement Award, including Cinemanila International Film Festival in 2001, Luna Awards in 2002, FAMAS and Gawad Urian in 2004, and Star Awards for Television in 2008. Other special accolades include the Star Awards for Movies Ulirang Artista Award in 1995 and Outstanding Star of the Century Award in 2019, the FAMAS Huwarang Bituin Award in 2009 and Iconic Movie Queen of Philippine cinema in 2015, the Golden Screen Award for Movie Icon of Our Time Award, the Golden Jury for All-time Favorite Actress in 2019 and the posthumous Entertainment Icon Award from the Box Office Entertainment Awards. She was inducted into the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2005.