‘Jaclyn Jose’s legacy as a versatile actress and her contributions to the world of cinema will forever be remembered. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of performances that have captivated audiences both locally and internationally.’
By Gay Ace Domingo
Renowned actress and Cannes Best Actress awardee, Jaclyn Jose, has tragically passed away at the age of 60.
Jose’s death was confirmed by PPL, the agency that manages her career. In their statement on Sunday, March 3, they expressed deep sorrow, saying, “It saddens us to inform everyone of the untimely passing of Miss Jaclyn Jose (real name Mary Jane Guck).
“More details will be shared as soon as they are available.
“The Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Miss Jaclyn Jose and for them to be allowed the respect and privacy to mourn her passing, and navigate these difficult times.”
Born Mary Jane Guck on October 21, 1963, in Angeles City, Pampanga, Jaclyn Jose rose to prominence through her remarkable performances in various films. She began her illustrious acting career starring in movies alongside notable industry icons such as Brillante Mendoza, Chito S. Roño, and Lino Brocka.
Jaclyn Jose’s legacy as a versatile actress and her contributions to the world of cinema will forever be remembered. She leaves behind a rich tapestry of performances that have captivated audiences both locally and internationally.
To think the young Jaclyn did not want to enter show business; she saw that world through her older sister, actress Lorraine McCollum (screen name Veronica Jones), who found showbiz too glamorous. Then Jaclyn’s mother entered her in the search for new actresses to help augment the family income. “Siyempre ayoko. Gusto ko mag-aral,” Jaclyn told Ogie Diaz in an interview in 2021 for the latter’s YouTube channel.
The dutiful daughter bowed to her mother’s wish, but she did not give her best in the auditions. “So nagpapatalo ako. Hindi ako umaarte,” Jaclyn revealed to Ogie. “‘Yung judges, si (screenwriter) Armando Lao, (talent manager) Ed Instrella, gusto pala low key, non-acting!”
At the age of 20, Jaclyn (whose real name is Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck) was launched in the 1984 film “Chicas” together with Karla Kalua, Tanya Gomez, Rachel Anne Wolfe, and Lovely Rivero. This would pave the way for a long career in TV and movies for Jaclyn; an impressive body of work highlighted by numerous awards and great acceptance and respect from the industry that, at first, she avoided.
In the same interview with Ogie, Jaclyn said she developed a love for portraying different characters. “Gusto kong i-present sa society itong taong ito, itong pelikulang ito. Na-attach na ako sa filmmaking. As I went on acting, mas nag-e-enjoy na ako,” she explained.
Jaclyn’s career in showbiz started when bold movies were in vogue. In spite of being assigned sexy roles, she immediately established herself as a legit actress. She got recognitions for her early films – one of the most notable was director Chito Roño’s “Itanong Mo sa Buwan” where she won an Urian Best Actress award from the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino.
Jaclyn was thankful that distinguished directors such as National Artist for Cinema Lino Brocka, Carlitos Siguion-Reyna, Joel Lamangan and Chito Roño handpicked her for their projects. “Alam kong these people are the best of the best,” she told Ogie.
From the 1980s to the 1990s to the 2000s and beyond, Jaclyn kept making movies. Her work on TV was also constant as she was often cast in teleseryes, afternoon soap operas, and drama anthologies. She was able to share her talent, help her family by being the breadwinner, and raise her children Andi (daughter with actor Mark Gil) and Gwen (son with musician Kenneth Ilagan) as a single mom.
Jaclyn would enjoy a revitalized career when she was hailed as the Cannes International Film Festival 2016 Best Actress, for portraying a drug pusher in Brillante Mendoza’s gritty drama “Ma’ Rosa.” She was the first Filipina to receive the very prestigious recognition.
Jaclyn was shocked but so happy when her name was announced as the winner. “I am so surprised. I just went here to have a red carpet walk with my daughter, my real-life daughter and my daughter in the film… Thank you, director Brillante Mendoza. I was just following whatever he was saying,” Jaclyn said on stage during her thank you-speech.
At the press conference after the awards night, the Cannes jury members elaborated on why they chose Jaclyn. French director and screenwriter Arnaud Desplechin declared, “She’s the film. Have you seen the performance she gave? She broke my heart.”
Iranian film producer Katayoon Shahabi added, “Everybody’s heart actually.”
“Hunger Games” actor Donald Sutherland cited his favorite scene of Jaclyn’s. “At the end… that vision she has and her reaction to it while she was eating those four white balls.”
Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen summed up, “We found her to be a wonderful, wonderful leading actress, a master of her skills… It was an absolute beautiful performance for a lead actress. That’s why she got it.”
Jaclyn always gave her all to every character she played, whether she was the lead or the support. She would research and also interview the real person that her role is based on.
She would go the extra mile to give a credible performance, like the time Jaclyn worked with a language tutor to learn Bisaya for her role in the comedy “Patay Na si Hesus.”
After her win in Cannes, Jaclyn guested on the “Inside the Cinema” talk show of Boy Abunda where the host asked her about her “no acting” acting style.
“I really want it that way,” Jaclyn explained. “Para mas tagos (rather than) malikot at magalaw. Gusto ko malalim na performance.”
Boy then asked the actress if she had encountered any director who wanted her to let it all out, to be more emotional in a scene.
Jaclyn replied she wouldn’t do it because that is not how it is in real life. “I will object. I will do it (the scene) the way I want. I’ve seen a lot. Just watch the news. Nandoon ang lahat ng (dramatic) highlights,” she underscored.
Natural. True to herself. A genuine person and artist. On screen and in real life, Mary Jane Guck a.k.a. Jaclyn Jose always kept it real.