Max Alvarado

Max Alvarado (born Gavino Maximo Teodosio; 19 February 1929 – 6 April 1997) was a legendary Filipino film actor best known as one of Philippine cinema's most iconic villains (kontrabidas). Spanning six decades and hundreds of films, his career earned him the moniker "The King of Philippine Movie Badmen," though he was equally respected for his versatility in comedic and dramatic roles.

Born in Manila to Gonzalo Teodosio and Maria Maximo, he was affectionately known by friends and colleagues under nicknames like "Maximo Pompling". Before entering the entertainment industry, Alvarado had a rough upbringing as a member of street gangs. He also worked various jobs as an itinerant manual labourer and jeepney driver.

Alvarado entered the movie industry in 1948 with a bit role in the film Halik Sa Bandila. He quickly became a staple villain for major studios such as Premiere Productions, Larry Santiago Productions, and People's Pictures. He first gained critical acclaim in 1952 for his performance in Gerry de Leon's Ang Sawa Sa Lumang Simboryo. Throughout his career, he frequently played the primary antagonist opposite action legend Fernando Poe Jr, most notably portraying the evil Lizardo in the fantasy-action classic Ang Panday (1980).

Despite his rugged appearance making him a natural fit for heavy roles, Alvarado broke typecasting starting in 1967 with Alyas Chain Gang, where he took on leading and romantic roles. He also showcased comedic timing alongside action stars like Weng Weng in D'Wild Wild Weng (1982) and portrayed gay characters, such as in the 1978 film Gorgonia. In the final years of his life, he remained a familiar face to Filipino audiences as a commercial spokesperson for Maxx candy, a brand sharing his screen name.

Alvarado received five FAMAS Best Supporting Actor nominations over his career and won the trophy in 1971 for Ang Kampana Ng Sta. Quiteria. He was also nominated for FAMAS Best Actor in 1968 for Tatak Sakramentos. In 1971, he won a trophy at the 2nd Quezon City Film Festival for his work in Alyas Bagsik.

He was married to Ester Hugo until his passing, and together they had seven children. Max Alvarado died of cardiac arrest on 6 April 1997 in Metro Manila at the age of 68. He was laid to rest at the Manila North Cemetery.

As goon-for-hire Damazol in Contra Senas (dir. Eddie Garcia, 1965) 

As Destruction Unlimited's mercenary leader Darmo Durango in Sabotage (dir. Eddie Garcia, 1966)

In The Samurai Fighters (dir. "Junar"/Jun Aristorenas, 1969)

In Cobra At Lawin/Spirit Of The Dragon (dir. Danilo Cabreira, 1973)

Uncredited as a Syndicate assassin in T.N.T. Jackson (dir. Cirio H. Santiago, 1974)

As Max in The Game Of Death! (dir. Jun Gallardo, 1974)

As Tito Tango, one of the vicious Tango Brothers, in Da Best In Da West (dir. Romy Villaflor, 1981)

As Columbus in For Y'ur Height Only (dir. Eddie Nicart, 1981)

As one of the members of Fat Hagibis in Legs...Katawan...Babae! (dir. Tony Ferrer, 1981)

As the mute Lupo in D'Wild Wild Weng (dir. Eddie Nicart, 1982) 

As a bank robber in Bilang Na Ang Oras Mo/Revenge For Justice (dir. Manuel "Fyke" Cinco, 1985)

In Hari Ng Gatilyo/Blasting Bullets (dir. Eddie Nicart, 1985)