William Pineda Martinez (born May 31, 1966) is a Filipino actor who belongs to the first batch of Regal babies whose movie career was launched in the early 1980s. He initially starred in drama films, Manila by Night (1980), Bilibid Boys (1981), Tambay sa Disco (1980) until his studio paired him with Maricel Soriano in Oh My Mama (1981) and the result was a box-office success. Their tandem spawned many hits for Regal Films, mostly comedy movies that defined and cemented their Taray and Kulit loveteam. In 1984, William was given a title role in the 10th Metro Manila Film Festival with the thriller, Alapaap as a drug-crazed writer. He got best actor nominations from award-giving bodies the following year. He is also known for his role as Ton-Ton in Bagets & Bagets 2.
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Early life
William Pineda Martinez was born in Manila on May 31, 1966, to Bert Martinez, a Filipino Mestizo, and Margarita Pineda. He is of Spanish and Filipino descent. As a young boy, William was known to have memorized commercials on television and had dreams of being an actor someday. William started as a commercial model for "Close-Up" toothpaste in 1979 and was discovered by late Talent Manager Douglas Quijano, after which he became a permanent artist under Regal Films which skyrocketed his career as the "Pambansang Pabling" or the ultimate 80's matinee idol.
Personal life
He was married to Bagets co-star Yayo Aguila from 1985 to 2010. In November 2010, he had a stroke. He is the son of Bert Martinez and Margarita Martinez, the brother of Albert Martinez, Ronnie Martinez, and Bernadette Martinez-Lim.
On June 28, 1987, Martinez was arrested in Antipolo for the illegal possession of cannabis and two traffic violations.
Filmography
Film
Manila by Night (1980) – Alex
Tambay sa Disco (1980)
Problem Child (1980)
Summer Love (1981)
Carnival Queen (1981)
Pabling (1981) – Berto
Boystown (1981) – Arnel
Oh, My Mama (1981)
Bihagin: Bilibid Boys (1981) – Luga
Bilibid Gays (1981) – Luga
Hindi Kita Malimot (1982) – Edwin
Galawgaw (1982) – Truman
Summer Holiday (1982)
Ito Ba ang Ating Mga Anak (1982)
No Other Love (1982)
Story of Three Loves (1982) – Brando
Mother Dear (1982) – Ake
Forgive and Forget (1982) – Dennis
I Love You, I Hate You (1983) – Bitoy
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! (1982)
D'Godson (1983)
Parang Kailan Lang (1983)
To Mama with Love (1983) – Dodjie/Menandro
Minsan, May Isang Ina (1983)
Television
Lovingly Yours, Helen
Clubhouse 9
Young Love, Sweet Love
Ang Tabi Kong Mamaw
Dr. Potpot & the Satellite Kid
Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang
GMA Telecine Specials
GMA True Stories
Boracay
Ready Na Direk
Doon Po sa Amin
Spotlight
Mikee
GMA Love Stories
Maalaala Mo Kaya
Love Notes (1993–1998)
Noli Me Tángere (1993)
Tondominium (1994–1995)
Mara Clara (1996–1997) - replaced Eruel Tongco who died in 1996
1896 (1996)
Haybol Rambol
G-mik
Maynila
Ang Mahiwagang Baul
Love to Love
I Luv NY
Magpakailanman
Moomoo & Me (2009–2010)