Back in the day when free Internet porn was but a dream, "bold stars" were our only hope for "adult entertainment." Goddesses in the 1980s, they were the reason men lined up in cinemas and young boys held secret Betamax sessions in order to, er, appreciate their beauty. These women were worshiped (as well as tragically objectified) by their fans. A few of them transformed themselves into serious actresses--but others never got past the "bold star" label. SPOT.ph lists 10 bold stars who reigned in the 80s.
In the hope of shedding her bold star tag, Stella Strada showed off her acting chops in her last film Puri, where she played twins.
1. STELLA STRADA
Bombshell stats: Her real name was Suzette Bishop. In 1983, she became Seiko Films' prized sexpot when she starred in Kirot (1983). As the film outfit's contract star, she went on to star in similar movies like Angkinin Mo Ako, Hanguin Mo Ako sa Putik, and Sex Education. Her Amerasian features and flawless body guaranteed her success as a celluloid siren.
Life after skin flicks: After her string of bold films, she became a born-again Christian. She wanted to be a serious actress. But when no movie offers came her way, she reportedly got depressed and was rumored to have resorted to drugs. In December 28, 1984, she committed suicide by hanging herself in her San Juan apartment. Her alleged confidant, Rene Mas, also committed suicide with her. According to a Times Journal article, she had written a suicide note: "Mommy, walang nagmamahal sa akin at walang nakakaintindi dito. Mahal ko kayong lahat. Isang bagay lang ang hinihiling ko. Pakisunog ninyo lahat ng gamit ko at walang ititira." She was only in her early 20's when she took her own life. Ironically, she was given a posthumous FAMAS nomination for her last film, Puri.
Jacklyn Jose didn't really need to bare flesh in order to steal scenes.
2. JACKLYN JOSE
Bombshell stats: Mary Jane Guck in real life, she was in college when she got into the movies. She was tagged as a bold star when she starred in White Slavery, a 1985 flick directed by Lino Brocka and written by Ricky Lee. She stood out from the pack because her body of work consisted of flesh flicks that had social relevance such as Private Show (about live sex performers) and Flesh Avenue (about the vicious cycle of prostitution). Her girlish figure and penetrating eyes were her trademarks.
Life after skin flicks: To her advantage, she's always been one smart cookie. It goes without saying that she's also a very talented actress. She got rid of the bold star tag by taking on roles in movies that strengthened and showed off her acting skills such as Itanong Mo sa Buwan (1988), which was directed by Chito Rono. She has won numerous acting awards and is a sought after character actress. Her latest TV stint was in ABS-CBN's Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo.
