Biography
Who is Iza Calzado?
Early life and education
Iza Calzado was born Maria Izadora Ussher Calzado in Quezon City, Philippines. Her parents named her after the American dancer Isadora Duncan. Her father, Lito Calzado, worked as a choreographer and actor, while her mother was named Maria Antonia Ussher. She also has an older brother, Dash Calzado, who was a member of the 1990s rap group Legit Misfitz. Her mother passed away in 2001 after struggling with bipolar disorder.
For her primary education, she attended the School of the Holy Spirit. She completed her high school studies at Miriam College. She later pursued higher education at the University of Santo Tomas, where she earned an undergraduate degree in fine arts.
Professional beginnings
Iza Calzado began her career as a child actress. She played small roles in two films, including Lino Brocka's 1990 production Kung Tapos Na Ang Kailanman. Following this early experience, she took a long break from the entertainment industry. She returned to show business in the early 2000s by working in commercials.
Her first supporting role in a soap opera was in the 2002 series Kung Mawawala Ka. This performance led to her first leading role in the romantic drama Te Amo, Maging Sino Ka Man in 2004. That same year, she appeared in four films, including the romantic drama Milan. She also acted in the psychological drama Sabel and the romantic comedy Annie B. Her role in the supernatural horror film Sigaw earned her a Gawad Urian Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Breakthrough and television success
The year 2005 was a significant period for her career. She served as a host for the morning show 3R and the public affairs program At Your Service: Star Power. She also secured her breakthrough role as Amihan in the fantasy action series Encantadia. This show became a major success for the GMA Network. She later reprised the role of Amihan in the series Etheria and again in the third installment, Encantadia: Pag-Ibig Hanggang Wakas.
She appeared in numerous television dramas over the following years. Her credits include Impostora in 2007, All About Eve in 2009, Beauty Queen in 2010, Hawak Kamay in 2014, A Love to Last in 2017, and Ang sa Iyo Ay Akin in 2020. These projects secured her status as a leading actress in the Philippine television scene.
Film career and awards
Iza Calzado has maintained a consistent presence in Filipino cinema. She starred in commercially successful films such as Moments of Love in 2006, the horror film Ouija in 2007, Starting Over Again in 2014, and Etiquette for Mistresses in 2015. Critics also praised her performances in Dukot, Mga Mumunting Lihim, Haunted Mansion, Bliss, and Culion.
Her work has earned her recognition from several award bodies. She holds an Osaka Asian Film Festival Award, an Asian Television Award, a Gawad Urian, and a Luna Award. Also, she has won three Metro Manila Film Festival Awards and received five nominations for FAMAS Awards. Outside of acting, she served as a jury member at the 4th Hanoi International Film Festival in Vietnam and was a committee member at the Cinemanila International Film Festival in 2010.
Birthday and age
Iza Calzado was born on August 12, 1982, which makes Iza 44 years old today. That birthday falls under the Leo sign. Iza shares the date with 59 other famous people.
Explore more
