SHIRLEY GOROSPE-ZALDY ZSHORNACK LOVE TEAM

Outside the Kulambo (1960)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Amado Cortez, Marichu Llora and Chiquito/ Directed by Larry Santiago

Shirley Gorospe was only 17 years old when she was crowned as “Miss Philippines of USA” during the celebration of Independence Day by the Filipino community in Los Angeles, California. That was in 1956. The title changed the whole course of her life as one of the prizes was an all-expense paid trip to the Philippines. While in Manila, she met Zaldy Zshornack, a popular movie star during that time, during basketball games (in Malacañang ground and at Ateneo), after which they met and dated regularly. Zaldy was the first man to come to Shirley’s life. It was during that time that producer Cirio H. Santago asked her if she wanted to appear in the movies. She thought that he was only kidding so she said she would like to but only if the picture was to be shot in the United States. Zaldy was able to persuade Cirio and their first movie, Sweethearts (1957) was shot partly in the United States and the hitch in the movie was that they had to finish it in the Philippines. The movie was an instant hit. This was followed by Shirley, My Darling (1958), You’re My Everything (1958) and Obra Maestra (1958). They were eventually married January 29, 1958 in a civil wedding, with good friend, FPJ as one of the witnesses. A church wedding followed months after. They went on to do more movies up to the 60s and 70s, with Zaldy reaping acting honors in such movies as Batingaw (1972), Hindi na Sisikat ang Araw (1972), and Nueva Viscaya (1973). They later migrated to the United States in the late 70s. They stayed there for quite sometime until they decided to return to the country in April 1990. In November 2002, Zaldy died of cardiac arrest at the Asian Hospital as a result of his long battle with diabetes. His death saw the passing away not only of a matinee idol, but also of one of the most versatile actors ever produced by local cinema.

More on Zaldy Zshornack

Obra Maestra (1958)- 4 Episodes

Pitong Gatang (1959)- Stars Fernando Poe, Jr., Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe and Leonor Vergara/ Directed by Efren Reyes

Ang Kanyang Kamahalan (1959)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Ronald Remy, Lily Marquez/ Directed by Ramon Estella

Hongkong Honeymoon (1960)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Chiquito, Carol Varga, Celia Rodriguez/ Directed by Ramon Estella

Basta Pinoy (1960)- Stars Efren Reyes, Zaldy Zshornack, Lani Oteyza, Eddie Mesa and Shirley Gorospe/ Directed by Efren Reyes



Fil-American Girl (1963)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Lopito, Ramon D'Salva, Adorable Liwanag/ Directed by Artemio Marquez

7 Gabi sa Hongkong (1966)- Stars Gloria Romero, Shirley Gorospe, Juancho Gutierrez, Tito Galla abd Zaldy Zshornack/ Directed by Cesar Amigo

P.S. I Love You (1967)- Stars Zaldy Zshornack, Shirley Gorospe, Bobby Gonzales and Vilma Valera/ Featuring Garizaldy- their son/ Directed by Jose 'Pepe' Wenceslao

Movie World Magazine- April 1963 issue