Born on April 7, 1966 in Manila, Richard Frank Gomez is a Filipino actor, comedian, model, athlete, television presenter, and director. Richard, or Goma to close friends, is one of the famous actors in Philippine Cinema. His name has become synonymous with matinee idol, hunk and heartthrob. He is tall, dark and handsome, and seemingly possesses all the traits most women (and some men) equate to the perfect catch.
Raised by his grandmother, Goma grew up an athlete and loving almost every kind of sports. Among his favorite sports are basketball, badminton, and fencing. Not known to many, the moreno actor is also a bookworm. A firm anti-drug advocate, he helped put up an anti-drug addiction group called MAD or Mamamayang Ayaw sa Droga. With his deep concern for the Filipino people, Goma also tried his hands in politics but didn't make it. He is now married to Ormoc Representative Lucy Torres. They have one daughter named Julianna.
With almost 80 films in his resume, Richard is one of the most prolific actor of his generation. He is not relegated to just one genre and have made a variety of films including drama, comedy, suspense horror and action. His most memorable films include Ibigay Mo Sa Akin ang Bukas, Bakit Pa Kita Minahal, Paminsan-Minsan, Kapantay ay Langit, Wating, Saan Ka Man Naroroon, Dahas, Akin ang Pangarap Mo, Lumayo Ka Man Sa Akin, Lover’s Delight, Inday Bote, I Want to Live, and Shake, Rattle, and Roll.
Being the most wanted leading man of his time, Richard worked with the country's most captivating and sought-after actresses including Maricel Soriano, Maricel Laxa, Carmina Villaroel, and Aiko Melendez. Two of his leading ladies became his real-life sweethearts: Sharon Cuneta and Dawn Zulueta. However, neither relationship ended in the altar.
On television, Goma is also a force to reckon with. Who can ever forget his playful character in one of the most successful TV shows in the Philippines, Palibhase Lalake? He also appeared in Your Honor, the first Filipino court room drama series aired in 2001 on the Kapamilya network. Your Honor was also his last project for ABS-CBN before transferring to GMA where he did mostly mediocre roles to forgetable shows.
On January 16, 2012, Goma returns to ABS-CBN in the biggest teleserye of the year, Walang Hanggan where he is reunited with former girlfriend and leading lady Dawn Zulueta.
