Alden Richards

Richard Reyes Faulkerson Jr., professionally known as Alden Richards, is a Filipino actor, television host, singer, model, and businessman. Often referred to in the entertainment industry as "Asia's Multimedia Star," he has achieved wide recognition for his leading roles in television series and feature films spanning romantic, historical, and action genres. Over his career, he has earned numerous accolades, including multiple PMPC Star Awards, Box Office Entertainment Awards, FAMAS Awards, a Seoul International Drama Award, a Golden Screen Award, an Ani ng Dangal honor, and a Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival Award.

Born on January 2, 1992, in Quezon City, Richards grew up in Sta. Rosa, Laguna. He has an older brother and two younger sisters, and is of Filipino and American ancestry through his father. Richards attended Paco Catholic School and Colegio de Santa Rosa de Lima before pursuing Business Administration at De La Salle University, Canlubang. Following his mother's death from pneumonia in 2008, he put his college studies on hold to help support his family financially, fulfilling his mother's desire for him to pursue an acting career under his stage name. In April 2025, he enrolled at Alpha Aviation Group to pursue his childhood goal of becoming a pilot.

Richards began his entertainment career through modeling and pageant appearances before securing his television debut in the 2011 fantasy series Alakdana. His performance led to roles in projects such as Tween Hearts, the horror film The Road, and the drama series One True Love, which served as his major breakthrough. He subsequently starred in shows like Mundo Mo'y Akin, Carmela, and the historical biographical series Ilustrado, in which he portrayed national hero José Rizal. Alongside acting, Richards launched a music career, releasing a self-titled debut album in 2013 that featured popular singles used in television soundtracks.

In 2015, Richards joined the noontime variety show Eat Bulaga!, where an on-screen pairing with Maine Mendoza created the popular AlDub phenomenon and the comedy sketch segment Kalyeserye. This period marked a sharp rise in his popularity, expanding into lead roles in films such as My Bebe Love: KiligPaMore and Imagine You and Me. His second musical release, the EP Wish I May, achieved a diamond certification from PARI, establishing it as one of the top-selling albums in the Philippines. He continued starring in major television productions, including Destined to be Yours, Victor Magtanggol, The Gift, and The World Between Us.

Richards transitioned into massive commercial film success with the romantic drama Hello, Love, Goodbye in 2019 and its 2024 sequel Hello, Love, Again, both of which became two of the highest-grossing Filipino films in history. His filmography also includes Five Breakups and a Romance, Family of Two, and his 2025 directorial debut, the legal thriller Out of Order, which he co-produced. On television, he starred in the war drama Pulang Araw and co-hosted events such as Miss Universe Philippines and the dance competition Stars on the Floor. His schedule includes upcoming projects like Love, Siargao and Code Grey.

Beyond his creative work, Richards is involved in production, co-producing films, concerts, and esports events. He is active in charitable causes, founding the AR Foundation Inc. to provide college scholarship programs for underprivileged youth, serving as a Mowelfund Inc. Board of Trustees member, and working as the global ambassador for the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.