Enriqueta "Etang" Discher Grau (November 24, 1906 – November 22, 1991) was a Filipino character film actress frequently cast in villainous roles. Her stern, gaunt Castilian face loomed in many post-war Filipino films, especially soap opera-type dramas. She was the woman Filipino movie audiences loved to hate, often playing a villainous aunt, mother-in-law or even a witch. While her roles were hardly predisposed to have made her a star, she nonetheless was one of the more famous (or infamous) and durable stars of Filipino films. Many of her films were produced by Sampaguita Pictures, the studio under which she was under contract for a significant part of her career.

Etang Discher
Born
Enriqueta Discher Grau

(1906-11-24)November 24, 1906[1]
DiedNovember 22, 1991(1991-11-22) (aged 84)[1]
Manila, Philippines
Occupation(s)Filipino comedian and actor
Years active1939–1981
ChildrenPanchito Alba
AwardsFAMAS Best Supporting Actress
1955 Lupang Kayumanggi

Discher was born to a German father, Leo Discher Sr. and a Filipino mother, Pacencia Discher. She has a sister named Elena Discher. Her extended family resides on the West Coast of the United States in Washington state and California. She began her career in show business as a chorus girl in the bodabil stage shows of Katy de la Cruz.[2]

Her last known film was Karma in 1981.[3]

Her son, Panchito, became a famous film comedian in his own right, usually cast as the comedic foil to Dolphy.

Filmography

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Year Title Production Company
1939 Anak ng Hinagpis Filippine Films
1946 Alaala Kita LVN Pictures
1951 Reyna Elena
Bohemyo
Ang Aking Kahapon Tamaraw Pictures
Haring Cobra LVN Pictures
1952 Rebecca Sampaguita Pictures
Tia Loleng LVN Pictures
Bakas ng Kahapon Premiere Productions
1953 Dyesebel Premiere Productions,

Manuel Vistan Productions

1954 Musikong Bumbong Sampaguita Pictures
Matandang Dalaga
Jack & Jill
Eskandalosa Ace York
Ang Biyenang Hindi Tumatawa Sampaguita Pictures
Tres Ojos
Kurdapya
1955 Uhaw sa Pag-ibig
Mariposa
Despatsadora
Kontra Bida
Iyung-Iyo
Bim Bam Bum
1956 Vaccacionista
Kanto Girl
1957 Sino ang Maysala Vera-Perez Productions
Bituing Marikit Sampaguita Pictures
Diyosa
Hahabul-Habol
Busabos
Paru-Parong Bukid
1958 Mga Reyna ng Vicks
Isang Milyong Kasalanan
Palaboy Vera-Perez Productions
Mapait na Lihim Sampaguita Pictures
Baby Bubut
Berdaderong Ginto Vera-Perez Productions
Bobby Sampaguita Pictures
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  • She was played by Lauren King on GMA Network's 2024 war drama series Pulang Araw.

References

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  • Peter Cowie (1977). "World Filmography". Tantivy Press. {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)

Notes

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  1. ^ a b Gravetour of the Famous E78🇬🇧 | Panchito Alba & Etang Discher | Loyola MP -Sucat on YouTube, Graveyard Pinoy TV, 19 May 2021
  2. ^ Ma. Lourdes Maniquis (1994). "Philippine Theater". In Nicanor Tiongson (ed.). CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art. Vol. V (1st ed.). Manila: Cultural Center of the Philippines. p. 287. ISBN 971-8546-30-8.
  3. ^ Fine Film, Bob Castillo, People's Journal, 12 December 1981 Archived February 13, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
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