Zanjoe Acuesta Marudo (born July 23, 1982) is a Filipino actor and model. He began his career after finishing as the 4th Big Placer of Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition 1 (2006). Since then he has starred in the TV series' Lovers in Paris (2009), Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Kristine (2010), Annaliza (2013), Dream Dad (2014), Tubig at Langis (2016) and My Dear Heart (2017). Aside from his roles in television he is also known for his roles in films such as You Got Me! (2007), Kimmy Dora: Kambal sa Kiyeme (2009), Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme (2012), One More Try (2012), Bromance: My Brother's Romance (2013), Maria Leonora Teresa (2014) and The Third Party (2016). Marudo is a contract artist of ABS-CBN's Star Magic.

Early life

Zanjoe Acuesta Marudo was born on July 23, 1982 in Tanauan, Batangas. His father, Zósimo Lumbres Marudo hails from Batangas while his mother, Rosanna Acuesta, is a native of Calauag, Quezon. He is the third of their five children. From elementary school until high school, he played in the basketball varsity team under the influence of his brother Zandro. He was with the San Sebastian College Staglets, playing in the NCAA.

Career

Marudo joined a modeling contest, Body Shots, and won the first runner-up title. He joined Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition, coming in fourth place behind the likes of John Prats, Bianca Gonzalez and Keana Reeves. He then signed his acting contract with ABS-CBN. Marudo became a model after high school. He appeared in the Bench Fever fashion show. In Philippine Cosmopolitan Magazine (September 2006 issue), Marudo was one of the 10 centerfold men in the "Cosmopolitan 69 Bachelors and 10 Centerfolds" supplement. Marudo was with the ABS-CBN comedy series Aalog-Alog (Jiggling) with Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition housemates John Prats, Keanna Reeves, and Pinoy Big Brother runner-up Jason Gainza and in the fantasy series Super Inggo as Super Islaw. He was seen in Florinda with Maricel Soriano. In January 2011 (after the Christmas and New Year holidays), Marudo announced his departure from Bench following his decision not to renew his contract due to busy commitments.

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations

Personal life

Marudo and actress Ria Atayde officially confirmed their engagement on February 20, 2024, in a joint Instagram post. On March 23, 2024, the couple were married in a civil ceremony in Quezon City officiated by Mayor Joy Belmonte. Their child was born on September 23, 2024.