Iza Calzado: Inspiring Actress, Wife, Mother, and Activist

Iza Calzado has traveled far to be among the most celebrated and esteemed figures in the entertainment circle of the Philippines. With over two decades of experience in the industry, she has established herself as versatile in acting, TV hosting, modeling, and cause campaigning. Iza was a polished and committed actress who was known for playing well-known TV and movie roles. More than just acting changed because of her. She spoke out for women’s rights, body pride, and mental health.

What’s interesting about Iza’s job is that she’s been able to balance her life and work. She was raised in poverty and went on to become an award-winning actor. She also had a hard childhood but is now happily married and a mother. She has always been kind. She is one of the most well-known people in Philippine entertainment right now, and not just for her work. People look up to her for her action and passion as well.

Quick Bio

Who is Iza Calzado?

Iza Calzado, whose full name is Maria Izadora Ussher Calzado, was born on August 12, 1982, in Quezon City. As an actress, model, and public figure, she has made a good name for herself. She is Filipino and has worked with many well-known groups in both big-budget and small-budget movies. Beyond her work in movies, she is a culture icon whose impact goes beyond mental health and women’s empowerment projects.

Her work not only catapulted her to celebrity status but also established her as one of the highest-grossing Filipino actresses of the 21st century. With her movies collectively raking in billions at the box office, she continues to prove herself deserving of her star billing. But what makes Iza stand out is not merely her box-office clout but the way she acts out roles that touch audiences’ hearts. She is likewise respected for the depth that she brings as a performer and for being willing to always utilize her platform for an even bigger good.

Early Life

Iza spent most of her life in a home filled with creativity and performance. Her father, Lito Calzado, was a very famous actor and choreographer, which placed her in the entertainment world at a very young age. Her mother, Mary Ann Ussher, offered the upbringing presence in her childhood years, and her brother, Dash Calzado, also served as the musically gifted one and the other artistic flair for the family. This environment created in the family made Iza sensitive to the arts and provided the background for a career of celebrity.

She studied at the School of the Holy Spirit for elementary school and Miriam College for high school. She subsequently studied a degree in Fine Arts at the University of Santo Tomas to allow her to nurture her creative nature. Through the turmoil of adolescence and the inner conflicts that accompanied it, Iza’s youth and education gave the strength to ride the brutal demands of show business and lay the groundwork for a future career that would ultimately place her among the country’s finest artists.

Career Beginnings

Iza’s earliest experience in the world of entertainment was as a success while she was still very young, performing small works for acting roles in movies. Her breakthrough occurred only in the early 2000s when she switched from supporting and commercial roles to starring roles for television and film. In 2002, she began to gain notice for performing in the drama series Kung Mawawala Ka, where her emotional complexity and difficult characters were showcased.

Her fame was cemented in 2005 when she acted as Amihan in the best fantasy television show Encantadia. She went mainstream overnight and one of her best performances. She also had roles in movies like Sigaw, which earned her an award and name recognition. These roles proved that she was able to strike both high-acting capability and mass marketability, the gate opener to a vast and rewarding career.

Who Is Iza Calzado’s Spouse?

Iza married Ben Wintle, a Filipino-British entrepreneur and businessman, in December of 2018. Ben is popularly known as the creator of the popular restaurant and lifestyle app Booky which facilitates dining out for Filipinos. Their romance captured the attention of the public, particularly due to the chemistry of the couple and encouragement for each other’s aspirations. Their wedding was a lovely and modest celebration which marked a new beginning in her life, and it took place in Coron, Palawan.

Iza and Ben’s daughter, Deia Amihan, was welcomed by them together in January 2023. The name of her child means a lot to Iza because it is linked with the character that she gained fame for in Encantadia. Motherhood was a new concept of life for Iza that brought her lots of joy and satisfaction aside from her career. She often posts to her fans on social media how her life is with her family, with a balance of being an actress, wife, mom, and activist.

Iza Calzado’s Physical Appearance

Measuring around 5 feet 7 inches in height, Iza is a tall but down-to-earth figure. Sophistication exudes from her elegant way of dressing, preferring timeless as well as contemporary pieces which project her natural good looks.Whether she’s walking the red carpet, playing out a scene, or posting candid photos on the Internet, she looks poised and sure of herself.

In addition to how she looks, Iza’s public image is based on how honest and likeable she is. She has been open about her mental illnesses and problems with her body image, using her fame to encourage others to do the same.This kind of candor has made her likable to fans since she is able to illustrate that celebrities have bad days too and that overcoming them makes her tale even more inspiring.

Net Worth

Although it is challenging to determine exact figures, Iza’s net is estimated to be around $2 million. She obtained it from her extensive and successful career as an actress, television host, model, and endorser. Her productions, or more appropriately films, have also earned significantly, with her films’ total gross in domestic theaters nearing two billion pesos.

Apart from acting, Iza’s financial success is driven by campaign and brand partnerships that reflect her core values. She is also a familiar face on numerous campaigns, aside from making her a wonderful actress, but also a valued and respected public persona. Being married to Ben Wintle also connects her with business ventures, which makes her even more financially sound and successful.

Social Media

Iza has a huge following on Instagram, with whom she engages on a regular basis. She keeps her followers posted about family updates, professional achievements, motivational words, and what goes on behind the camera of her work. She shares her glamorous as well as personal life, which is one of the reasons for being popular with so many fans.

Her influence online is not necessarily popularity but rather influence. Through her journey of motherhood, her feminism, and her activism for body positivity, she has created a safe and connecting space for her followers. She uses her platform to do more than just entertain; she also inspires and empowers people. This shows that social media can be a good thing if you use it with intention and honesty.

Future Prospects And Vision

Iza has a bright future ahead of her. She doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon. She continues to take difficult and diverse roles that expand her professional career and push her imagination. Her fans are in for more of seeing her remain a dominant force on television and on-screen productions with the potential of even more worldwide fame as Filipino artists receive global attention.

Apart from entertainment, Iza’s activism also indicates that her aim is not limited to herself. She is still seriously devoted to causes under women empowerment, body positivity, and mental health. As a mother and a career individual, she becomes a woman role model for everyone, indicating that success is not only attained through awards and profits but also through the good deeds to society.