Carol Varga: Premiere iconic contravida

In the ’50s, Carol Varga was one of Premiere Productions’ busiest actresses, portraying mostly contravida roles. Her image as anti-heroine reached iconic proportion in Dyesebel (1953), where she played Betty, the wicked socialite who conspired with Gildo (Fernando Royo) to intrigue against the mermaid Dyesebel (Edna Luna) to win back ex-boyfriend Fredo (Jaime de la Rosa). The Bettys that followed in the remakes of Dyesebel were invariably compared with Carol.

Carol (born Carolina Trinidad on Aug. 6, 1930) died last March 8 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She left behind husband Carl Harley and son Carl Jr. and daughter-in-law Rickie Sue.

She started her acting career in the late ’40s in X’Otic Films, playing minor roles. Two of her early films were Sagur, Siyudad sa Ilalim ng Lupa and Muntinglupa. She played Mary Magdalene in Kalbaryo ni Hesus.

Carol was leading lady to Leopoldo Salcedo in Highway 54 (now known as EDSA) and Kambal na Lihim.

But Carol made an impact in Premiere movies, starting with Dyesebel. In Habang Buhay (1953), she was nominated FAMAS Best Supporting Actress for Habang Buhay. The following year, 1954, Carol won the FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for Guwapo opposite Reynaldo Dante.

Her other Premiere films include Kapitan Berong, Laging May Umaga, Sa Ibabaw ng Aking Bangkay, Santa Lucia, 5 Hermanas, Gitarang Ginto, Pandora, Marta Soler, Maskara and Pitong Gatang. — RKC