Coming from a star-studded family, it is no surprise that Julia Barretto would soon step into the spotlight and be one of ABS-CBN’s most-loved Kapamilya stars. It’s safe to say that she is born into royalty with her mother, Marjorie Barretto, and aunts Claudine and Gretchen being veteran actresses in the showbiz industry and have been part of many unforgettable films and shows throughout the years. But there’s more to Julia than just her name for the actress has proven her skill and talent many times through her appearances in several Kapamilya programs.
This year, Julia takes on her most challenging role yet as she is set to hit the primetime scene as Eva, with her on and off-screen partner Joshua Garcia in Ngayon at Kailanman.
Let’s take a look at the actress’ television journey to the much-anticipated drama.
Julia, on-screen
The pretty actress made a series of supporting role debuts in Gulong ng Palad (2006), Maalaala Mo Kaya and Walang Kapalit (2007)—where she played a young Melanie Santillian, whose older version was played by her aunt, Claudine Barretto.
She rose to prominence when she was casted in ABS-CBN’s fantaserye: Kokey (2007), where she played Anna, the adopted child of Trining (Ruffa Gutierrez) and Nanding (Redford White). She played a major role in the show, having helped Bong (Joshua Cadeliña) and the alien, Kokey. In 2008, she played the role of Pamela Kiev in the action-packed drama series Palos. Julia starred alongside big stars such as Cesar Montano and Jake Cuenca.
At a young age, Julia has already proven that she is born an actress through her performances in various TV programs. She appeared in several episodes of the fantasy anthology: Wansapanataym, playing the role of Lily in Bokbok, Ang Batang Mapanubok (2013); Petra in Petrang Paminta (2013); Joy in Wish Upon A Lusis (2015) and Sasha in Selfie Pa More, Sasha No More (2015). The young actress showed off her skills, playing several characters with different personalities and portraying them accurately and with ease the way a professional would.
She achieved her first lead role in a drama in Mirabella (2014), starring alongside Enrique Gil. The show tells the story of a girl who was afraid to love due to her dark complexion but magically turns fair upon lighting a mysterious candle. This has become the launching vehicle for her career as a leading lady.
As she grew up, Julia took on more serious and mature roles. While starring in romantic dramas and comedies on the big screen in “Vince & Kath & James” (2016) and “Love You to the Stars and Back” (2017) with her on-screen partner, Joshua Garcia—Julia also juggled acting in soap operas. She starred in And I Love You So (2015) as Trixie Valdez, a girl in a bitter rival with her half-sister Joanna Ramirez-Valdez (Miles Ocampo) after they fall in love with the same guy: Justin (Iñigo Pascual). Julia showcased her versatility by playing the antagonist, posing as the cunning and manipulative sister in the series.
In 2017, the actress was casted in A Love to Last, a drama series about relationships within a diversified family. She played the role of Chloe Silverio-Noble, the eldest daughter of the lead male protagonist Anton (Ian Veneracion) and Grace Silverio (Iza Calzado). Julia portrayed the role of a loving sister and ‘mother-figure’ to her younger siblings after their mother, Grace, left them. She played an important role in the overall plot, having been the one to bridge the gap between broken relationships in the series and protected her stepmother, Andrea (Bea Alonzo) from her mother’s evil antics in attempting to destroy their new family.
Whether it be a strong leading lady, an evil stepsister or caring sister slash mother-figure, Julia has accomplished an impressive number of roles at her young age and successfully proven her talent in the industry as well as its viewers with her hit shows and numerous acting awards. As she takes on her most testing role yet, viewers are excited to see her performance with Joshua Garcia as they embark on a new chapter in their relationship as a loveteam with their first-ever TV drama series on the primetime slot.
Perhaps being a successful actress is a mark of being ‘Barretto’, but surely, Julia has proven her own worth in the showbiz jungle with her hard work and undeniable passion. A true force to be reckoned with, indeed, and one we should all watch out for.
JoshLia’s debut drama, Ngayon at Kailanman, premiers this August 20 on ABS-CBN Primetime Bida. Don’t miss it!