Kimberly Sue Yap Chiu (; born April 19, 1990), professionally known as Kim Chiu, is a Filipino actress, television presenter, recording artist, dancer, commercial model and entrepreneur. Known for her performances in a range of genres across film and television, she rose to fame after winning the first teen edition of Pinoy Big Brother. Chiu's films have grossed over ₱1.1 billion at the box-office, making her one of the highest grossing box office stars of all time. Forbes Asia named her one of Asia Pacific's most influential Filipino personalities in 2020.
Dubbed as the "Multimedia Idol" by various media outlets, she initially began playing supporting roles in several television shows early in her career. Her breakthrough came following her pairing with Gerald Anderson and has appeared together in a number of projects, most notable being Sana Maulit Muli (2007), I've Fallen For You (2007) and Tayong Dalawa (2009). The following year, Chiu topped Yes! Magazine's list of 100 Most Beautiful Stars and ventured more dramatic and comedic roles. It was succeeded by a string of commercially successful projects such as The Healing (2012), Bride for Rent (2014), Etiquette for Mistresses (2015) and One Great Love (2018) in films, as well as Minsan Lang Kita Iibigin (2011), My Binondo Girl (2011), Ina, Kapatid, Anak (2012), Ikaw Lamang (2014) and Love Thy Woman in television.
As a recording artist, all of Chiu's studio albums have been certified Gold or more by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry and has stage a solo concert at the New Frontier Theater. She was picked by Disney Southeast Asia to model as Mulan in a special 2015 calendar shoot. Her work was recognized by various award-giving bodies such as FAMAS Awards, Box Office Entertainment Awards, PMPC Star Awards for Television and Myx Music Awards. In 2010, she was inducted at the Eastwood City Walk of Fame for her contributions to Philippine entertainment. Chiu is currently one of the main host of the noontime variety show It's Showtime and is a regular performer in the musical-variety show ASAP since 2006.
Career
2006–2008: Career beginnings
Chiu gained prominence when she won the top prize in the reality series Pinoy Big Brother: Teen Edition. For the show, Chiu left her hometown of Cebu City and moved to Manila. She, along with the rest of the housemates entered the Big Brother house on April 23, 2006. After 42 days in the Big Brother house, she was named the Teen Big Winner with 626,562 votes (41.4% of the total votes) at the Aliw Theatre inside the Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex in Pasay. She was the only housemate who was never nominated for eviction.
After winning, Chiu became part of Star Magic. She and her on-screen partner Gerald Anderson became regulars in ASAP XV and appeared together in several ABS-CBN shows Love Spell, comedy sitcom Aalog-Alog and in the film First Day High.
In 2007, Chiu starred in the primetime TV series entitled Sana Maulit Muli alongside Anderson which was released to significant acclaim. That year, she was nominated and eventually won the 38th Guillermo Mendoza Box Office Awards as Most Promising Female Star and Best New Female TV Personality (for Sana Maulit Muli) at the 21st PMPC Star Awards. Sana Maulit Muli was later released in Taiwan under the PTS network, under the title Chances.
Chiu then launched her debut album "Gwa Ai Di" (Hokkien ) under Star Records, which included the single Crazy Love. It reached a Gold Record status.
Gaining much recognition for her acting roles, she then starred in the movie I've Fallen For You under Star Cinema and continually appeared in numerous advertisements. In 2008, Chiu was cast in the Philippine adaptation of the South Korean TV series My Girl.
2009–2011: Breakthrough
In 2009, Chiu secured her name as a top actress in the highly acclaimed TV series entitled Tayong Dalawa. She garnered several acting awards for her portrayal of Audrey, a woman who is loved by two military men.
Her movie I Love You, Goodbye became part of Star Cinema's official entry to the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival. It was Chiu's first role as a villain and her first film to hit P100 million mark, with her receiving several nominations under different award-giving bodies including PMPC, 12th Gawad PASADO Awards and the 34th MMFF for Best Supporting Actress.