Pepe Herrera


Jose Nikolas Emmanuel Pacifico Herrera, known professionally as Pepe Herrera, is a Filipino actor, singer, and comedian. He gained prominence for his role as Benny in the television series FPJ's Ang Probinsyano and is noted for his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles in film and television.

Early life and education

Herrera was born in the Philippines into a musically inclined family. His mother was a songwriter, and his siblings were also active in the arts. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education, majoring in Voice, at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, graduating cum laude. During his time at UST, he was a member of Coro Tomasino, the university's official choir group. Before joining showbiz, Herrera worked on a cruise ship, which inspired him to pursue acting.

Personal life

Herrera is known for his humility and sincerity in acting. He continues to take on diverse roles and is widely respected in the Philippine entertainment industry.

Health

Herrera has publicly shared his long-term struggles with mental health, including battles with anxiety and depression attacks since he was 13 years old, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks. He shared that anxiety attacks intensified in 2023, severely affecting his sleep. In a 2024 interview with Toni Gonzaga, he revealed that a prior period of burnout led him to temporarily quit showbiz, attributing severe anger issues at the time to what a therapist later identified as a manic disorder. Following a recent mental breakdown, Herrera sought professional therapy for his condition, which he linked to abuses experienced in his early life. He strongly advocates for seeking professional help. As a result, he has stepped away from social media as of November 2025 and has withdrawn from Your Face Sounds Familiar season 4 to focus on his recovery.

Career

Environmental advocacy

Herrera is a committed environmental advocate. He regularly participates in clean-up drives and uses social media to promote eco-awareness.

Theater

Herrera began his acting career in theater and gained acclaim for his portrayal of Tolits in the musical Rak of Aegis. His performance caught the attention of ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos-Concio, which led to mainstream television roles.

Television

In 2015, Herrera joined the cast of FPJ's Ang Probinsyano as Benny, the comedic sidekick of Coco Martin’s character, Cardo. His portrayal became popular among viewers and boosted his television career.
He later starred in the sitcom My Papa Pi, alongside Piolo Pascual and Pia Wurtzbach.
YearTitleRole
2015–2017Ang ProbinsyanoBenny Dimaapi
2019Jhon en MartianJhon
2019Hinahanap-hanap kitaHomer
2019Tawag ng Tanghalan: Celebrity ChampionsHimself / Contestant
2019–2020The Killer BrideIking
202024/7Mario Estrella
2015-2021Maalaala Mo KayaDanilo Nicola Jr. / Nestor / Aurora's Brother
2022Dear GodPastor Matthew
2022My Papa PiPolicarpio "Popoy" Papa Jr.
2022Darna
2022One Good DayJoey Rodrigo
2021-2022Hoy, Love You!Tommy
2023Jack and Jill sa Diamond Hills
2022-2023The Iron HeartPoseidon Abusado
2024LOL: Last One Laughing PhilippinesHimself / Contestant / 3rd place
2024What's Wrong with Secretary KimPhillip Alvarez
2025It's ShowtimeHimself / Guest
2025Masked Singer Pilipinas season 3Himself / Foxtastic Samurai / Winner
2025Eat Bulaga!Himself / Judge in Eat Bulaga! segment The Clones
2025Your Face Sounds Familiar season 4Himself / Contestant

Film

Herrera has appeared in various films showcasing his range as an actor, including:
YearTitleRoleRef!
2014DagitabMountaineer
2014Bonifacio: Ang Unang PanguloFilipino Worker
2015You're My BossTupe
2015Heneral LunaManuel Luna
2015All You Need Is Pag-ibigWaiter
2015WalangForeverAldus
2016Always Be My MaybeBernard
2016Sakaling Hindi MakaratingPaul
2016The Super Parental GuardiansTotoy Buto
2018Da One That Ghost AwayBagang
2018The Hopeful RomanticJess
2018Ang Pangarap Kong HoldapEmman Durucut
20193pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!Tolits
2021Princess DayaReeseWeda
2021IzlaBarber
2021IkawDong
2021Sanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo 2: Aussie! Aussie Gustavo
2022Day ZeroTimoy
2023Ma'am Chief: Shakedown in SeoulAbraham Apostol
2023RewindMang Jess / Lods
2023Family of TwoPaeng
2024My Sassy GirlJunjee
2024I Am Not Big BirdPrajak Tithi
2024Bantay-BahayCaleb
2025Sampung Utos Kay JoshSatanas / Boss Jesus
2025The Last BeerginHilario