Jose Nikolas Emmanuel Pacifico Herrera (born April 21, 1987), 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 (PTSD) 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 withdrew from Your Face Sounds Familiar season 4 after three rounds 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.
Title Role Ref!Rak of AegisTolits
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 (2022), alongside Piolo Pascual and Pia Wurtzbach.
Year Title Role 2015–2017Ang ProbinsyanoBenny Dimaapi2019Jhon en MartianJhonHinahanap-hanap kitaHomerTawag ng Tanghalan: Celebrity ChampionsHimself / Contestant2019–2020The Killer BrideIking202024/7Mario Estrella2015–2021Maalaala Mo KayaDanilo Nicola Jr. / Nestor / Aurora's Brother2022Dear GodPastor MatthewMy Papa PiPolicarpio "Popoy" Papa Jr.DarnaOne Good DayJoey Rodrigo2021–2022Hoy, Love You!Tommy2023Jack and Jill sa Diamond Hills2022–2023The Iron HeartPoseidon Abusado2024LOL: Last One Laughing PhilippinesHimself / Contestant / 3rd placeWhat's Wrong with Secretary KimPhillip Alvarez2025It's ShowtimeHimself / GuestMasked Singer Pilipinas season 3Himself / Foxtastic Samurai / WinnerEat Bulaga!Himself / Judge in Eat Bulaga! segment The Clones2025–2026Your Face Sounds Familiar season 4Himself / Contestant (Round 1-3)
Film Herrera has appeared in various films showcasing his range as an actor, including:
Year Title Role Ref! 2014DagitabMountaineerBonifacio: Ang Unang PanguloFilipino Worker2015You're My BossTupeHeneral LunaManuel LunaAll You Need Is Pag-ibigWaiterWalangForeverAldus2016Always Be My MaybeBernardSakaling Hindi MakaratingPaulThe Super Parental GuardiansTotoy Buto2018Da One That Ghost AwayBagangThe Hopeful RomanticJessAng Pangarap Kong HoldapEmman Durucut20193pol Trobol: Huli Ka Balbon!Tolits2021Princess DayaReeseWedaIzlaBarberIkawDongSanggano, Sanggago’t Sanggwapo 2: Aussie! Aussie (O Sige)Gustavo2022Day ZeroTimoy2023Ma'am Chief: Shakedown in SeoulAbraham ApostolRewindMang Jess / LodsFamily of TwoPaeng2024My Sassy GirlJunjeeI Am Not Big BirdPrajak TithiBantay-BahayCaleb2025Sampung Utos Kay JoshSatanas / Boss JesusThe Last BeerginHilario2026 Home Along Da Riles Da ReunionBaby BoyAng pinakamasarap na pares sa balat ng lupaDon
Accolades + Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Work(s) Result 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival December 27, 2015Best Supporting ActorPepe HerreraWalangForever 32nd PMPC Star Awards for Movies March 6, 2016 New Movie Actor of the Year CineFilipino Film Festival May 19, 2016 Best ActorSakaling Hindi Makarating 2023 Metro Manila Film FestivalDecember 27, 2023Best Supporting ActorRewind 2024 Manila International Film FestivalFebruary 2, 2024Best Supporting Actor40th PMPC Star Awards for MoviesJuly 22, 2024Movie Supporting Actor of the Year2024 FAMAS AwardsMay 26, 2024Best Supporting ActorLuna Award2024Best Supporting Actor
References
External links Pepe Herrera on Star Magic Pepe Herrera on ABS-CBN Entertainment