Will Ashley (actor)

Will Ashley Ramos de Leon (born September 17, 2002), professionally known as Will Ashley, is a Filipino actor under GMA Network. He gained popularity in his role as Nolan Dimasalang on Prima Donnas (2019–2022) and Jerry Keller on Unbreak My Heart (2023).^[1]

Will Ashley Ramos de Leon^[2] was born on September 17, 2002,^[1] in Imus, Cavite.^[3][2] He was six years old when his father died, which led him to become the primary breadwinner for his family.^[4][5] Ashley was subsequently raised by his mother, with whom he shared a close bond throughout his childhood, while often credited her encouragement and guidance in supporting his acting career.^[6]

Ashley's introduction to the entertainment industry came through his aunt, who helped him audition for commercial projects. This led him to begin his career in show business, initially participating in VTRs for commercials, which he admitted was limited at that time.^[3] Ashley also ventured into modeling at 13 years old.^[6] In 2021, he graduated from senior high school with a specialization in Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM).^[7][6]

Ashley started his career by being cast in several local commercials when he was a child.^[3] He officially started his showbiz career in 2013, landing his first role at 11 years old in the GMA afternoon series Villa Quintana, where Ashley portrayed the younger version of Elmo Magalona's character Isagani.^[8]

In 2014, he was cast as the young version of Miguel Tanfelix's titular character in the GMA family drama Niño.^[2] He appeared in his first Magpakailanman episode in 2015 titled, "Isang Mister, Lima ang Misis".^[1] Ashley continues his stint of playing young versions of main characters up until 2017.^[8][9] In 2018, he took on the role of Elijah "Ely" Resurreccion-Venganza, the brother of the titular character, in the telenovela Contessa.^[10] At a media conference, Ashley revealed that Glaiza de Castro shared acting tips with him.^[11]

In 2019, he joined Jillian Ward, Althea Ablan, and Sofia Pablo in the hit GMA afternoon series Prima Donnas as Nolan Dimasalang, which aired until 2022.^[12] Ashley was also cast as the voice actor for Ash Ketchum in the Filipino dub of Pokemon XYZ, the 19th season of the popular franchise.^[13][14] He also portrayed Cris, a teenage boy who becomes a victim of abuse by his male teacher, in the Magpakailanman episode titled "Arrest My Son's Rapist".^[15] He described the role as one of the most challenging he had taken on, noting that although it was his first time playing such a heavy character, he accepted the part to grow as an actor and to faithfully portray the real-life story behind the episode.^[16]

He later guest-starred in Pepito Manaloto: Ang Tunay na Kuwento as the lovable and sweet Andy, Clarissa's puppy love.^[17] In 2021, before the second season of Prima Donnas aired, Ashley, Ablan, and Alejo appeared together in an episode of Wish Ko Lang!.^[18]

Following Prima Donnas, Ashley was slated for the role of Peter Luna in GMA's television drama The Fake Life in 2022.^[19] He described his role as "challenging", as the character is full of anger and vengefulness in comparison to his former role as a reliable childhood friend.^[20] Director Adolfo Alix Jr. praised Ashley for his portrayal of Peter, stating: "He's ready to take on more challenging and out-of-the-box characters! His role [in The Fake Life] took him out of his comfort zone and he absorbed everything which will bring out what he needs to shape Peter's character".^[21] Ashley was also featured in Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters, playing Andrew James Chua-Tan, one of Lily Chua’s sons.^[22] He expressed pride in the role, describing his character as someone who strived to be a good son by making his parents happy.^[23] Director Joey Reyes commended his performance in the series, saying it "went beyond expectations" and that he "gave the character the depth and compassion so needed to make Andrew a tragic victim of tradition and expectations".^[24]

The same year, Ashley starred in his first Regal Studio Presents episode, titled "My Favorite Son".^[25] He played the titular character Christian, a teenager who dreams of becoming a musician, much to the dismay of his father, who wanted him to pursue a career as a seaman. Ashley also showcased his talent in singing and playing the guitar in the episode.^[2] His performance was warmly received.^[26]

In 2023, Ashley starred in GMA and ABS-CBN's first major collaborative television series Unbreak My Heart.^[27] He portrayed Jerry, a friend of Joshua Garcia's character Renz, who falls in love with Gwen, portrayed by Bianca de Vera.^[28]Ashley noted that it reminded him of the classic Romeo and Juliet.^[29] The romantic drama received positive reviews from critics and garnered a strong following from the general public.^[30] It was also the most streamed series in Viu that year.^[31] In April, he played the role of viral content creator Sean Beltran in the feature episode of Magpakailanman: The Viral Cancer Survivor.^[32] He was also revealed as part of the ensemble cast for the horror film, The Vigil.^[33] Ashley also portrayed Alvin, a member of a popular 90s dance group, in Regal Studio Presents: The Poster Boy.^[34]

In March 2024, Ashley appeared as one of the season openers for Regal Studio Presents in the episode titled "Swipe for Romance".^[35] The following month, he starred in Adolfo Alix Jr.'s May-December film X & Y alongside Ina Raymundo.^[36] Ashley expressed feeling nervous and shy while preparing for his role as Xander, particularly due to the intimate scenes in the script, but noted that setting aside his nerves was necessary to deliver effective takes during filming.^[37] The film premiered in local cinemas in April of the same year and had a limited run. It also received a 7.5 out of 10 on IMDb, having a moderately favorable audience response.^[38] Raymundo later praised Ashley for his professionalism on set, describing him as a “perfect gentleman” during their kissing scene and noting that, despite some initial nervousness, he handled the moment with confidence.^[39]

He returned to Regal Studio Presents in July for the episode "Loving Miss Selfish," playing Miguel, a gullible but earnest top employee.^[40] In October, he appeared again in "Pawfect Match", a romantic special centered on animal adoption and healthcare, where he played Alex, a volunteer at a local animal shelter.^[41] The episode formed part of the program’s third-anniversary celebration.^[42] In November, he portrayed Quentin, the son of Candy Pangilinan, in Magpakailanman’s 22nd-anniversary opening episode, "My Very Special Son," which told Pangilinan’s life story.^[43] The episode focused on Pangilinan’s experience caring for Quentin, who was diagnosed with ADHD and autism.^[44]

That year, he also starred in his first Cinemalayan film Balota, directed by Kip Oebanda.^[45] Ashley portrayed the role of Enzo, the son of the main character Teacher Emmy, who is portrayed by Marian Rivera. The film premiered at the 20th Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival on August 3. Oebanda later re-edited the film for its mainstream release, noting that the "Marian-Will" dynamic was given more emphasis as the Cinemalayan audiences loved it.^[46] It was released in cinemas nationwide on October 16.^[47] The indie film has achieved significant commercial success in theaters.^[48] In a feature with the Society of Filipino Film Reviewers, Ashley shared that the film became a form of distraction for him, as his grandfather had died a week before filming began. Ashley stated that he immersed himself more fully in the role through Oebanda's distinctive directing style and personal accounts of experiences with policemen, while collaboratively developing his character's backstory with Rivera.^[49] His performance received rave reviews from netizens online.^[50]

In January, he was featured in GMA afternoon TV series Prinsesa ng City Jail. Ashley portrayed the role of Onse, the childhood friend of Princess who also grew up in the area of city jail.^[51] In February, he received a nomination as Movie Supporting Actor of the Year at the 6th VP Choice Awards for his role as Enzo in the critically acclaimed 2024 political thriller Balota.^[52] Ashley also portrayed the role of introverted germaphobe Columbus in the romantic episode Regal Studios Presents: My Sweet Girl Next Door.^[53] In March, he was selected to be one of the 15 initial housemates for Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab Edition, a collaboration between ABS-CBN and GMA for its 20th anniversary. This would be the second time where he would take part in a collaborative venture between the two major networks.^[50] Ashley joins as "Ang Mama's Dream Bae ng Cavite", one of the Kapuso housemates.^[54] He expressed nervousness about the reality show's challenges but was excited about the experience, which he cited as his motivation for joining the program.^[55] In the show, Ashley reunites with former Unbreak My Heart co-star Bianca de Vera,^[56] Balota co-star Esnyr Ranollo,^[54] and Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters co-star AZ Martinez.^[54] He became the edition's Kapuso second big placer alongside Kapamilya housemate Ralph de Leon.^[57]

In 2019, Ashley joined the GMA Kapuso Foundation as an advocate for educational support through its pillar project, Unang Hakbang sa Kinabukasan (UHSK).^[58]

In 2020, he announced that he is an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. In a heartfelt Facebook post through his collaboration with Village Pipol for its Pride issue, Ashley publicly expressed his support for the community, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, respect, and advocacy.^[59]

In 2015–2016, Ashley appeared in several television commercials and had endorsed brands including UFC products, Insular Life, and Rebisco.^[1] In 2023, he was named as the new brand ambassador for April Aesthetic Medical Clinic.^[60]

Ashley was inspired to pursue acting after seeing actor Alden Richards in a mall show when he was just 10 years old.^[61] In a 2025 interview with ABS-CBN, he revealed that television personality Melai Cantiveros-Francisco also served as an inspiration for him due to her longevity in the showbiz industry after her PBB stint.^[55]

Although open to the idea of love teams,^[29] Ashley mentioned that he prefers working solo because it gives him more creative freedom.^[20] He shared that not being part of a love team has allowed him more opportunities to explore other characters and roles as an actor.^[62][63]

In 2018, Ashley was featured in the episode of Ang Pinaka titled "Promising Kapuso Teen Stars", where he ranked ninth.^[64] In discussing the actor's popularity, director and writer Don Michael Perez remarked, "There must be something about this boy na iniidolo talaga ng masa" (translated as "that the masses idolize"). Host Rovilson Fernandez predicted that he "is expected to become one of the heartthrobs in the mold of Alden Richards". DJ and showbiz columnist Jana Chuchu agreed, describing Ashley as very charming. Meanwhile, PEP contributor Rommel Gonzales noted that he appeared to be following the path of Miguel Tanfelix.^[65]

In 2020, commenting on Ashley's personality behind the camera, Village Pipol described him as a "sweet guy", noting that "his gentleness remains unreal and he almost seems too good to be true".^[66]

In 2025, Ashley gained significant online attention in his PBB stint,^[67] earning the moniker "Nation's Son".^[2] He also led the Nylon Manila poll for favorite housemate of his edition.^[68] Ashley became one of the inspirations behind the songs: "Ikaw, Ikaw, Ikaw" by Filipino artist Eliza Maturan and Singaporean artist Icebox,^[69] "Obviously" by the indie band Sud, and "Bumabalik" by the indie band Healy After Dark.^[70] He was featured in RAWR Mag in a piece highlighting his career growth, rise to fame, and his evolving public persona marked by charm and confidence.^[71] Sports Dong-a considered him a "Philippine Gen Z Star" due to his domestic popularity and constant international reach.^[72] In a June feature titled "The slow burn that is Will Ashley de Leon", published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Ashley was praised for his growing impact in the entertainment industry. The article highlighted his steady rise in the public eye as a versatile performer, with Balota co-star Sassa Gurl sharing:

"Will can sing, dance, and, most especially, he is a great actor—he can capture the audience with just his eyes."^[73]

In August 2019, Ashley started a YouTube channel where he uploaded song covers and vlogs among others. Ashley received a Silver Play Button from YouTube in 2021.^[74]

In 2025, during his appearance in PBB, Ashley opened up about his struggles with being vulnerable and expressed how he finds it challenging to open up to other people in fear of his emotions becoming too "burdensome".^[75]

• Will Ashley at IMDb
• Will Ashley on Instagram
• @WillAshley on YouTube