[1] Often referred to as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema", she appeared in over 250 motion pictures and television productions in a variety of genres throughout her career spanning nearly seven decades.

She continued to gain success for her starring roles in romantic comedies, characters popularized in comic strips and remakes of pre-war musical films.

Romero received newfound attention and success in the 2000s for her roles in Tanging Yaman (2000), Bahay ni Lola (2001), Magnifico (2003), Beautiful Life (2004) and Fuchsia (2009), including Tarima (2010) and Rainbow's Sunset (2018), the latter being her last film appearance.

[7] She was eventually dismissed from the film production company and transferred to Sampaguita Pictures with the help of her distant uncle, Nardo Rosales, who was the studio's chief editor.

The same year, she starred in another blockbuster film Kurdapya[12] and won the title Miss Visayas during the Boys Town Carnival and was styled by national artist Ramón Valera.

[18] Among the other consumer products she endorsed were Talon Zipper, Dari-Crème, Sanka, Swans Down cake flour, Calumet baking power, Johnsons Medicated Talcum powder and Camay and Gloco beauty soaps.

She was reunited with Luis Gonzales in the romantic drama Kamatayan Ko ang Ibigin Ka, an entry to the Manila Film Festival.

[66] Under ABS-CBN, Romero remained active on television in the succeeding years by making special appearances and supporting roles such as May Bukas Pa (2009),[67] Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo (2010)[68] and Kokey at Ako (2010).

[70] The series drew high viewership, garnering 49.5% peak ratings in Mega Manila households[71] and was extended for ten more weeks due to its success.

[75] The same year, she top billed the drama fantasy anthology Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko, which would eventually become her last television show.

[76] Aired and produced by GMA Network, the series won numerous accolades throughout its run including three PMPC Star Awards for Television as "Best Horror/Fantasy Program".

[79] Romero's performance was also met with praise from critics and audiences, winning "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan and MMFF,[80][81] including nominations at The EDDYS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

[87] Also in 1954, she was recommended by the theater group Dramatic Philippines to portray the Blessed Virgin Mary in the cenacle play Martir Sa Golgota, which was eventually approved by then Archbishop Rufino Santos of Manila.

[90] In 2003, Romero, alongside Pilita Corrales and Barbara Perez, was chosen as image models of Ricky Reyes's Ganda ng Lola Mo (Your Grandmother is Beautiful) campaign for his hair salon chain.

[92] On September 24, 1960, Romero married fellow Sampaguita Pictures actor Juancho Gutierrez at the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, Makati.

[97] She was rushed from her residence in New Manila, Quezon City to the nearby St. Luke's Medical Center by her daughter Maritess Gutierrez on December 31, 2024, after Romero refused to eat.

She was always a great lady with the dignity of a true star," adding, "Not just a brilliant artist but a very fine person, the world of Filipino cinema and all of entertainment will never forget her.

[103] Media executive Charo Santos-Concio wrote: "Tita (Auntie in Filipino) Glo (unofficial nickname) had this remarkable way of making everyone around her feel valued and respected.

The resolution stated: "Beyond her professional achievements, [Romero] was deeply admired for her warmth, humility, and kindness, leaving an indelible impression on her colleagues and serving as an inspiration to generations of Filipino artists".

[118][119][120][121] Jose Javier Reyes, chairperson of Film Development Council of the Philippines, stated: "There is absolutely no better way of defining the Filipino movie queen than Gloria Romero.

[126][127] Writing for the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Behn Cervantes described her as an "underrated dramatic actress" and credited her with setting high standards in acting, noting that she "would quietly listen and deliver her lines with ease and surprising depth".

"[123] Writer Nestor Torre Jr. also added that "only an actress of Gloria's experience, sensitivity and age could have come up to the role's rigorous demands", referring to her performance in the 2000 family drama Tanging Yaman.

[129] Fred Hawson of ABS-CBN News notes her "powerful screen presence" in the 2018 family drama Rainbow's Sunset, stating that "a mere sad look or crack in her voice could already make tears well in my eyes ... Anne Curtis and Kim Chiu still have miles to go to even hope to reach Romero's level of acting for the big screen.

[131] Spot PH included her scene with Nora Aunor in Condemned (1984) on their list of the "Top 10 Most Epic Dramatic Showdowns in Pinoy Movies".

[135] Filipino hairdresser Ricky Reyes noted that Romero "epitomizes great character, good values, everything that makes a woman beautiful not just physically but spiritually as well".

In his 2009 book titled Huwaran/hulmahan Atbp published by the University of the Philippines Press, film critic Johven Velasco credited her for "breaking the social barrier" that previously prevented actresses from being accepted in high society.

"[144] Film producer Violetta Sevilla also revealed that she has been a long-time fan of Romero, saying: "I like Gloria because of her enduring beauty, timeless, and her being a queenly lady, nice at respectable.

[147][148] Vilma Santos cited Romero's longevity during her speech at the Gawad Urian Awards, expressing her desire to continue acting until she becomes a grandmother like her.

[152] Romero's most acclaimed and commercially successful films include Musikong Bumbong (1953),[153] Cofradia (1953),[9] Dalagang Ilocana (1954),[154] Kurdapya (1954),[155] Alaalang Banal (1958),[156] Despatsadora (1955),[11] Hongkong Holiday (1956),[135] Sino Ang May Sala?

(1987),[162] Nagbabagang Luha (1988),[163] Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit (1989),[164] Tanging Yaman (2000),[165] Bahay Ni Lola (2001),[50] I Think I'm in Love (2002),[166] Magnifico (2003),[167] Beautiful Life (2004),[168] Fuchsia (2009),[169] Tarima (2010),[170] and Rainbow's Sunset (2018).