Began as a theatre actor at the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), he ventured to film and television work years later. Spanky Manikan was recognized in films like "Manila in the Claws of Light" (1975), "Bona" (1980), and "Himala" (1982).

He died on 14 January 2018, due to stage 4 lung cancer. He was survived by his wife, actress Susan Africa, and their three children.