He broke into films in 1948 as a
bit player in
Halik sa Bandila. Soon after, he was frequently cast as a villain in films produced by Premiere Production and its sister company, Larry Santiago Productions, as well as People's Pictures. He first gained critical notice in the 1952 film
Ang Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo directed by
Gerry de Leon. For that role, he garnered a
FAMAS Best Supporting Actor nomination. Ultimately, Alvarado was nominated for 5 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor nominations, winning the trophy in 1971 for
Ang Kampana ng Sta. Quiteria. Alvarado was also nominated for a FAMAS Best Actor award in 1968 for
Tatak Sakramentos. Beginning in 1967 with
Alyas Chain Gang, he was cast in leading and supporting roles even as a romantic lead, despite his swarthy and somewhat villainous appearance. Alvarado also showcased his versatility by sometimes playing gay roles, such as in the 1978 film
Gorgonia as well as Non-Villain or supporting Roles. As a villain, Alvarado was frequently cast opposite the heroic roles of
Fernando Poe Jr., although he has also portrayed a supporting ally to the latter in films such as "Walang Matigas na Tinapay sa Mainit na Kape" alongside Paquito Diaz, also in a non-antagonist role which starred former child star Vandolph, and fellow villain actor Paquito's younger brother Romy Diaz as the main antagonist. On March 25, 1982, ''D'Wild Wild Weng'' started its theatrical run. In the film Alvarado is paired with
Weng Weng, they play a duo who are sent to the countryside to investigate the murder a mayor and his family. Towards the end of his life, Alvarado became a commercial
spokesperson for Maxx candy, a popular rock candy
eponymous to his own screen name. ==Filmography==