Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez passes away at 76

Ronaldo Valdez has died. He was 76 years old.

According to ABS-CBN News, police confirmed that the seasoned actor passed away on Sunday, Dec. 17. The cause of his death has yet to be revealed.

Valdez's son, Janno Gibbs, also confirmed his father's passing and asked to respect their privacy.

"Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated," he wrote on Facebook.

Valdez is survived by his wife Maria Fe Gibbs and children, singers Janno and Melissa Gibbs.

'Quintessential lolo figure'

In 1966, Valdez was discovered by the late Dolphy playing on a basketball court in a small neighborhood. At that time, the King of Comedy was looking for someone to partner with Susan Roces in Pepe En Pilar.

He continued his career, portraying fatherly roles in Seven Sundays, Los Bastardos, FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano, and 2 Good 2 Be True, among others.

Valdez also starred in commercials for Kentucky Fried Chicken as the Filipino Colonel.

Nicol Latayan, a film enthusiast and an international voter of Golden Globes, highlighted Valdez’s legacy in the showbiz landscape, describing him as “the quintessential lolo figure in Philippine entertainment industry.” 

“For decades, his is the face you think of when someone says yung 'lolo sa TV' or 'lolo sa pelikula,” he wrote. “Rest in peace to a versatile character actor. Prayers for his family.” 

An inspiration

His talent manager Jamela Santos wrote a heartfelt tribute to the seasoned actor, sharing clips from their dinner last Friday, Dec. 15.

"This is my last dinner with him last Friday, Dec 15.. It's supposed to be my despedida dinner because I'm leaving for abroad soon..Only to know that this will be the last time I'm going to see him," she wrote.

Santos shared Valdez gave her three white Ecuadorian roses, "an unusual gesture" from the actor.

"You always tell me that I'm the only reason why you are still living.. That's the reason why I didn't leave the country as much as I used to. That's the reason why I will.drop.everthing whenever you invite me for coffee or drinks. Because [I] know someday you're going to leave me. But I never thought you're going to leave me this soon," she said, expressing that she has "never cared for another human being as much as I cared and love you," Santos added.

In an Instagram post, his friend and colleague Dimples Romana recalled how Valdez changed her life. "May mga taong sadyang makakapagpabago ng pagtingin mo sa buhay. Tatatak sila sayo hanggang sa huli at kailanman ay hindi mo sila malilimot. Ikaw yun sa akin. At sa napakarami pa naming nagmamahal sayo Lo," she began.

"My heart is broken but will never be disheartened. For you Lolo taught me to brave the huge waves of life with a spirit of a warrior whose armor is not made of steel but is made of love. The kind that endures all and conquers even the darkest of days," she wrote.

Singer Gary Valenciano also paid tribute to Valdez on Instagram. "You were one person who I loved to watch. Your authenticity never failed to move me," he said. While he was not able to "work much" with the actor, Valenciano shared that the few times they spent together made him feel "blessed" that he got to meet someone like Valdez.

"Rest in His peace, sir. I know His embrace will always keep you smiling," Valenciano added.

Award-winning actress Kathryn Bernardo, meanwhile, took to Instagram to honor the late comedian with a heartfelt tribute. Her IG stories unveiled unseen photos and videos capturing their joyful moments during the lock-in taping of their drama 2 Good 2 Be True.

Bernardo also reposted several of Valdez's own Instagram posts, including a heartwarming snapshot of him attending the premiere night of her hit movie A Very Good Girl.