Entertainment industry mourns the passing of actor-director Ricky Rivero
Members of the entertainment industry paid their tributes to actor and director Ricky Rivero, who passed away at 51 years old.
His partner announced his death via his official Facebook page on Sunday, July 16. “Maraming salamat po sa tumulong sa asawa ko na [si] Ricky. Ngayon wala na po si Ricky S. Rivero namayapa na po, maraming salamat sa walang sawang tulong sa asawa ko,” the post read.
Ricky's relatives and colleagues took to social media to express their grief over his passing.
Actor-politician Herbert Bautista sent his condolences to the bereaved family, sharing Ricky’s photo with the movie poster of their 1986 film, Ninja Kids, which they co-starred with actors Ramon Christopher, J.C Bonnin, and the late Francis Magalona.
"Malungkot na araw dahil sa pag-panaw ng isang kaibigan at kasamahan sa pelikula at telebisyon. Paalam, Ricky. Nakikiramay ang aming pamilya sa Salvador at Rivero Families,” he wrote.
Actress Jobelle Salvador also paid tribute to the actor-director, expressing her disbelief over the news.
“I am still in denial of your demise and I don’t have enough words to express my sadness. We were just planning another get-together this month and I was looking forward to that,” she wrote on Facebook.
“I know how much you needed help and your medication. I am so sorry I couldn’t bring you what I promised sooner. It was just a matter of days. God has decided to stop your suffering and brought you to a better place to rest,” she added.
“Your memories will be forever in my mind and in the hearts of all the people that you’ve touched with your smiles and laughter. I so love you Ricky, rest in peace.”
That’s Entertainment star Saira Bunny Paras also extended her condolences, reminiscing about the memories they shared in the 90s variety show.
“Paalam Direk Ricky S. Rivero my deepest condolences to his family and to my sister Sharmaine Arnaiz who was a really good friend of kuya Ricky. Thank you at nagka work tayo long time ago sa That’s Entertainment and nag outing sa beach memories. May you rest in peace kuya #rickyrivero,” she wrote in a Facebook post.
Celebrities Janice De Belen and Tina Paner also sent their condolences via Saira’s post.
Ricky was rushed to the Philippine Heart Center after suffering a stroke last May, though his cause of death has not been disclosed.
Aside from the hit TV show That's Entertainment, Ricky also appeared in several comedy films such as Petrang Kabayo, Praybeyt Benjamin, Moron 5, and Here Comes the Bride, among others. He was also one of the directors of the much-loved TV series Mula sa Puso and Forevermore. His last directed film was D’ Aswang Slayerz, which was released earlier this year.
Rest in peace, Ricky.