Filipino satirst Willie Nepomuceno passes away
Popular impersonator and satirist Willie Nepomuceno died on Wednesday, July 25. He was 75.
His family made the announcement on his Facebook page, saying that their beloved father "has peacefully joined our creator."
The details of his wake will be announced soon. "We ask for your continued prayers," his children wrote.
The cause of death wasn't revealed, but in 2016, Nepomuceno suffer from a brain stroke. He took a break for two years and then returned in 2018 for a concert with OPM singer Nonoy Zuñiga.
Speaking to the press during a press conference, Nepomuceno said: "I was in bed for about one-and-a-half to two years. ... Tawag nila mild stroke but if that's mild I don't know what is more than that. Grabe, kulang na lang talaga sumigaw ako and say goodbye. Kaya lang 'yung mga lyrics ng kanta nito (Zuniga), how can I ever say goodbye? Natapos naman through constant therapy, pinagtiyagaan ko."
Nepomuceno was known for impersonating politicians like former president Joseph Estrada, former senator Juan Ponce Enrile, and other well-known figures including Dolphy, Manny Pacquiao, and Vic Sotto. His impersonations often highlight the flaws of Philippine politics and society.
Aside from being an entertainer, Nepomuceno was a cartoonist, whose works were featured in different local publications. He was also a journalist and contributed as a satirical columnist for a broadsheet, writing about the Philippine government and elite.
He is survived by his wife, three children, seven grandchildren, and one great grandchild.