Fabian at his peak

At the peak of his career in 1961, Fabian came to Manila to perform at the Araneta Coliseum. Of Italian roots, Fabian (Fabiano Anthony Forte) was said to be following in the footsteps of Elvis Presley, Pat Boone and Ricky Nelson. He is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Fabian made a side visit nearby LVN Studios, where he was welcomed by its contract stars.

…with LVN stars during a party (from left) Linda Montesa, Nora Dy, Nida Blanca, Fabian, Luz Valdez, Horace Curry, Bernard Bonnin.

He rose to prominence in the late ‘50s and early ‘60s, doing several movies, stage plays and guesting in popular TV shows. Eleven of his songs reached the Billboard Hot 100 listing.

Fabian himself confessed he was not a particularly gifted singer or actor. But then his good looks propelled him to stardom which, unfortunately, didn’t last.

He was involved in several controversies, including being sued for fighting a policeman and unpaid debts.

Fabian was married three times and had three children.

…with Diomedes Maturan

In 1973, after being absent from the limelight for several years, Fabian posed nude for Playgirl to raise his profile. He was quoted as saying, ‘I knew it was a mistake the minute I saw the thing sold in a paper bag.’

Last heard of, Fabian and his third wife, Andrea Patrick, are involved in the American Diabetes Association, the American Heart Association and Celebrity Golf Tournament to raise funds for veterans. — RKC