Ronaldo Valdez, 76

MANILA, Philippines — The show business industry mourned the passing of veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez on Sunday. He was 76.

James Ronald Dulaca Gibbs in real life, Valdez is the father of Melissa Gibbs and singer, actor and comedian Janno Gibbs. 

“It is with great sorrow that I confirm my father’s passing. The family would like to request that you respect our privacy in our grieving moment. Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated,” Janno posted on Instagram.

Valdez appeared in various Filipino movies and series and won several awards, including Best Supporting Actor awards in the Film Academy of the Philippines Awards, FAMAS Awards, Gawad Urian and the Star Awards for his performance in May Minamahal in 1994 and Best Supporting Actor for Nasaan ang Puso? in the 1997 Metro Manila Film Festival.

He was also a recipient of the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama at the Golden Screen TV Awards in 2015.

In 2017, he was named the first Filipino colonel of international fast food chain Kentucky Fried Chicken or KFC. 

Valdez played “Lolo Sir” in the TV series 2 Good 2 Be True, starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla.

Bernardo shared photos and videos of her memorable moments with Valdez on her social media account.  

Actress Dimples Romana also posted photos of her with Valdez when they worked together in a Maalaala Mo Kaya episode titled “Bisikleta” in 2009. 

“My heart is broken but will never be disheartened. For you, Lolo taught me to brave the huge waves of life with the 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,” Romana said in her post.

Actress-singer Karla Estrada also expressed condolences.

Singer-songwriter Gary Valenciano remembered the late actor as someone he “loved to watch.”

“Your authenticity never failed to move me. Thank you, sir, Ronaldo Valdez. I never had a chance to work much with you but in those few moments I spent talking with you, it made me feel blessed to know that I got to meet someone like you. Rest in His peace sir. I know His embrace will always keep you smiling,” Valenciano said.

In an ABS-CBN report, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) confirmed the veteran actor’s death Sunday afternoon.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of Valdez’s death.

“(The public must) refrain from concluding and respect the family’s request to grieve in private,” the QCPD said in a statement. — Mark Ernest Villeza