According to reports, famous Filipino star Ronaldo Valdez died on Sunday, December 17, 2023. He was 77 years old. For more than fifty years, the veteran actor was known for playing both good guys and bad guys in Filipino TV shows and films. As this article was being written, the reason of the actor’s death had not been found. But The Manila Times says that Ronaldo’s driver, Angelito Oclarit, found the star in his room on Sunday not responding.
The real name of Ronaldo Valdez was Ronald James Dulaca Gibbs. He is left by his wife, Maria Fe Gibbs, and their two children, actors Janno and Melissa Gibbs.
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The late actor’s son, Janno Gibbs, confirmed on Instagram on Sunday that his father had died. He asked that their family be left alone while they grieved the terrible loss.
“It is with great sorrow that I confirm my father’s passing. Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated,” Janno wrote on the social media platform.
Fans respond to the sudden death of Ronaldo Valdez
Ronaldo Valdez was born in Manila, Philippines, on November 27, 1947. He is one of the most well-known stars in Filipino TV and movies. The Filipino actor was founded in the 1960s and became famous in the 1970s for playing rich and fatherly roles.
LOOK: Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez joined the premiere of "A Very Good Girl," led by Kathryn Bernardo and Dolly de Leon, in September this year. Valdez worked with Bernardo in "2 Good 2 Be True."
This was one of his last public appearances before he passed away. | via… pic.twitter.com/4tQRJ10S4F
— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) December 17, 2023
His last part was in the romantic drama series 2 Good 2 Be True, which starred Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, who used to be married. His last part and all of his roles were very well received, but he was most famous for playing the first Filipino Colonel Sanders for KFC.
Ronaldo Valdez was amazing in everything that he did for entertainment but I will forever remember how iconic he was in this ad by KFC Philippines.
Rest in peace, Filipino Colonel Sanders.😭💔🕯️ pic.twitter.com/2Oc2cK3nYh
— misty peppers (@cecilyhooks) December 17, 2023
The actress who died was married to Maria Fe Gibbs. They had two children together, Janno and Melissa Gibbs, who also work in show business.
Filipino artist Janno Gibbs sings, acts, and makes people laugh. His first movie as a director was one with his father, Ronaldo Valdez, that will come out next year.
Mel Gibbs, Ronaldo’s daughter, is a singer and actor who is known for her roles in Ano ba iyan? (1992), Ali in Wonderland (1992), and Love at First Stream (2021).
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A lot of people, including his talent manager Jane Santos, were sad about Ronaldo Valez’s death. Jane wrote in a long post that she and the star had dinner on December 15, 2023.
“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.
Kathryn Bernardo, who worked with Valez on the love drama series 2 Good 2 Be True, also shared some special memories of the late actor on Instagram.
A lot of people also posted sad tributes to the late star on social media sites. A lot of people remembered him for his famous parts, and others talked about their favorite scenes from his films and TV shows.
“kaya hindi natuloy pangarap ko e, dahil kinontra mo ‘ko. pinapili mo ‘ko, kung pangarap ko o ikaw,”
one of ronaldo valdez’s most memorable performances, as tatay canor in the film labs kita… okey ka lang? (1998)
rest in peace, ronaldo valdez. pic.twitter.com/9Uo8v6a1ua
— manic pixie dani girl (@denielemein) December 18, 2023
“You are the lolo I never had.” – @bernardokath
“You will now and forever be my very much loved 5th apo.” – Mr. Ronaldo Valdez
Rest in eternal peace, Lolo Sir 🕊️💛 pic.twitter.com/Gn31IqgnO5
— eydee (@tardificent) December 18, 2023
as we remember mr. ronaldo valdez, here's one of my favorite scenes in labs kita okey ka lang? (1998)
rest in paradise, sir 🕊
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/KHFFbNgQj2— ☁ミ✲ (jolina's version) (@nikkihh_) December 17, 2023
rewatching seven sundays will never be the same again 🙁 rip sir ronaldo valdez pic.twitter.com/bPBFF16lCd
— ari (@belindoll) December 17, 2023
can we all mourn the loss of a great artist and a film actor, sir. ronaldo valdez, without making it about kathniel? because it's weird.
— ino (@inoasho) December 18, 2023
It’s important to note that the actor’s death hasn’t been officially ruled out, but the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is looking into it. They talked about their “heartfelt condolences” for the actor’s death in a news release. The QCPD then said that they are “conducting a thorough investigation” to find out how Ronaldo Valdez died.
“We understand the importance of this matter; hence, we are working diligently to gather all relevant facts and evidence,” the QCPD added.
As fans continue to mourn the death of the late actor, his daughter has yet to comment on the tragic incident.
