Ronaldo Valdez dies at 76
RONALDO Valdez just turned 76 last November 27. According to reports, the veteran actor died in his home Sunday, December 17.
He had a long acting career as he started in the mid 60s after he was discovered by the late Douglas Quijano. He was introduced in 1965 in ‘Rosang Tattoo’ starring Celia Fuentes. He was then only 18 years old.
But his big break came when he was tapped to play the leading man of Susan Roces in “Pepe en Pilar” in 1966. He quickly became a favorite leading man of top leading ladies then, like Susan and Boots Anson Roa.
He was also paired with Vilma Santos in “Karma” and with Nora Aunor in “Fe, Esperanza, Caridad” where he was directed by his father-in-law, National Artist Gerardo de Leon, who also directed him in “Lilet” starring Celia Rodriguez.
He married de Leon’s younger daughter Fe or Baby in 1968 and their son, Janno Gibbs was born in 1969, followed by their daughter Melissa in 1972. He was a favorite of Danny Zialcita who starred him in films like “Lalakwe,” “Si Malakas, Si Maganda at si Mahinhin” and “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.”
He scored a grand slam in 1993 when he won the best supporting actor trophy from all local awards giving bodies for his heartwarming performance as Aiko Melendez’s loving dad in Joey Reyes’ “May Minamahal.”
His last great lead role was in “Seven Sundays” where he played the dad of Aga Muhlach and Dingdong Dantes. His very last movie was “Ikaw at Ako” where played the husband of Boots Anson Roa, which was just shown in theaters last week. In its presscon, only Boots was present and she said Ronaldo was feeling indisposed.
He got to work with all the top directors of his time, like Ishmael Bernal in “Pagdating sa Dulo”, Eddie Romero in “Mad Doctor of Blood Island” (which was released abroad), Lino Brocka in “Sa Kabila ng Lahat” and “Lumuha Pati mga Anghel,” Celso Ad. Castillo in “Virgin People”.
On television, he became a much sought-after contravida and also father or grandfather of various lead actors and actresses in countless drama series like “Ang Probinsyano,” “Pasion de Amor,” “Los Bastardos,” “Too Good to be True”.
He will be a big loss for local showbiz and he will surely be missed in the industry.
