Estrella Kuenzler takes final bow

MANILA, Philippines – Estrella Kuenzler – the character actress who worked on stage, radio, television and the movies—passed away on August 1 after a lingering illness, according to granddaughter Ace Antonio.

The news spread on the social networking site Facebook on Sunday night.

Kuenzler’s passing was confirmed by colleagues in the entertainment industry, including fellow actors Anita Linda and Odette Khan.

“She was a kind person,” Linda recalled. “She was a favorite of [the late National Artist for Film] Lino Brocka.”

Kuenzler appeared in some of Brocka’s best films, including “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang,” “Angela Markado,” “PX,” “Stardoom” and the “Hellow Soldier” episode of “Tatlo, Dalawa, Isa,” which topbilled Linda.

Casting coordinator Anthony Roquel worked with Kuenzler in her last movie, the Topel Lee thriller “Sundo” in 2009. “She was suffering from diabetes then,” said Roquel.

According to Roquel, Kuenzler’s wake is at the St. Peter’s Chapel, along Quezon Avenue in Quezon City.

Actress Harlene Bautista said that Kuenzler was 87 at the time of her passing. Bautista said Kuenzler was the cousin of her grandfather, Graciano Valenzuela Bautista who also appeared in sarsuwela plays with the late actress.