Mark Gil passes away

Mark Gil. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Actor Mark Gil, Raphael John De Mesa Eigenmann in real life, passed away on Monday morning, the actor’s manager, June Rufino, confirmed.

He was 52.

A statement issued by the Eigenmann family Monday afternoon revealed that Gil was diagnosed with liver cancer two years ago. The veteran actor, however, decided not to make his condition public.

“It is with much sorrow that we announce that he passed away this morning at exactly 8 a.m. He died peacefully in his sleep in the arms of his wife, Maricar (Jacinto-Eigenmann), and surrounded by family,” the statement read.

Gil, a popular character actor, belongs to a show biz clan. He is the father of young actors Andi Eigenmann, Sid Lucero, Gabby Eigenmann, and Max Eigenmann. He is also the brother of character actors Cherie Gil and Michael de Mesa. His parents, Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, and former partners Jaclyn Jose and Bing Pimentel, are also actors.

His family apologized for not being “forthright” about the actor’s condition, but assured the public that Gil was in peaceful condition when he died.

“…he spent his last days in comfort and in no pain. In fact, he was in good spirits and humor, and enjoying the presence of his entire family. Even then, he was still bringing us together, as he always has, and we are now all complete,” the statement read.

Gil’s family also asked the public to give them a chance to grieve privately.

“Please allow us this time as well to remember Ralph: husband, son, brother, father and grandfather,” the statement read.

Gil got his big break in show business while playing the role of “Sid Lucero,” a neophyte subjected to violent initiation rites in Batch ’81. He was also in movies Magnifico,  Pasan Koa ng Daigdig, and Eskapo. He also starred in TV series like The Legal Wife, Magkaribal, and 100 Days to Heaven.

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