When life starts and ends: Celebrity births, deaths that made headlines in 2022
Image from INQUIRER.net / Marie Faro
Just like any other year, 2022 took many of the country’s celebrities away, but it also gave back in many forms, such as the birth of babies famous even before they have shown their faces to the public, courtesy of their celebrity parents. Many fans bid goodbye to celebrities who passed away, but many more celebrated the start of a new life shared by those in the entertainment firmament.
In this article, we will look back at the number of most prolific births and deaths in the entertainment scene — from local, Hollywood, to Hallyu. Here’s a wrap-up of the biggest showbiz personalities who gave birth in 2022:
Iya Villania
TV host and actress Iya Villania gave birth to Astro Phoenix, her fourth child with husband and “Byahe ni Drew” presenter Drew Arellano on June 4. She revealed in a series of Instagram Stories that it was her “longest labor yet,” and confirmed in a vlog that Astro was the first child to be delivered via natural childbirth.
“My first natural birth out of my 4 deliveries! [heart emoji]. This birth is extra special because it will always remind me of how God took me thru til the end even when I had given up,” she wrote on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
Villania confirmed her pregnancy in January 2022, and the baby’s gender was revealed in the same month. Apart from Astro Phoenix, her children include Primo (2016), Leon (2018), and Alana (2020).
Jennylyn Mercado
Jennylyn Mercado and Dennis Trillo surprised fans after announcing that they’ve welcomed their first child, baby Dylan, on April 25. The confirmation, however, was done through a nursery room tour video on May 1.
View this post on Instagram
The celebrity couple did not divulge many details about their first child, and she was first revealed to the public on Nov. 2.
Son Ye-jin
Son Ye-jin. Image: Instagram/@yejinhand
Fans of the popular K-drama “Crash Landing on You” were overjoyed after it was announced that lead actress Son Ye-jin gave birth to a baby boy, her first child with reel-to-real partner Hyun Bin, on Nov. 27. Additional details, however, are yet to be revealed.
Ye-jin opened up about her pregnancy in an Instagram post on June 27, three months after her marriage to Hyun Bin.
View this post on Instagram
“I’m still flustered, but I’m currently going day by day, feeling the changes in my body and feeling both worry and excitement,” the actress wrote. “We will protect the precious life that has come to us. I hope you all stay healthy, keeping the things you hold precious in your life close to you.”
Park Shin-hye
Park Shin-hye. Image: Instagram/@ssinz7
Salt Entertainment, the entertainment agency of Hallyu star Park Shin-hye, confirmed that she has given birth to a “healthy baby boy” at a hospital in Seoul, South Korea on May 31. The actress’ baby boy is her first child with husband and actor Choi Tae-joon.
Shin-hye and Tae-joon have been in a relationship since 2017, and tied the knot in January of this year.
Dimples Romana
View this post on Instagram
Dimples Romana welcomed her third child, baby Elio, with her husband Boyet Ahmee on June 24. She announced her pregnancy with Elio in March, then revealed later that she was expecting a baby boy.
Aside from baby Elio, Romana and Ahmee have two children together, namely, Callie and Alonzo.
Angelica Panganiban
View this post on Instagram
Angelica Panganiban embraced the challenge of being a first-time mother after giving birth to Amila Sabine on Sept. 20, her first daughter with non-showbiz partner Gregg Homan.
The actress also opened up about adjusting to the life of being a mother taking care of a newborn child two months after giving birth in an Instagram post.
Angelica Panganiban and her child Amila Sabine. Image: Instagram/@iamangelicap
“Bago ka mag padede kapag 4am na, [magsipilyo], hilamos at umihi ka na. You’ll never know kung papayag pa ba siyang magpababa sayo (ibulong mo na din kay Lord na sana makaligo ka sa araw na ito),” Panganiban said.
(Before breastfeeding at 4 a.m., make sure that you’ve brushed your teeth, washed your face, and taken a bathroom break. You’ll never know if the baby wants you to let go. Make sure to pray to God that you’ve already taken a bath at that time.)
Rihanna
Pop superstar Rihanna welcomed a baby boy, her first child with rapper A$AP Rocky on May 13 in Los Angeles, California, as reported by pop industry news website TMZ. Details about the child’s name are yet to be revealed.
@rihannahacked♬ original sound – Rihanna
The pop star and fashion mogul’s pregnancy was first reported in February 2022, when photos of Rihanna’s baby bump were released to the public. Rihanna finally unveiled the face of her baby boy through her Tiktok page on Dec. 17.
Kryz Uy
View this post on Instagram
Kryz Uy gave birth to her baby Sevi, her second child with former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemate Slater Young, in the early morning of May 21. She revealed in a vlog that her son arrived earlier than expected, but noted that the couple were already prepared beforehand.
Winwyn Marquez
Beauty queen-turned-actress Winwyn Marquez introduced her “little princess” baby Luna Teresita Rayn, her first child with her non-showbiz boyfriend, through an Instagram post on May 1.
View this post on Instagram
Marquez confirmed that she’s expecting her first child in December 2021, while the gender was revealed through a reveal party in January 2022.
Angeline Quinto
View this post on Instagram
Angeline Quinto said it was love at first sight upon seeing baby Sylvio, her first child with her non-showbiz partner, on April 27. The singer-actress showed glimpses of herself while in labor on her Instagram Stories, along with a photo showing a digital clock and the exact time of baby Sylvio’s birth.
Prior to giving birth, Quinto shared a photo of herself in her pajamas with the words “ready to pop” written on her baby bump.
Solenn Huessaff
Nico Bolzico sort of stole the thunder from sultry mom Solenn Heussaff when she gave birth to their second child. This after the social media-savvy entrepreneur announced on Instagram how crazy his day went with the victorious rally of his native country Argentina in the FIFA World Cup semifinals coinciding with the birth of his second daughter.
View this post on Instagram
“What a crazy day today! Argentina qualified to the finals with [Lionel] Messi playing a great game, and we just had a super healthy baby girl,” Bolzico said in one breath, until he was shushed by Heussaff who was not in the frame.
The second part of the IG clip showed a rather “remorseful” Bolzico clarifying that the birth of his still unnamed child is a “million times” more important than the results of the international sporting event.
Solenn Heussaff breastfeeding her second baby. Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@solenn
Heussaff and Bolzico have yet to reveal the name and exact birth date of their baby girl, however, the actress has shared glimpses of her child on social media.
Meanwhile, here are some of the showbiz personalities who passed away in 2022:
Susan Roces
Susan Roces, dubbed as the “Queen of Philippine Movies,” passed away at the age of 80 on May 20 due to cardiopulmonary arrest. Her death was confirmed by Senator Grace Poe, disclosing that the veteran actress was surrounded by her loved ones in her final moments.
Susan Roces. Contributed photo
“We announce the loss of our beloved Jesusa Sonora Poe, whom many of you know as Susan Roces. She passed away peacefully on a Friday evening, May 20, 2022, surrounded by love and warmth, with her daughter Grace, her nephews Joseph and Jeffrey and many of her family and close friends,” Poe said in a statement.
Roces is buried next to her late husband, veteran action star Fernando Poe Jr., in the Manila North Cemetery. Her final appearance was in the longstanding teleserye “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” alongside Coco Martin, who starred as her grandson and the series’ main character.
Danny Javier
OPM fans were heartbroken when the death of Danny Javier, member of the iconic Apo Hiking Society, was confirmed by his daughter Justine Javier Long on Oct. 31. Per Long, the singer-songwriter died of “complications due to a prolonged illness” at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute at the age of 75.
Danny Javier.
Various tributes poured in for the OPM icon, including heartfelt messages from Ogie Alcasid and Lea Salonga, as well as Apo bandmates Jim Paredes and Boboy Garrovillo.
Paredes shared a photo of Javier “clowning around during recording years ago” on his personal Instagram page, hoping to “meet again.” Meanwhile, Garrovillo’s tribute was revealed by his relatives on the same day, saying that the late singer will live on through his music.
Javier’s remains were cremated in Heritage Park, Taguig City on Nov. 6, while the OPM singer’s posthumous single, “Lahat Tayo,” was released on Nov. 2.
Jovit Baldivino
Jovit Baldivino. Image: Instagram/@jerryvoyage
Five days after being in a coma, “Pilipinas Got Talent” season one winner Jovit Baldivino died of complications due to a stroke at 4 a.m. on Dec. 9 at the Jesus of Nazareth Hospital in Batangas City. Prior to being hospitalized, he was recovering for a week after receiving treatments for an unspecified ailment.
The singer’s death was confirmed by his family in an official statement through former Star Magic handler Jerry Telan.
Baldivino was laid to rest on Dec. 14 at the Paradise View Memorial Garden in Batangas, as seen in the social media accounts of Telan and his partner Camille Anne Miguel. The late singer’s fiancée mourned his death, saying she’s not yet ready to move forward with her life after his burial.
Kirstie Alley
Two-time Emmy award-winning actress Kirstie Alley, who was best known for her role as Rebecca Howe in the hit NBC sitcom “Cheers,” died of cancer in Dec. 6. Alley was 71 years old, and was survived by her children True and Lillie Parker, who confirmed the actress’ passing on her social media accounts.
View this post on Instagram
Alley’s “Look Who’s Talking” co-star, Hollywood actor John Travolta, paid tribute to the actress through a series of throwback Instagram posts on the same day. “Kirstie was one of the most special relationships I’ve ever had. I love you Kirstie. I know we will see each other again,” Travolta wrote.
Cherie Gil
Cherie Gil
Cherie Gil, also known as “La Primera Contravida” of Pinoy showbiz, died of cancer on Aug. 5 at the age of 59 years old. While her death was revealed by her friend Annabelle Rama on her Twitter page, it was eventually confirmed by nephew Sid Lucero at an episode of the GMA program “Saksi” on the same day.
The seasoned actress’ family confirmed that Gil was diagnosed with a rare form of endometrial cancer in October 2021, but chose to keep her condition private. The actress underwent treatment at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, U.S.
Nearly a month after Gil’s death, the Eigenmann family paid tribute to Cherie Gil through an intimate gathering.
Aaron Carter
FILE Aaron Carter (Photo by Chris Delmas / AFP)
Hollywood music scene fell in shock with the death of troubled American singer Aaron Carter died on November 6 at age 34. Carter, who soared to fame at the turn of the millennium with his hit album “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It),” was found in his tub at his residence in Lancaster, California.
Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter opened up about his “complicated relationship” with his younger brother and his battle with drug addiction and mental health, saying his love for his brother never faded. This, despite their differences in the past that even resulted in Nick filing for a restraining order against Carter after the later confessed to having violent intentions against his then pregnant wife Lauren and their sister Angel.
His childhood girlfriend Hiilary Duff also penned a touching tribute for him, saying that her “teenage self love you deeply”.
Olivia Newton-John
View this post on Instagram
British-born, Australia-raised singer Olivia Newton-John passed away on Aug. 9 at the age 73 at her home in southern California, U.S. The performer is known for her role as Sandy in the hit movie musical “Grease” and her songs “Physical,” “I Honestly Love You,” and “Hopelessly Devoted to You.”
Newton-John’s death was confirmed in a statement on her official Instagram account, adding that she was surrounded by her family and friends at her ranch home before passing away peacefully.
The four-time Grammy Award-winning singer revealed several years ago that she was forced to cancel performances after breast cancer had metastasized. Twenty-five years earlier, she previously underwent a partial mastectomy and launched a cancer treatment-research facility in Australia.
Sylvia La Torre
Sylvia La Torre. Image from hydee pichai / goldenglobe.com
Veteran singer Sylvia La Torre, dubbed as the “Queen of Kundiman” and “First Lady of Philippine Television,” died on Dec. 1 at age 89. The singer’s death was confirmed by her granddaughter, Filipina-American actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, in an Instagram post on Dec. 2.
According to de Tagle, La Torre died in her sleep on Dec. 1 at 7:02 am and was surrounded by her husband of 68 years and children, Artie, Bernie, and Che-che.
View this post on Instagram
“My grandmother was my first inspiration when it came to singing and acting. She was my first vocal coach and taught me all of her kundimans. Thank you for passing on your love of music to me and I will surely continue your legacy,” de Tagle said.
La Torre started her music career at the age of five after winning a singing competition in Manila. She went on to record over 300 songs since the 1950s, including “Paskong Anong Saya,” “Ibong Sawi,” and “Dalaga’t Binata,” among others. She had been based in Southern California during her latest years until the time of her death.
Angela Lansbury
Three-time Oscar nominee Angela Lansbury died in her sleep just five days shy of her 97th birthday on Oct. 11, according to a statement from her family.
The British-born actress spanned eight decades, and is best known for her roles as Jessica Fletcher in the 1984 crime series “Murder, She Wrote” and Mrs. Potts in the 1991 Disney animated film “Beauty and the Beast.”
Philip Lazaro
Veteran stand-up comedian and director Philip Lazaro passed away on July 11, as confirmed by celebrities via tribute posts on social media. Lazaro’s cause of death was later revealed to be multiple organ failure, according to a statement by his nephew Chico Lazaro Alinell sent to GMA News on the same day.
Fanny Serrano
Fanny Serrano. Image: Instagram/@fannytfserrano
The death of celebrity makeup artist and stylist Fanny Serrano was confirmed by the Designers Circle Philippines through a social media post on May 11.
Serrano’s death had not yet been disclosed, as of this writing; but it was previously reported that he went on life support in March 2021 after suffering from a massive stroke. Among his celebrity clients include Lorna Tolentino, the late Cherie Gil, Sharon Cuneta, and Celia Rodriguez, among others.
Sidney Poiter
Hollywood actor Sidney Poitier died of heart failure on January 6 at age 94, but his legacy as the first Black winner of the best actor Oscar will live on forever. Poiter broke through racial barriers in winning the Academy award for his role in “Lilies of the Field,” and inspired a generation during the civil rights movement.
“Lilies of the Field” was filmed in 1963 wherein he played a handyman who helps German nuns build a chapel in the desert. Five years before that, Poitier had been the first Black man nominated for a lead actor Oscar for his role in “The Defiant Ones.”
Kim Misoo
Kim Misoo with BLACKPINK’s Jisoo. Image: Instagram/@sooyaaa__
The untimely passing of Korean actress Kim Mi-soo, known for her role as Yeo Jeong-min in the JTBC K-drama “Snowdrop,” was confirmed by her agency Landscape Entertainment on Jan. 5.
The 29-year-old actress’ cause of death was not disclosed, but the talent agency warned against reporting false rumors on social media.
Bob Saget
Actor Bob Saget arrives at the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, California, U.S., Feb. 25, 2017. Image: Reuters/Danny Moloshok
“Full House” and “How I Met Your Mother” actor Bob Saget was found dead at age 65 at a hotel room in Orlando, Florida on Jan. 10. Local authorities clarified that there were no signs of foul play or drug use in his death.
Saget’s passing was confirmed by his family almost a month later, stating that the late actor died from head trauma after accidentally hitting his head.
Cheslie Kryst
Catriona Gray and Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst. Image: Instagram/@catriona_gray, Facebook/Miss Universe
Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst died on Jan. 30 after jumping from the floor of a 60-story apartment building at around 7:15 a.m., New York standard time. Kryst’s cause of death was not disclosed by her family, however, a report from the New York Police Department revealed that she committed suicide.
Filipina beauty queens Pia Wurtzbach and Catriona Gray paid tribute to Kryst, where she was described as an “angel.”
Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss
tWitch. Screengrab from his Instagram / @sir_twitch_alot
Stephen “tWitch” Boss, known as the DJ and frequent guest host of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” since 2014, died at the age of 40 on Dec. 13 in apparent suicide, according to reports from Los Angeles media. The dancer and choreographer was found in a hotel with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Aside from “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” tWitch also finished in second place on the TV show “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2008 and appeared in the films “Step Up,” “Magic Mike XXL,” and “Stomp The Year 2: Homecoming.” Among the tributes for the dancer include Ellen DeGeneres and former first lady Michelle Obama.
Robbie Coltrane
(FILES) In this file photo taken on December 16, 2011 British actor and comedian Robbie Coltrane attends the British Comedy Awards in London. – Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, who played Hagrid in the Harry Potter films, has died aged 72, his agent said on Friday, October 14. (Photo by CARL COURT / AFP)
Scottish actor Robbie Coltrane, best known for playing Rubeus Hagrid in the “Harry Potter” film series, died at Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Scotland, on Oct. 14 at the age of 72. His agent Belinda Wright confirmed his death in a statement, although his cause of death was not revealed.
The actor is also known for portraying KGB agent turned mafia boss Valentin Zukovsky in “Goldeneye” and “The World is not Enough” of the James Bond film series, as well as the Dr Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald in the British crime series “Cracker.”
Coltrane is survived by his children Spencer and Alice, mother Rhona Gemmell, and sister Annie Rae.
Takeoff
Takeoff, an American rapper known for being one-thirds of the hip-hop group Migos, died at age 28 on Nov. 1, after being fatally shot at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, U.S. Born as Kirshnik Khari Ball, he was shot three times in the torso and head and was killed, and was pronounced dead at the scene by local authorities.
Prior to his death, Takeoff is part of the unit Migos that are considered to be influential for bringing contemporary Southern trap in the mainstream music industry. EDV
