Ronaldo Valdez—ABS-CBN PR INSTAGRAM
The Philippine entertainment industry mourns the sudden death of seasoned actor Ronaldo Valdez, whose work on film and television spanned almost five decades. He was 76.
Valdez, whose real name was James Ronald Dulaca Gibbs, died on Sunday afternoon, according to his son, actor Janno Gibbs, in a statement that the latter posted on his official social media accounts.
“It is with great sorrow that I confirm my father’s passing. The family would like to request that you respect our privacy in our grieving moment. Your prayers and condolences are much appreciated,” said Gibbs in his post on Instagram, not revealing the cause of his father’s death.
The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has started a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Valdez’s death.
City police chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, in a statement on Monday, said: “As of today, QCPD is currently conducting a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of death of Mr. James Gibbs aka Ronaldo Valdez.”
Maranan assured the public that any findings would be officially released, urging restraint against the spread of speculations and rumors. He pleaded with the public to respect the family’s request for privacy during this difficult time.
Valdez was reportedly battling depression since undergoing surgery for prostate cancer last year.
Sterling career
In the actor’s latest movie project titled “Ikaw at Ako,” which was released in local cinemas early this month, Valdez played husband to Boots Anson Rodrigo’s character.
Rodrigo, who has worked with Valdez since the 1970s for Sampaguita Pictures, said she remembered Valdez behaving “notably different” on the set.
“We all knew Ronaldo. He was a cheerful person. He turned every set into a fun and happy one when he was around. This time, I saw that he was sad,” Rodrigo told the Inquirer on Monday.
“Even during rehearsals, he would cry so much. I think he was already going through something personal,” she said.
In their respective social media accounts, veteran actress Vilma Santos, Anjo Yllana, Kathryn Bernardo, among other celebrities who had worked with Valdez, posted photos and how they remembered him.
Discovered by Dolphy
Valdez started his career as a leading man to Susan Roces in the 1970s. He was spotted by the late comedian Dolphy while playing basketball.
“He approached me to ask if I had wanted to become an actor. I said ‘yes’ because I’ve always been interested in acting,” Valdez said in a television interview in 2017.
Valdez is survived by his wife, Maria Fe Gibbs, and children, Janno and Melissa. Details of the wake and interment have yet to be announced.
In his last post about Valdez, Gibbs greeted his father on his 76th birthday, Nov. 27, and revealed the two of them shot a new movie that will be shown in January: “What a joy to share the screen with you again and a privilege to have directed you. We had fun, didn’t we?” INQ