‘John En Marsha’ star Matutina dies at 78
Matutina. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Julius Babao UNPLUGGED
Comedian Matutina, best known for her role as the helper with a high-pitched voice in the hit 1970s sitcom “John en Marsha,” has died at the age of 78, her family confirmed.
Matutina, or Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero, reportedly passed away on Friday, Feb. 14.
Five months prior to her death, Matutina bared her long battle with osteoporosis, which had left her in a wheelchair. The veteran comedian also revealed at the time that she had been undergoing dialysis three times a week for nine years.
“May mga pagkakataon na hindi ako nakakaintindi. Pero buti wala pa rin akong limot-limot,…” she said in an interview with broadcaster Julius Babao, adding that she also struggled with poor eyesight and hearing.
“Pasalamat pa rin ako dahil ito pa rin, buhay. Nakikita pa rin ‘yung nangyayari sa paligid,” she stated.
Speaking about how she wanted to be remembered by the public, Matutina — who began her career as a radio personality — said, “Gusto kong maalala ako ‘yung maligaya, ‘yung nakakatawa saka sa drama. Dahil noong glorious days ng radyo, kasama ako. Kasama ako sa mga magagandang alaala ng radio drama.”
Aside from the hit TV series, Matutina also starred in the several film adaptations of the Dolphy-led show.
