Yearend Special: Celebrity births, deaths in 2023
Image: INQUIRER.net/Lance Uy
In this yearend special report, we aim to give you a look back at the eventful year that was 2023, where we saw a lot of highs and lows in the entertainment scene, and these include the lives we have welcomed as well those we bid goodbye to.
To have a recap, here are some of the births and deaths that made headlines in the past 12 months.
BIRTHS
LJ Moreno and Jimmy Alapag’s son Cayson Amory
Jimmy Alapag and LJ Moreno with their fourth child Cayson Amory. Image: Instagram/@thelollicakechic
Moreno and Alapag welcomed the birth of their fourth child, baby boy Cayson Amory, on Jan. 13. The couple, who is based in the United States, announced their son’s birth by giving a glimpse of Moreno’s birthing journey through a video compilation.
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Melissa Ricks’ second child Mikaela
(From left) Michael Macatangay, Melissa Ricks, baby Mikaela Ricks Macatangay. Images: Instagram/@mellyricks09
On Jan. 14, Ricks gave birth to Mikaela, her daughter with her non-showbiz husband Michael Macatangay. The actress introduced her newborn to the public by showing a photo of the latter through her Instagram page.
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Image: Instagram/@mellyricks09
Danica Sotto and Marc Pingris’ third child Jean-Luc
(From left) Marc Pingris, Danica Sotto-Pingris. Images: Instagram/@jeanmarc15
Sotto and Pingris, who tied the knot with Sotto in March 2007, announced on Jan. 15 the birth of their third child, baby boy Jean-Luc. The couple’s two older children are 15-year-old Jean Michael and 12-year-old Caela.
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Image: Instagram/@danicaspringris
Paris Hilton’s children Phoenix and London
Media personality and hotel heiress Paris Hilton announced in January that she and husband Carter Reum had welcomed their first child, baby boy Phoenix, who had been born via surrogate. Ten months later, Hilton would also introduce their second child, baby girl London, who was also welcomed via surrogate.
Paris Hilton with her son, Phoenix. Image from Instagram
Image: Instagram/@parishilton
Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine’s baby no. 3
Namibian model Behati Prinsloo (L) and U.S. singer Adam Levine attend the Baby2Baby 10-Year Gala Presented By Paul Mitchell at the Pacific Design Center on Nov. 13, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. Image: AFP/Michael Tran
Prinsloo and Levine celebrated the birth of their third child, a son whose name and face they have yet to reveal to the public. The birth of their child came months after the Maroon 5 frontman made headlines for getting involved in a cheating controversy.
Katarina Rodriguez’s daughter Clara Amal
Katarina Rodriguez and her daughter, Clara Amal. Image: Instagram/@katarinarodri
Then 30-year-old beauty queen Rodriguez gave birth to her second child with her partner Niño Barbers, a baby girl they named Clara Amal. The child was born on Jan. 29 but she was only introduced to the public on Feb. 6.
Image: Instagram/@katarinarodri
Trina Legaspi’s first child Kaela
Image: Instagram/@trinalegaspi
The “Goin’ Bulilit” alum welcomed motherhood in March, over a year after her wedding to her non-showbiz husband Ryan Jarina. In her announcement post, Legaspi revealed she underwent an eight-hour labor and an hour of “pushing” prior to giving birth to her daughter.
Image: Instagram/@bundleofjoystudioph via @trinalegaspi
Iza Calzado’s daughter Deia Amihan
Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
Calzado and her husband, businessman Ben Wintle, welcomed their firstborn Deia Amihan on Jan. 26 but opted to make the birth announcement in March. Their daughter came over four years after the couple’s wedding in Palawan.
Image: Instagram/@missizacalzado
Isabelle Daza’s baby no. 3
Isabelle Daza and her daughter Esmeralda Gloria. Image: Instagram/@isabelledaza
Daza announced in March the birth of her third child with her businessman husband Adrien Semblat, baby girl Esmeralda Gloria. Apparently named after Daza’s mother, actress-beauty queen Gloria Diaz, the celebrity offspring was only introduced to the public in November.
Bianca King’s firstborn, baby girl Sadie Harlow
Image: Instagram/@bianca_king
King, who has been married to non-showbiz Ralph Wintle since 2021, shared the news of their daughter’s birth in March. King and Ralph—the brother of Calzado’s husband, Ben—are currently based in Australia.
Image: Instagram/@bianca_king
Pamu Pamorada’s first child Zaia
Pamu Pamorada, her fiancé, her doctor and her first child. Image: Instagram/@pamupamorada08
Pamorada gave birth in April to baby Zaia, her first child with her non-showbiz fiancé Mitchell Hapin. The actress-comedian said she felt like a “wonder woman” during the birthing process as she underwent unmedicated vaginal birth.
Image: Instagram/@pamupamorada08
Roxanne Barcelo’s second child Theo
Roxanne Barcelo and her second child Theo. Image: screengrab from YouTube/Roxanne Barcelo
Barcelo, who is currently based in Taiwan with her non-showbiz husband Jiggs, surprised fans in April after she revealed that she had already given birth to her second child in January. Barcelo introduced her son to the public through a vlog, which also marked her return to YouTube after a maternity leave.
Image: Instagram/@roxannebarcelo
Joyce Pring and Juancho Triviño’s daughter Agnes Eleanor
Juancho Triviño and Joyce Pring with their second child Agnes Eleanor. Image: Instagram/@juanchotrivino, @joycepring
The celebrity couple welcomed Agnes Eleanor on April 21 after Pring’s “intense precipitous labor.” Pring and Triviño fondly call their daughter “Aggie.”
Image: Instagram/@joycepring
Mari Jasmine’s first child Noa
Mari Jasmine and her daughter Noa. Image: Instagram/@michaelconcepts
TV personality-model Mari Jasmine and her husband, fashion retailer Michael Concepcion, welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Noa, in April.
Image: Instagram/@marijasmine
Rachelle Ann Go’s second child Sela Teruah
Rachelle Ann Go, her husband Martin Spies and their two kids. Image: Instagram/@gorachelleann
Go gave birth to her daughter Sela Teruah in March but only announced her birth to the public a month later.
“Sela means rock, to pause or reflect. Teruah means shout or trumpet blast,” said the singer, who shares her two children with her husband Martin Spies.
Image: Instagram/@gorachelleann
JC de Vera’s second child Laura
JC de Vera and his baby girl. Image: Instagram/@akosijcdeberat
De Vera and his non-showbiz wife Rikkah Cruz welcomed their baby no. 2, a baby girl named Laura, in June. The couple had their daughter baptized in September.
JC de Vera, his wife Rikkah Cruz and their daughter Lana and Laura. Image: Instagram/@niceprintphoto via @akosijcdeberat
Diego Loyzaga’s daughter Hailey
Diego Loyzaga and his daughter. Image: Instagram/@diegoloyzaga
Loyzaga introduced his daughter to the public in June, without giving further details about the child and his partner. Months later, the actor would disclose that his child was a “hundred percent planned,”
“There’s nothing in this life now that I wanna do aside from if it’s for her,” he declared in an interview with Toni Gonzaga.
Image: Instagram/@diegoloyzaga
Song Joong-ki, wife Katy Louise Saunders’ baby boy
(From left) Song Joong-ki, Katy Louise Saunders. Images: Instagram/@
hi_songjoongki, Facebook/Katy Louise Saunders
Song and Saunders welcomed their first child, a son, in June. Song revealed that his wife gave birth in Rome, Italy, which is said to be her hometown.
“My biggest dream is to have a happy family. It is the most precious gift to us as a couple,” he said in a statement.
Patrick Sugui’s first child
Image: Instagram/@patsugui
Sugui and his wife Aeriel Garcia, who wed in April 2022, announced in July the birth of their first child, baby girl Olivia. The pair revealed in January that they were about to become parents, then disclosed in March that their firstborn is a girl.
Gwen Zamora and David Semerad’s baby no. 2
Gwen Zamora, her husband David Semerad and their children Cooper and Amber. Image: Instagram/@hellodarling.ph via @gwenzamora
Zamora and her husband, basketball player David Semerad, became parents of two after the actress gave birth to their second child, baby Amber Mae, on July 10. The arrival of their second child came seven months after they wed for the second time.
Image: Instagram/@gwenzamora
Lindsay Lohan’s first child Luai
Image: Instagram/@lindsaylohan
The “Parent Trap” star and her husband, financier Bader Shammas, welcomed a son named Luai, as confirmed by her representative in July. Lohan, 37, gave birth in Dubai where she lives with Shammas.
Luai is an Arabic name that means “shield” or “protector.” The couple has yet to reveal their baby’s face.
Toni Gonzaga, Paul Soriano’s daughter Polly
(From left) Toni Gonzaga, Seve Gonzaga Soriano, Paul Soriano, Paulina Celestine Gonzaga Soriano. Images: Instagram/@paultinsevepolly, Instagram/@celestinegonzaga
Gonzaga gave birth to Polly, her second child with Soriano, on Aug. 11. The actress-TV host confirmed her second pregnancy two months prior to childbirth.
Image: Instagram/@cathygonzaga
Rihanna’s son Riot Rose
Rihanna’s second child with rapper A$AP Rocky, a baby boy named Riot Rose, was reportedly born on Aug. 1. The couple gave a first look at their second son through an exclusive magazine cover, a month after his birthday.
Rihanna. Image: Instagram/@badgalriri
Kris Bernal’s daughter Hailee Lucca
Kris Bernal and her 1-month-old daughter Hailee Lucca. Screenshots from Kris Bernal’s Instagram page
Bernal introduced her firstborn Hailee Lucca to the public, two weeks after childbirth. The actress called her child, whom she shares with her non-showbiz husband Perry Choi, as their “Little Sunshine.”
Vickie Rushton and Jason Abalos’ first child
Image: Instagram/@niceprintphoto via @thejasonabalos, @vimrushton
Rushton and Abalos marked their first wedding anniversary by announcing the birth of their first child, baby boy Knoa.
“Our greatest blessing. Our little love. We still can’t believe he’s finally here in our arms,” the actress-beauty queen captioned her announcement post. “We love you more than you’ll ever know, Knoa.”
Image: Instagram/@vimrushton
Lovely Abella and Benj Manalo’s baby boy Liam
(From left) Lovely Abella, Benj Manalo. Images: Instagram/@lovelyabella_
Abella announced in September that she and Manalo welcomed their first child Liam. The actress said that the birth of her son came as a “surprise,” adding how she went through experiences she didn’t face in her first pregnancy.
Image: Instagram/@lovelyabella_
Valerie Concepcion’s second child, baby boy Viktor Francis
Concepcion announced that she and her non-showbiz husband Francis Sunga welcomed their child, baby boy Viktor Francis, on Oct. 25.
Valerie Concepcion and her son Viktor Francis. Image: Instagram/@niceprintphoto via @v_concepcion, @franchise_33
Kitchie Nadal’s second child, baby boy Iago
Kitchie Nadal with her husband, their firstborn and second child. Image: Instagram/@kitchienadal
The singer introduced her newborn son Iago in December, showing what appears to be his dedication ceremony held in Spain in November.
While Nadal did not immediately disclose her son’s date of birth, she shared that his name was derived from Santiago, who is “revered as the patron saint of Galicia and, more broadly, of Spain as a whole.”
DEATHS
Lisa Marie Presley
FILE PHOTO: Lisa Marie Presley arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of “Mad Max: Fury Road” at the TCL Chinese Theater on May 7, 2015. Presley died January 12, 2023, from the effects of a small bowel obstruction, according to updated Los Angeles coroner’s records Thursday, July 13. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
Lisa, a musician and the only daughter of rock ‘n’ roll legend Elvis Presley, died at the age of 54 on Jan. 12 due to complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago.
The autopsy report says the complication that Lisa experienced is a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure.
David Crosby
Musician David Crosby performs during a benefit concert to help defeat Proposition 32 on the State of California’s November election ballot at Nokia theatre in Los Angeles, California, U.S., Oct. 3, 2012. Image: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni
Crosby, one of the most influential rock singers of the 1960s and ’70s with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) died on Jan. 20, at the age of 81.
“It is with great sadness that after a long illness, our beloved David (Croz) Crosby has passed away,” his wife, Jan Dance, said in the statement at the time.
‘Laverne & Shirley’ actress Cindy Williams
Cindy Williams, who co-starred with Penny Marshall in the 1970s hit TV series “Laverne & Shirley” signs autographs following a rare two-star unveiling ceremony honoring them with the 2,258th and 2,259th stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Aug. 12, 2004. Laverne and Shirley were portrayed by Marshall and Williams respectively. Image: Reuters/Jim Ruymen
Williams, who played Shirley alongside Penny Marshall’s Laverne in one of the most popular 1970s US TV shows, “Laverne & Shirley,” died on Jan. 30, after a brief illness. She was 75.
Lualhati Bautista
Lualhati Bautista. Image: Facebook/Lualhati Bautista
Bautista, a renowned writer and novelist, passed away in the morning of Feb. 12.
Best known for her novels “Dekada ’70” (1983) and “Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa?” (1988) as well as her steadfast activism, Bautista died at the age of 77 after losing her battle with cancer.
‘The Wire,’ ‘John Wick’ actor Lance Reddick
Actor Lance Reddick arrives at the 46th NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena, California Feb. 6, 2015. Image: Reuters/Jonathan Alcorn
Reddick died on March 17 of natural causes, according to a statement issued by the publicist, Mia Hansen. He was 60.
Reddick’s death came just days before the release of the fourth installment in the “John Wick” franchise, in which he reprised his role as hotel manager Charon, an ally of the title character.
Former actress Angela Perez
Angela Perez. Image: Facebook/Catherine Roma, Angela Perez
Perez, who starred in several films in the 1980s, suffered from a stroke which led to her death on March 29. The former actress was best known for her 1983 film “Laruan,” in which she starred alongside Carmi Martin. Other films she was part of include “Alexandra” and “Nang Maghalo ang Balat sa Tinalupan.”
Astro member Moonbin
Moonbin of Astro. Image: Twitter/@offclASTRO
The K-pop idol was found dead in his Gangnam home by his manager on April 19. He was 25. Korean media reported that suicide was suspected, though police declined to comment at the time of his death.
Jerry Springer
NEW YORK – OCTOBER 11: TV Host Jerry Springer celebrates the taping of “The Jerry Springer Show” 20th anniversary show at Military Island, Times Square on October 11, 2010 in New York City. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Michael loccisano / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)
Springer, legendary US talk show host, passed away on April 27 after a brief illness. He was 79. While no further details were given about his death,Springer had reportedly been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months before his demise.
‘Divergent,’ ‘Thor’ actor Ray Stevenson
Actor Ray Stevenson at The World Premiere of Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Ragnarok” at the El Capitan Theatre on Oct. 10, 2017 in Hollywood, California. Image: Getty Images for Disney/Rich Polk via AFP
Stevenson, known for his roles in “Divergent” as well as Marvel films “Thor” and “Punisher: War Zone,” passed away on May 21, four days before his 59th birthday.
The cause of death was not immediately disclosed but prior to his death, the Irish actor was reportedly hospitalized in Italy while filming a movie.
‘Queen of rock ‘n’ roll’ Tina Turner
FILE PHOTO: Tina Turner performs during her world tour 87 at the summer open air concert in Hamburg, Germany, on July 3, 1987. REUTERS/Michael Urban/File Photo
Turner died peacefully on May 24 in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, after a long illness. She was 83.
Often called the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Turner was one of the biggest recording artists of all time, known for her hits “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “(Simply) The Best,” among many others.
John Regala
John Regala. Images: Instagram/@officialnadiam
Regala—known for starring in numerous films including “Isa-Isahin Ko Kayo” (1990), “Bukas Bibitayin si Itay” (1995), “Askal” (1997), and “Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story” (2011)—passed away on June 3 due to multiple ailments. He was 55.
Glenda Jackson
(FILES) English actress and former politician Glenda Jackson poses on the red carpet upon arrival to attend the 2017 Laurence Olivier Awards in London on April 9, 2017. Image: AFP/Justin Tallis
British actress Jackson, the two-time Oscar-winning actress who went on to become an MP, died on June 15 after a brief illness. She was 87.
Jackson won the Best Actress Oscar in 1970 for her leading performance in the film “Women in Love.” She won the acting honor anew in 1973 for her role in “A Touch of Class.”
Patrick Guzman
Patrick Guzman. Image: Instagram/@ogiealcasid, @beverlyvergel
Guzman, who rose into fame after starring in several films in the 1990s, passed away in June. Among his films was the”Mama’s Boys 2” wherein he starred alongside Ogie Alcasid, Michael V. and Anjo Yllana.
Other movies he was part of were “Una Kang Naging Akin” (1991), “Koronang Itim” (1994), “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko” (1994) and “Sa Piling ng Iba” (1998).
Julian Sands
The 76th Venice Film Festival – Screening of the film “The Painted Bird” in competition – Venice, Italy September 3, 2019 – Actor Julian Sands poses before an interview. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw
British-born actor Sands was confirmed dead on June 27, five months after he went missing while out for a hike in snow-covered mountains of Southern California. Best known for his role in the Oscar-celebrated film “A Room with a View,” Sands died at the age of 65.
Alan Arkin
FILE PHOTO: Actor Alan Arkin poses during the CinemaCon Big Screen Achievement Awards at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada April 23, 2015. Alan Arkin was honored with the CinemaCon Lifetime Achievement Award. CinemaCon is the official convention of the National Association of Theatre Owners. REUTERS/Steve Marcus/File Photo
Arkin, a versatile and prolific American actor who won an Oscar for his role in the 2006 film “Little Miss Sunshine,” died at 89 on June 29. Arkin died at his home in Carlsbad, California, and is survived by his wife Suzanne, his three sons, four grandchildren and a great-grandson.
Mario Dumaual
Mario Dumaual. Image from his Facebook page
Entertainment journalist Dumaual died due to septic shock as a result of a previous heart attack, his family confirmed on July 5. He was confined for a month at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City prior to his death.
Ricky Rivero
Ricky Rivero. Image: Facebook/Ricky S Rivero
Former teen star-turned-actor-filmmaker, Rivero passed away in July at the age of 51. Two months before his demise, Rivero—best known for his appearance on the variety show “That’s Entertainment”— was rushed to the Philippine Heart Center due to a stroke.
Willie Nepomuceno
Willie Nepomuceno
Nepomuceno died on July 26, two days after sustaining a head injury from an accident at home. He was 75.
Known for his intelligent and uproarious impersonations of prominent local personalities, the television and stage performer made his mark in the industry by impersonating former Philippine presidents Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Benigno Aquino III.
JM Canlas
Image: Facebook/JM Canlas
“Kiko Boksingero” and “ANi” star JM, brother of actor Elijah Canlas, died on Aug. 3 at the age 17. While no cause of death was immediately made public, Jerom, JM’s other brother, revealed that he struggled with his mental health.
Robert Arevalo
Award-winning actor Robert Arevalo. Image: Facebook/Anna Ylagan
Arevalo died peacefully on Aug. 10, as confirmed by his family. He was 85.
In his decades-long career, Arevalo won numerous awards including the FAMAS best actor for the 1965 film “Ang Daigdig ng mga Api”; and the best supporting actor in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for Lino Brocka’s “Ama, Bakit Mo Ako Pinabayaan?” in 1990.
‘Lola Igna’ actress Angie Ferro
Angie Ferro. Image: Facebook/Philippine Film Industry Month
Award-winning actress Angie Ferro died on Aug. 17, at the age of 86, her family and friends in the showbiz industry confirmed. Ferro reportedly suffered a stroke and was confined in an intensive care unit in 2022.
Ferro won the 1979 FAMAS best supporting actress award for her movie “Pagputi ng Uwak… Pag-itim ng Tagak.” She also earned a Gawad ng Urian best actress nomination, as well as the best actress honor at the 2019 Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino for her performance in “Lola Igna.”
Ethel Ramos
Ethel Ramos. Image: Facebook/Farah Ramos
Veteran talent manager and entertainment columnist Ramos died at the age of 87 on Sept. 10.
Ramos, who was known among showbiz circles as the “Dean of Entertainment Writers,” was the talent manager of actors like Aga Muhlach and Angel Locsin.
‘Harry Potter’ actor Michael Gambon
FILE PHOTO: Actor Michael Gambon attends a Service of Thanksgiving for Sir Peter Hall at Westminster Abbey in London, Britain, September 11, 2018. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File photo
Gambon, best known to global audiences for playing the wise professor Albus Dumbledore in the “Harry Potter” movie franchise, was 82 when he passed away on Sept. 28.
He died peacefully in hospital, as per a family statement.
Gambon retired from the stage in 2015 after suffering long-term memory problems but continued to act on screen until 2019.
Mike Enriquez
Mike Enriquez. Image from GMA Network.
The veteran broadcaster, who stood as one of the pillars of GMA News, died on Aug. 29. Enriquez would have turned 72 on Sept. 29, exactly a month after his death.
Over five decades in service, he established his name as part of DZBB’s radio programs “Super Balita sa Umaga” and “Saksi sa Dobol B,” as well as Kapuso public affairs programs “Saksi,” “24 Oras” and “Imbestigador.” Aside from the numerous awards he bagged, he was also known for the catchphrases he created such as “Hindi namin kayo tatantanan!” and “Excuse me po!”
‘Friends’ actor Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry poses at the premiere of the television series “The Kennedys After Camelot” at The Paley Center for Media in Beverly Hills, California U.S., March 15, 2017. Image: Reuters/Mario Anzuoni
Perry, who brought to life the character of Chandler Bing in the hit TV sitcom “Friends,” was found dead of an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home on Oct. 28. He was 54.
It was later revealed that the American actor died as a result of “the acute effects of ketamine,” an anesthetic with psychedelic properties.
“Contributing factors in Mr. Perry’s death include drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine (used to treat opioid use disorder),” the medical examiner said in a statement. “The manner of death is accident. ”
Joey Paras
Image: Facebook/Joey Paras
Paras, who made a name for himself as an actor, comedian and filmmaker, died after “his heart wasn’t able to recover anymore.” He was 45 years old.
While his family did give further details on his death, Paras was diagnosed with a heart condition prior to his death and was given a pacemaker in 2018.
Jun Urbano, popularly known as Mr. Shooli
Urbano delivered his speech dressed as his alter-ego Mr. Shooli. —KEITH SICAT’s FACEBOOK
Manuel “Jun” Urbano Jr., best known for his creation and portrayal of Mr. Shooli in his political satire show “Mongolian Barbecue” in the late 1980s, died in December at the age of 84.
Urbano succumbed to ruptured abdominal aneurysm, according to his grandson Angelo Publico. The late actor also had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and underwent a quintuple heart bypass in 2018.
Reggae singer Kokoi Baldo
Kokoi Baldo. Image: Facebook/Litratiks via Kokoi Baldo Official
Baldo, one of the finalists of “The Voice Philippines Season 2” in 2015, died after figuring in a vehicular accident in Bacolod on Dec. 8.
Aside from his “The Voice” stint, Baldo—who was dubbed by his fans as the “Philippines’ Bob Marley”—also won the ABS-CBN reality competition “Your Moment” along with his rock reggae band Juan Gapang.
Andre Braugher
Andre Braugher as Captain Raymond Holt in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” Image: Instagram/@andrebraugher
Braugher, best known for his roles in American TV series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” and “Homicide: Life on the Street,” died on Dec. 13 due to a brief illness. He was 61.
Braugher is survived by his wife, fellow “Homicide: Life on the Street” star Ami Brabson, and three children.
Ronaldo Valdez
Ronaldo Valdez. Image: Instagram/@tito.ron.valdez
Screen veteran Valdez, whose career spanned nearly five decades, was found dead in his bedroom in the afternoon of Dec. 17. Valdez’s driver found him unconscious while sitting on his chair with a gunshot wound on his temple. The actor was rushed to the hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
Valdez is survived by his wife, Maria Fe Ilagan Gibbs, and his children, Janno Gibbs and former actress Melissa Gibbs.
Other celebrities in the local and international scene who have passed on were Fred White, Jeff Beck, Burt Bacharach, Raquel Welch, Gary Rossington, Robert Blake, Paul O’Grady, Barry Humphries, Harry Belafonte, Grace Bumbry, Rita Lee, Rolf Harris, Anna Shay, Astrud Gilberto, Treat Williams, Coco Lee, Jane Birkin, Tony Bennett, Bo Goldman, Angus Cloud, Paul Reubens, Mark Margolis, William Friedkin, Ron Cephas Jones, Bob Barker, Burt Young, Richard Roundtree, Jaymee Joaquin, Jograd dela Torre, Frances Sternhagen, Gil Soriano, Norman Lear, Benjamin Zephaniah, Ryan O’Neal, Zahara, Na Chul, Jung Chae-yull, Haesoo, Byun Hee-bong, and Nahee.
