The Philippine entertainment industry grapples with the tragic death of veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez, discovered lifeless in his home on Sunday.
While the initial cause of death was not officially shared with the public, authorities confirmed finding a .45 caliber pistol with an empty magazine near Valdez’s body. Further investigation revealed he sustained a gunshot wound to the head.
“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,” Valdez’s son, actor and singer Janno Gibbs shared in an Instagram post on Monday morning.
Valdez had worked in a film scheduled to hit cinemas in January 2024. The film was Janno’s first directorial job.
Adding to the mystery of his demise, Valdez had been noticeably absent from recent promotional events for his latest film, Ikaw at Ako, where he played an elderly coping with the challenges of life’s twilight years. The film, exploring diverse facets of love across generations, premiered earlier this month.
In Ikaw at Ako, Valdez starred opposite Boots Anson-Rodrigo. Produced by Viva Films and directed by Rechie Del Carmen, unfolds in three narrative arcs. Besides Valdez’s storyline, it explores the tumultuous relationship of Marga (Rhian Ramos) and Anton (Paolo Contis) on the brink of divorce, as well as the innocence of “puppy love” between Tintin (Fatima Mislang) and Miggy (James Ezekiel Ignacio) during a summer camp.
The film delves deep into the complexities of love, showcasing its various forms and the challenges that accompany each stage.
Valdez is survived by his wife, Maria Fe Gibbs, and children, actor-comedian Janno, and Melissa Gibbs.
Discovered by Dolphy in the mid-1960s, he rose to fame in the ’70s playing significant father roles, a trend that continued in the 1990s and 2000s.
Notable appearances include TV dramas like Mula sa Puso (1997–1999) and Sa Dulo ng Walang Hanggan (2001–2003), as well as the romantic comedy Labs Kita… Okey Ka Lang? (1998). Recent years saw him in shows like Los Bastardos (2018-2019) and 2 Good 2 Be True (2022-2023), and films including The Mistress (2012), All You Need is Pag-ibig (2015), and Seven Sundays (2017).