Veteran theater and film actor Jose Ferrer Gruta, better known as Joe Gruta, passed away on March 10. He was 79.
Gruta entered the entertainment industry in the early 1970s, where he grew to stardom following his works with renowned filmmakers and National Artists for Film Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal. Apart from his onscreen roles, his passion and skill in acting also greatly contributed to the theater arts.
He is known for his roles in “Juan Tamad at Mr. Shooli: Mongolian Barbecue,” “A Dangerous Life,” “Sierra Madre,” “The Bet Collector,” “Pridyider,” “Amigo,” “Kwentong Barbero,” “Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha,” “School Service,” and many others.
Gruta had also recently reprised his role of Padre Florentino in the “El Filibusterismo” production of arts and performance company Artist Playground last March 1 and 2 at the Little Theater of St. Scholastica’s College.
The actor was also a part of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA), serving as one of its pioneer members.