Veteran actress Anita Linda, regarded as the “oldest active actress” in Philippine cinema, has passed away Wednesday morning. She was 95.
Anita Linda’s death was confirmed by filmmaker Adolf Alix, Jr. who took to Facebook to share the sad news.
“This is a very sad day for me. I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts,” the filmmaker, who directed the actress in the acclaimed films Adela (2008) and Presa (2010), started.
“The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6:15. Prayers for her soul. My condolences to her family and her children, Francesca Legaspi and Fred Osburn,” his post continued.
Born Alice Buenaflor Lake on November 23, 1924, she was discovered at an early age by renowned director Lamberto Avellana while watching a stage show at the Avenue Theater.
Her first acting role was in High School with no dialogue, then Biyernes sa Quiapo with Jaime dela Rosa, and Aksesorya with Leopoldo Salcedo.
She was then given the screen name Anita Linda by Lamberto Avellana in her breakout role in Tia Juana (1943), her first film under LVN Pictures.
At the age of 74, she became the oldest actress to ever win a FAMAS award when she was named Best Supporting Actress for Ang Babae sa Bubungang Lata. In 2008, at age 83, she was named Best Actress in the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival (Southeast Asia Film Competition) for her portrayal of the title character in Adela.
Her last listed work on television was Ningning (2016) on ABS-CBN and her last film was New Generation of Heroes (2017).
Last year, the Film Development Council of the Philippines honored Anita for her contribution in Philippine Cinema. She was also recognized by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) as one of the 10 movie icons during the 3rd Eddys held at New Frontier Theater in July.