Veteran actor Tony Ferrer, who was dubbed James Bond of the Philippines during his heyday, has passed away. He was 86.
The passing of Ferrer, who was Antonio Laxa in real life, was announced by his daughter, Mutya Laxa-Buensuceso, via social media on Saturday.
“On 23 January 2021, our beloved father, friend, and Philippine movie industry treasure ANTONIO D. LAXA popularly known as TONY FERRER joined our Creator quietly in his sleep and in the comfort of his home. He was 86 years old,” wrote Mutya in a Facebook post.
She added, “During his last days, he was surrounded by the care of his San Antonio family, the love of his children, and the joy and songs of his grandchildren. He was a remarkable, selfless man who always thought of others first, impacting a lot of lives on and off screen. We shall all remember him with fondness.”
In a separate Instagram post, his daughter Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan said that there will be no public viewing of her father’s remains following his last wishes.
The actress also thanked those who condoled with their family.
“We will always thank God in remembrance of our father. To all who have loved him and cared for X44, we shall be forever grateful. We appreciate all the messages we have been receiving. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers??,” she wrote.
According to a Facebook post by movie writer Mell Navaro, Ferrer’s nephew Jim Laxa Lalic said that the late actor passed away “due to a heart illness and diabetic complications” in his home in Pasig City.
The late actor was dubbed as the “James Bond of the Philippines” for his iconic role as Tony Falcon in the Agent X44 movie series back in the ’60s and ’70s. He appeared in a total of 203 movies.
