The entertainment industry is in grief after the death of seasoned actor Ronaldo Valdez.
The death of Ronaldo Valdez, or James Ronald Dulaca Gibbs in real life, was confirmed by the police on December 17, 2023. He was 77 years old.
One of his children, comedian Janno Gibbs, also released a statement confirming the passing of his father on his verified Instagram account.
The comment section poured with condolences from TV personalities and netizens.
Other celebrities expressed their grief with messages and tributes for Valdez.
Among them was his former co-star in the Kapamilya TV series,”2 Good 2 Be True”, Kathryn Bernardo, who paid her tribute with photos and videos of the late actor on her Instagram story.
Ronaldo and Kathryn worked closely in the show where the actress played the role of Ali and Ronaldo as Lolo Hugo, fondly referred to as Lolo Sir.
Actress Dimples Romana reminisced about working with Valdez in the past in an episode of the Kapamilya drama anthology Maalala Mo Kaya back in 2009.
In a lengthy post on Instagram accompanied by a clip of the MMK episode, she wrote about the lessons she learned from Ronaldo whom she referred to as “Lolo”.
“My heart is broken but will never be disheartened. For you Lolo taught me to brave the huge waves of life with a spirit of a warrior whose armor is not made of steel but is made of love. The kind that endures all and conquers even the darkest of days,” her caption read.
She continued, “Salute to one of the greatest actors of all time for me. A man who knew how to value not only his work but more importantly every single other person on and off set. Mahal ka namin Lo. Mahal na mahal. Pahinga na po ? Patuloy ka naming mamahalin at titingalain.”
Veteran singer Gary Valenciano, despite not having a working history with Valdez, expressed his gratitude and grief for the late actor.
“You were one person who I loved to watch. Your authenticity never failed to move me. Thank you sir Ronaldo Valdez. I never had a chance to work much with you but in those few moments I spent talking with you, it made me feel blessed to know that I got to meet someone like you,” Valenciano wrote.
“Rest in His peace sir??I know His embrace will always keep you smiling????,” he added.
Actress-host Karla Estrada also posted her last photo with Valdez, whom she had worked with last September 2023.
Valdez left his mark in various films and television shows, such as “Seven Sundays,” “Los Bastardos,” “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” and “2 Good 2 Be True,” with a nearly 60-year presence in the entertainment industry.
