Veteran actor-director Ricky Davao has passed away. He was 63 years old.
News5 announced the late multi-awarded actor’s passing, citing a social media post by entertainment company Viva Entertainment on Friday.
Born Frederick Charles Caballes Davao, Ricky played several roles in films, including “Magnifico,” “Working Girls,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” “Ishmael,” “Big Night!” and TV shows such as “Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK),” “Mula Sa Puso,” “Pangako Sa’yo,” “My Korean Jagiya,” “The World Between Us” and “Magpakailanman.”
Recognized by some of the country’s most prestigious film festivals and award-giving bodies, Davao received numerous nominations and recognitions from Gawad Urian, FAMAS, PMPC Star Awards, Cinemalaya, and QCinema.
In 2019, he won the “Best Supporting Actor” award at the Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for his role in “FUCCBOIS,” a film he also directed. He previously received the same honor in 2016 for “Deliver Us” and in 1989 for “Abot Hanggang Sukdulan.”
Most recently, the multi-awarded actor starred in the romantic comedy “Sosyal Climbers,” which premiered on Netflix this year, and was announced as part of the cast for the upcoming GMA fantasy series “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre.”
Ricky was married to actress Jackie Lou Blanco. They had three children together: Ara, Kenneth and Rikki Mae.
His family has since issued an official statement on the actor-director’s passing:
“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, Ricky Davao. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and loved ones, after bravely facing complications related to cancer.
“For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to the craft of acting and directing. His remarkable body of work and award-winning performances have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire. Most of all he was a loving father, brother, son, and friend.
“We are deeply grateful for your prayers, love, and kind messages during this difficult time. Details about his memorial service will be shared soon.”
