Veteran actor, director Ricky Davao dies at 63

Metro Manila, Philippines - Seasoned actor and television director Ricky Davao died on Friday, May 2, according to his daughter Ara Davao. He was 63.

"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," Ara Davao said in a Facebook post.

Viva Entertainment also earlier confirmed Davao’s death on social media.

Davao’s career in the entertainment industry spanned decades as he starred in hundreds of local films and TV series including “Oki Doki Doc: The Movie," "Ang Lalaki sa Buhay ni Selya," "Bayaning 3rd World," and "Hibla.”

The actor, who has also performed in local theater plays, is also known for his role as a fictionalized Bongbong Marcos in the play, “Bongbong at Kris,” in the 1980s.

As a director, he was known for serving as a juror at the ASEAN International Film Festival Awards in 2013 and participated in the Pinoy Playlist Music Festival in 2019.

Davao’s death comes weeks after the death of Pilita Corrales, his former mother-in-law from ex-wife actress Jackie Lou Blanco.