Pathetic Facts

Filipino actors who died before turning 40

Here are 11 famous actors from Philippines died before 40:

Weng Weng

Weng Weng (September 7, 1957 Baclaran-August 29, 1992 Pasay) otherwise known as Ernesto de la Cruz or Weng-Weng was a Filipino actor and martial artist.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Despite his short stature of 2 feet 9 inches, Weng Weng became a popular actor in the Philippines during the 1980s, appearing in over a dozen movies. He was often cast as a secret agent or detective in comedic action films, showcasing his martial arts skills and a comedic charm.

Weng Weng gained international recognition for his role in the 1982 film "For Y'ur Height Only", a James Bond spoof where he played Agent 00, tasked with rescuing a kidnapped scientist. The film became a cult classic and was later released on DVD and Blu-ray.

Despite his success, Weng Weng lived a simple life and was known for his humility and generosity. In his later years, he struggled financially and was reportedly exploited by those around him.

Today, Weng Weng remains a beloved figure in Filipino cinema and his fans continue to celebrate his legacy.

Read more about Weng Weng on Wikipedia »

RJ Rosales

RJ Rosales (March 24, 1974 Manila-December 4, 2011 Sydney) also known as Roseo José Rosales, Roseo José "RJ" Rosales, Roseo José "RJ" Dagdag Rosales or Roseo José Dagdag Rosales was a Filipino singer and actor.

He rose to fame in the 1990s as a member of the boy band, 17:28, which was composed of other prominent Filipino musicians such as Wency Cornejo, Dong Aboy, and Monet Gaskell. RJ then pursued a solo career and released several albums that showcased his vocal prowess and musical creativity.

Apart from his music career, RJ also had stints in acting, both in the Philippines and in Australia where he migrated in 2004. He was known for his roles in popular Filipino dramas such as "Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga" and "Hiram," and in Australian TV shows like "All Saints" and "Neighbours."

Tragically, RJ passed away at the young age of 37 due to a heart attack. He left behind a legacy of great music and remarkable talent that has inspired many aspiring musicians and artists.

Read more about RJ Rosales on Wikipedia »

Fernando Poe, Sr.

Fernando Poe, Sr. (November 27, 1916 San Carlos City-October 23, 1951 Manila) also known as Allan Fernando Poe y Reyes, F.R. Poe, Allan Fernando Poe, Allan F. Poe, Allan Fernando Reyes Poe, Fernando R. Poe, Fernando Reyes Poe or Fernando Poe was a Filipino actor, film director, film producer and screenwriter. His children are called Fernando Poe, Jr., Freddie Poe, Andy Poe, Genevieve Poe, Elizabeth Poe, Conrad Poe and Evangeline Poe.

He died caused by rabies.

Fernando Poe Sr. was a prominent figure in the early days of Philippine cinema. He appeared in several films in the 1930s and 1940s, and was known for his rugged good looks and charisma on screen. He also directed and produced a number of films, including "Durugin ang Kanyang Puso" and "Markang Bungo". Poe was a versatile actor, starring in a variety of genres including drama, action, and comedy. Despite his success, Poe had a short-lived career, passing away at the age of 34 due to complications from rabies. His legacy, however, lived on through his children, most notably his son, Fernando Poe Jr., who became a legendary actor and cultural icon in the Philippines.

Read more about Fernando Poe, Sr. on Wikipedia »

Tado

Tado (March 24, 1974 Baybay-February 7, 2014 Bontoc, Mountain Province) a.k.a. Arvin Jimenez, Arvin 'Tado' Jimenez, Tado, "Bigtime" Tado or Tado Jimenez was a Filipino actor. His children are called Leidulataja Jimenez, Katrina May Jimenez, Indi Jimenez and Tila Jimenez.

He died caused by traffic collision.

Aside from being an actor, Tado was also a writer, radio and television host, and activist. He gained popularity through his satirical and comedic commentary on social issues, which he often shared in his radio and television shows. He was also known for his unconventional approach to travel, which he documented in his travel show "Strangebrew".

Tado was an advocate for environmental and social causes, and he was actively involved in various organizations such as Greenpeace and the Save Sierra Madre Network Alliance. Even after his death, his legacy as a social and environmental activist lived on, and his fans continue to honor him by taking part in fundraising programs and other charitable causes in his name.

Jay Ilagan

Jay Ilagan (March 6, 1953 Manila-February 3, 1992 Quezon City) a.k.a. Julius Abad Ilagan or Angel Ilagan was a Filipino actor. He had two children, Alexandra Ilagan and Leona R. Ilagan.

Ilagan was a versatile actor who appeared in a variety of films, television shows, and stage productions. He began acting in the 1970s and became known for his role as the lead in the 1978 Philippine adaptation of the hit American sitcom "The Jeffersons". He also appeared in several popular films, such as "Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?" (1982), "Bakit Manipis ang Ulap?" (1985), and "Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?" (1987).

In addition to his acting career, Ilagan was involved in politics and advocacy work. He served as the National President of the Philippine Councilors League from 1988 to 1992 and was a member of the Nationalist People's Coalition political party. He was also a public advocate for mental health, having experienced his own struggles with depression and anxiety.

Ilagan's life was tragically cut short when he fell to his death from the balcony of his 10th floor apartment in Quezon City in 1992. His death was ruled a suicide, and it prompted conversations about mental health and the pressures faced by actors in the entertainment industry. Despite his untimely passing, Ilagan's contributions to Philippine cinema and advocacy work continue to be remembered and celebrated by his fans and colleagues in the years since his death.

Read more about Jay Ilagan on Wikipedia »

Jess Lapid

Jess Lapid (October 5, 1933 Philippines-July 13, 1968 Manila) also known as Jesus Lapid, Jess Lapid Jr. or Jess Lapid, Sr. was a Filipino actor. He had one child, Jess Lapid Jr..

Jess Lapid was considered as one of the prominent action stars during his time, appearing in numerous films and television shows. Aside from acting, he also served in the Philippine Senate as a senator from 1967 until his untimely death in 1968. Prior to his career in the entertainment industry and politics, Lapid joined the Philippine Constabulary and was a member of the PMA Class of 1955. He was also known to have been an arnis and boxing champion. Lapid's legacy as a multi-talented individual continues to be recognized through his works and achievements in various fields.

Read more about Jess Lapid on Wikipedia »

Miguel Rodriguez

Miguel Rodriguez (November 23, 1961 Las Piñas-February 7, 1997 Parañaque) a.k.a. Migs or Miguel Benedict Rodriguez was a Filipino actor and model.

He died as a result of pancreatitis.

Miguel Rodriguez rose to fame in the 1980s as a popular teen heartthrob and leading man in both film and television. He made his acting debut in the 1981 film "Palimos ng Pag-ibig" and went on to star in several box-office hits, such as "Bagets" and "Working Girls." Apart from acting, he also worked as a model, gracing the covers of various magazines and endorsing several products.

Despite his success, Miguel lived a private life and shied away from the limelight. He kept his personal life away from the public eye, choosing to focus on his craft instead. It was only after his untimely death at the age of 35 that many of his colleagues in the entertainment industry shared stories of his kindness and generosity.

Miguel's legacy lives on through his numerous films and television shows, which are still beloved by many to this day. His contributions to Philippine cinema have cemented his legacy as one of the country's most iconic actors.

Read more about Miguel Rodriguez on Wikipedia »

Teody Belarmino

Teody Belarmino (April 5, 2015 Calamba, Laguna-April 5, 1984) also known as Teddy Belarmino was a Filipino actor.

He was recognized as one of the most notable leading men of Philippine cinema during the 1960s and 1970s. Belarmino made his acting debut in the 1956 film "Gilda" and went on to star in over 100 films. Some of his most popular movies include "Chop Suey Cinema," "Batangueno Kabitenyo," "Halik sa Dampi ng iyong Labi," and "Bicol Express." Despite his untimely death at the age of 49, Belarmino's legacy as a versatile and talented actor remains. He was posthumously awarded the Best Actor award at the 1984 Metro Manila Film Festival for his final film "Ninja Kids."

Read more about Teody Belarmino on Wikipedia »

John Apacible

John Apacible (January 22, 1973 Pulilan-March 20, 2011 Quezon City) a.k.a. Enrique R. Apacible III, Jon Apacible, Enrique Rustia Apacible or Enrique Rustia Apacible III was a Filipino actor.

He started his acting career in the 1990s and appeared in numerous films and television shows. Some of his notable roles include "Ang Kapatid Kong Pakpak" and "Magandang Tanghali Bayan."

Aside from acting, Apacible was also a businessman and owned a motorcycle dealership. He was a well-known car and motorcycle enthusiast and often participated in racing events.

Apacible unfortunately passed away in 2011 due to a heart attack at the young age of 38, leaving behind his wife and children. Despite his untimely demise, his legacy as an accomplished actor and avid racer lives on.

Read more about John Apacible on Wikipedia »

Marco Polo Garcia

Marco Polo Garcia (October 4, 1970 Quezon City-March 5, 2010 Quezon City) also known as Marco Polo Adriano - Garcia, Marco Polo, MPG or Marco was a Filipino actor and politician. He had one child, John Steven Garcia.

Garcia started his career in the entertainment industry as a member of the dance group Universal Motion Dancers in the 1990s. He later transitioned into acting and starred in several popular Filipino television dramas such as "Sana Maulit Muli" and "Tabing Ilog". In 2004, he was elected as councilor of the third district of Quezon City.

Aside from his work in entertainment and politics, Garcia was also an advocate for environmental conservation and was involved in several initiatives to promote sustainability. He passed away at the age of 39 due to cardiac arrest. His legacy in the entertainment industry and local politics is remembered by many Filipinos today.

Read more about Marco Polo Garcia on Wikipedia »

Rene Requiestas

Rene Requiestas (January 22, 1957 Tondo-July 24, 1993 Quezon City) was a Filipino comedian and actor.

He died in tuberculosis.

Rene Requiestas was a popular icon in the comedy industry in the Philippines during the 1980s up until the early 1990s. He started as a comedian on various TV shows but later on transitioned to acting in films. He was known for his distinct and natural comedic timing, which made him a favorite among Filipino audiences. Some of his most notable films include "Abangan ang Susunod na Kabanata," "Si Aida, Si Lorna, o Si Fe," and "Leon at Tigre."

Although he had a successful career in the entertainment industry, Rene's life outside of work was not as fortunate. He reportedly struggled with financial problems and had to overcome personal issues, such as addiction and marital problems. Unfortunately, his life was cut short when he was diagnosed with tuberculosis and eventually passed away in 1993 at the age of 36. Despite his early demise, Rene remains a beloved and influential figure in the Philippine comedy scene.

Read more about Rene Requiestas on Wikipedia »