Dolphy passes away

MANILA—Veteran actor-comedian Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon passed away  last night,  his partner  Zsa Zsa Padilla confirmed to ABS-CBN.

Dolphy died a few days before his  84th birthday on July 25. His remains now lie at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

Dolphy was taken to the Makati Medical Center last June 9 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and was confined  at the intensive care unit.
Dolphy’s children, grandchildren, and other relatives stayed with Dolphy until the end.

Among his visitors were co-stars Maricel Soriano, Nova Villa, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Nora Aunor, Charo Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Bentong, Smokey Manaloto, LVN Star Mila del Sol, “John and Marsha” co-star Madel de Leon, as well as healing priest Fr. Sonny Ramirez, who offered prayers.

Dolphy’s career in entertainment as a comedian—on stage, radio, television, and movies—lasted  more than six decades. He is survived by Padilla and his 18 children.

President Benigno Aquino led the nation in paying tribute to Dolphy, calling him the embodiment of the “humble, honest, and helpful” Filipino, who made life easier for his friends and followers in the face of daunting challenges.

“He changed not just his industry, but also the national consciousness,” Aquino said in a statement.

“Through his art, he widened our outlook, he gave us the power to find and cherish happiness in our daily lives.”

‘King of Comedy’
Dolphy was widely regarded as the country’s “King of Comedy” in a career that spanned seven decades playing colorful comedic roles, from a cross-dressing homosexual to a poor jack of all trades.

His passing was announced by ABS-CBN television,  which aired his hit sitcom “Home Along Da Riles” in the 1990s about a poor widower struggling to raise his children in the slums.With reports from Bayani San Diego, PDI; and Agence France-Presse