Jose Mari Gonzalez dies at 80

FILE: “Let us pray for the repose of his soul.” (Photo: Aster A. Amoyo/Facebook)

Former Filipino actor, matinee idol, and politician Jose Mari Gonzales has passed away at 6:30am last Tuesday, April 16 due to pneumonia and cardiac arrest. He was 80 years old.

The news was first confirmed by his daughter, who is also a former actress, Cristina Gonzales-Romualdez, who posted a series of photos with Jose Mari captioned, “Goodbye Dad! You have been a Blessing to Mom me jolong mike anna chemari and to our whole family. I am blessed to have you as my father. So many good memories with you and Mom since we were little never failing to take us with you on your trips out of town. Being quite strict to us but within reason. I have learned so much from you. You will always be in our hearts! We love you Dad!” Cristina also shared that the remains of her father will be viewable to the public from Wednesday, April 17 to Friday, April 19 at the Heritage Memorial Chapel in Taguig.

Jose Mari is survived by his wife Rosario “Chayong” Mallarky-Gonzalez and his children Cristina, Jose Luis, Michael, Anna, and Jose Mari, Jr.

Originally hailing from Tacloban, Jose Mari entered showbusiness at the age of 17 in the late 1950s, appearing in movies like Ulilang Anghel, Tawag Ng Tanghalan, Mga Anghel Sa Lansangan, Handsome, and Baby Face, acting alongside the likes of Eddie Gutierrez, Lito Legaspi, Amalia Fuentes, and Dolphy. In 1971, he was elected the very first president of the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI). He also received his own star in the Eastwood City Walk of Fame in 2005.

Jose Mari entered politics in 1998 when he ran as an independent candidate for Congressman in the City of San Juan, Metro Manila. His term ended in 2002.