Actor-director Eddie Garcia dies at 90

“I’m not a dreamer. I’m a realist.” — Eddie Garcia
Here’s to making every Filipino fan’s reality a lot better, Manoy. You’ll always be missed. (Photo: Eastwood City/Facebook)

After days in a coma, veteran actor Eddie Garcia has passed away at the age of 90 last Thursday, June 20.

The news was confirmed by the Garcia family spokesperson Dr. Antonio Rebosa, sharing that the actor’s time of death was at 4:55pm at the Makati Medical Center. Dr. Artemio Salvador, who is the division head of the hospital’s Patients Relations Department – Quality Management Division also states in a medical bulletin, “We join the entire Filipino community in praying for the soul of Mr. Garcia… We extend our deepest condolences to the Garcia family.”

Garcia was initially hospitalized last June 8 as he was filming for Kapuso teleserye Rosang Agimat. The actor tripped on a cable, causing a cervical spine fracture that put him in a comatose. They have since been investigating the lack of medical response on-site.

GMA-7 mourns the passing of the star, releasing an official statement as well, which described Garcia as “An accomplished and respected actor and director, he was a movie icon and an industry pillar who have touched so many lives in the Philippine entertainment industry. He left behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and love for his craft,” adding, “Manoy,’ as he is fondly called, will be greatly missed by his family, loved ones, co-workers, and fans.”

Sorsogon native Garcia was born on May 2, 1929, starting his career in entertainment at the age of 20 with movie “Siete Infantes de Lara.” The first film that he directed was “Karugtong ng Kahapon” in 1961. He totals 653 television and movie acting credits and 37 directing credits.

Two days prior to his death, the multi-talented celebrity was awarded as best actor during the 42 Urian Awards for film “ML.”

Garcia is survived by his partner of 33 years, Lilibeth Ramos, son Henry, and grandchildren. According to Rebosa, “Lilibeth knows that Tito Eddie is now in peace and that there’s no more pain.”