Veteran comedian Gary Lising passes away, brother confirms

I am sad to inform some terrible news. We lost our beloved Gary Lising, my eldest brother, today. Gary, thank you for all the laughs and love, we will miss you deeply. But I know that your jokes will make God laugh. Rest In Peace my dear brother… (Photo: Pompeii G. Lising/Facebook)

It is a tough day for both the entertainment industry and the family of veteran comedian Gary Lising, following the latter’s passing on Saturday, June 1. He was 78.

This “some terrible news” was announced by his younger brother, Pompeii Lising, through a Facebook post, thanking the comedian for “all the laughs and love.”

“We will miss you deeply. But I know that your jokes will make God laugh. Rest in Peace my dear brother,” Pompeii wrote.

Gary’s niece, Mary May Generao Lising, also shared the news on her Facebook timeline.

“I am saddened when I got to know bout ur recently death.. Uncle Gary Lising. You are a ‘Jolly Man’ who always kept everyone happy.. Your memories will [be] remembered deep inside our thoughts and prayers may u rest in peace,” she said.

The cause of Gary’s death, however, was not disclosed by his family.

Netizens, meanwhile, took to social media to send their sympathies and prayers to Gary’s family, including singer-songwriter and actor Ogie Alcasid.

“Oh my. Sad day. Rip my dear friend Gary Lising,” he tweeted.

In November 2009, it was reported that the comedian was rushed to hospital after suffering a heart attack. He underwent angioplasty in 2012.

Gary, an Ateneo de Manila economics graduate, is known for his “green” humor. He starred in the 1980’s television gag show “Champoy” and in films such as “Run Barbi Run” and “Alyas Boy Tigas” in the 90s.

Apart from this, he also authored some books, including “Golf, Erap, and Other 4-letter Words,” “Marcos In Red, Cory In Yellow, Ramos In Blue,” “Everything you wanted to know about sex but were afraid to ask your children,” and “Confessions of a D.O.M (Delightful Old Man).”