Filipino theater icon Tony Mabesa dies at 84

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Veteran actor and director Antonio “Tony” Mabesa, 84, took his final bow on Friday night, October 4.

Screenwriter Floy Quintos shared the statement from the actor’s family on Facebook, saying, “We, the family of Antonio Mabesa, are saddened to announce his passing. Sir Tony joined his creator at 10:20 this evening. He was surrounded by family and friends.”

“We thank you for your prayers. We hope you can respect the family’s wish for privacy at this time,” it added.

Known as the “Lion of the Theatre,” Tony established the Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (UP) in 1976 and the UP Playwrights’ Theatre.

The Dulaang UP remembered its founder through a Facebook post, sharing a photo of Tony along with a message that read, “Sa isang guro, direktor, aktor, at haligi ng teatro, maraming salamat. Ipagpapatuloy namin ang iyong adhikain (To the educator, director, actor, and pillar of the theater, thank you very much. We will continue your advocacy).”

Tony’s colleagues from the entertainment and theater industry took to social media to pay their tribute.

On his Instagram post, singer Ogie Alcasid remembered the late actor as someone who is “always ready to mentor young aspiring actors and stage people” and is “always pro on the movie set.”

“Sir Tony Mabesa has just passed away. Truly he is the ‘lion of the theater,'” Ogie wrote.

“Thank you sir Tony for the wisdom and the inspiration. My deepest sympathies to his loved ones,” he continued.

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Award-winning theater stars Lea Salonga and Joanna Ampil also posted their tributes on Twitter.

Rest In Peace, Tony Mabesa.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) October 4, 2019

Our MMFF Best Supporting actor of 2018, Sir Tony Mabesa, may you rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/xDeB0ro05o

— Joanna Ampil (@JoannaAmpil) October 4, 2019

Star Cinema, for its part, described Tony as a “legend” and “a star whose shine will never dim.”

“Thank you for all your contributions in this industry. Rest in Peace, Tony Mabesa,” it added.

A legend. A star whose shine will never dim. Thank you for all your contributions in this industry. Rest in Peace, Tony Mabesa. pic.twitter.com/2VBA2yBSPb

— Star Cinema (@StarCinema) October 4, 2019

The veteran actor’s passing came more than three months after screen legend Eddie Garcia died. He teamed up with Eddie in the 2018 LGBT-themed “Rainbow’s Sunset” and won the Best Supporting Actor award in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).