Within Philippine cinema’s centennial year, its oldest living actress, Anita Linda joined the Creator in the morning of Wednesday, June 10, in her home at Parañaque. She was 95.
In pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 622, S. 2018, Philippine Cinema’s Centennial Year is declared from September 12, 2019, its 100th year, up to September 11, 2020. However, in this bright celebration, one of the brightest stars in the industry passed away.
This was first confirmed by her daughter Francesca Legaspi to separate text messages to different members of the media. She told ABS-CBN that Linda succumbed to heart failure after days of labored breathing.
Later on, Director Adolf Alix Jr., who worked with the film icon in the films “Presa” and “Circa,” took to social media his condolences and his thoughts of the veteran actress, whom he regarded as like a real grandmother to him.
“This is a very sad day for me. I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts… The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6:15AM Prayers for her soul,” he wrote in an Instagram post.
Linda, who is named Alice Buenaflor Lake behind the cameras, was born on November 23, 1925. She started acting in the 1940s.
Some of the films she starred in were “Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kinulang” in 1974, “Sawa sa Lumang Simboryo” in 1952, and “Babae sa Bubungang Lata” in 1998. She also appeared in several teleseryes such as the longest Philippine teleserye “Mara Clara” in 1992, “Pangako Sa Yo” in 2000, “Tayong Dalawa” in 2009, “Indio” in 2013, and many more.
With all these experiences under the lights, Linda won Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards and received several nominations for her various performances and portrayals.