The Philippine entertainment industry was shocked and saddened by the news of actor-turned-director Ricky Rivero’s passing on Sunday. He was 51 years old.
His partner confirmed this in a series of Facebook posts using Rivero’s account.
“Wala na po [si] Ricky Rivero, namayapa na po. Maraming salamat sa walang sawang tulong sa asawa ko,” the post read.
In another post, he expressed his gratitude to the actor-filmmaker for the love he gave him in the past months.
“Asawa pahinga kana. Wala ka nang sakit na mararamdaman. Salamat sa isang taong pagsasama, isang taong pag-aaway, isang taong kasiyahan,” Rivero’s partner said.
The cause of his death was not disclosed, but it can be recalled that Rivero was hospitalized in May 2023 due to a stroke. He also suffered a heart attack in 2015, his friend and singer Rachel Alejandro, confirmed to then radio station DZMM (now DZPM).
Rivero entered the Philippine show business in the 1980s as an actor in movies like Ninja Kids. He also became a mainstay in the now defunct variety show That’s Entertainment, which premiered in January 1986.
He also appeared in various films such as Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na ‘To!) and Petrang Kabayo in 2010, Praybeyt Benjamin in 2011, This Guy’s in Love with U Mare! in 2012, and The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin in 2014.
Rivero ventured into directing in 2002, as a unit director in the romance television series Forevermore. He made his directorial film debut this year with comedy-horror movie D’ Aswang Slayerz.
Tributes poured in
Upon learning the news, netizens, especially those who collaborated with Rivero, took to social media to mourn the passing of the actor-director.
One of those who expressed their condolences to Rivero’s bereaved family is Herbert Bautista, whom the former worked with in Ninja Kids and That’s Entertainment.
“Malungkot na araw dahil sa pag-panaw ng isang kaibigan at kasamahan sa pelikula at telebisyon. Paalam, Ricky,” Bautista wrote in the caption.
