Ricky Davao dies at 63
Ricky Davao has passed away at the age of 63.
The veteran actor's death was announced by Viva Entertainment on Friday, May 2.
Later in the day, his daughter Ara confirmed his passing.
"He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children and loved ones, after bravely facing complications related to cancer," she said in an Instagram post.
"We are deeply grateful for your prayers, love, and kind messages during this difficult time. Details about his memorial service will be shared soon," she added.
Davao started his journey in showbiz as a dancer, having been a member of record label Vicor Music.
He later tried his hand at acting. One of his earliest roles was in the 1978 film Patayin si ... Mediavillo, which had the late action star Fernando Poe Jr. in the lead.
Davao also acted in theater, where he was eventually recognized for his role as a fictionalized version of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. in the 1987 play Bongbong at Kris. He won Best Stage Actor in the 1988 Aliw Awards for his performance.
Since then, he starred in a wide array of film and television projects. Some of his notable projects include Misis Mo, Misis Ko, Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay, Natutulog Pa ang Diyos, among others.
Davao was also a prominent face in the drama anthology series Maalaala Mo Kaya, where he took part in numerous episodes. One of his most memorable appearances was in Regalo, in which he starred with Vilma Santos and Maja Salvador.
Among his last projects is the 2025 romantic comedy film Sosyal Climbers, starring Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings.
He's set to posthumously appear in the upcoming fantasy series Encantadia Chronicles: Sang'gre.
Outside showbiz, Davao had a relationship with actress Jackie Lou Blanco. They eventually tied the knot in 1989 and had three children.
While they have since separated, the two still fostered an amicable relationship, as seen when they reunited in 2021 via drama anthology I Can See You: AlterNate as husband and wife.
His death came after Pilita Corrales passed away just last month. She was his mother-in-law when he was still married to Blanco, until their separation in 2011.
Davao also attempted to enter politics in 2010 when he ran for councilor in the 4th district of Quezon City under the Nationalist People's Coalition, but he later withdrew his candidacy as he had a movie project within the campaign period, which is prohibited by the Commission on Elections.
