Dolphy Passes Away at 83


Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr., OGH, (July 25, 1928 – July 10, 2012). Otherwise known as “Dolphy” to myriads of his fans, the King of Comedy passes away at the age of 83. Thus, ended one of the most colorful careers in Philippine showbiz history.

Just days after he was checked in for hospitalization at the Makati Medical Center (MMC), and after a flurry of news updates, finally last night, the evening news carried the breaking story of his demise.

Shall we say that Dolphy’s career has come to this culminating end? That I think is highly debatable. As an unparalleled icon in local cinema, his legend will live on and on, the countless movies he made will continue to pervade our television and even our theaters. Such is the sort of popularity that Dolphy had achieved in his lifetime, one that is very difficult to emulate.

His work speaks for itself. As one commentary made by actor Richard Gomez, he made films with so much passion and dedication that with every film he makes, he made sure that the fans and movie-goers would be delighted to no end. And I am certainly in agreement with that observation for I have seen several of his works and truth to be told, none had been a disappointment. I would not have realized this if Mr. Gomez had not stated this. For me, this is enough achievement that should install him as an unparalleled icon in Philippine cinema, and of course, in Philippine culture as a whole.

That he was not awarded the National Artist award in his lifetime is surely one of great debate. Perhaps the main reason is that the award or its nature does not altogether embraces the cinema as an acceptd art form, this modern form of exhibition so unlike painting and the crafting of words in literature. Otherwise, it would be lesser of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) that a distinguishable artist like Dolphy is not one that is among its roster of awardees.

If I am ask to make a comment or statement in memorial of Dolphy’s death, I would simply say that Philippine cinema is about one-fourth Dolphy and that I wpould just be speaking of him in the same breathe as one knowledgeable American cinema patron of Charlie Chaplin.

Post a Comment

21 Comments

  1. Through FB, I've learned that Philippine comedy idol, Dolphy passed away. I thought it was a joke again. But later, it was confirmed. So sad but it's time for him to go. Yes, I think he deserves the National Artist award!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes Ric; even though almost everyone know the inevitable for him, it still so sad to hear about his passing. Like some vacuum occurred in our society.But I bet he and his legacy would continue to live within us...

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rip Dolphy..thank you for the many years of laughter you brought to us Filipinos!

    ReplyDelete
  4. National artist or not. He is an icon of movies A comedian who can make us both cry and laugh by his very realistic portrayals. His mass appeal stems from the fact that he epitomizes the regular Filipino on his characters in tv or the big screen.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I agree Lipstick Chopsticks; we as a people have a lot to thank for with all the laughters and memories he had shared with us :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Indeed Franc; according to those who is close to him, what makes him more endearing is that the 'small people' are important to him, he always makes a way to see how they're doing...he could have been a very good and honest politician... :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Dolphy will always have a place in our hearts. He will never be replaced. RIP DOLPHY

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dolphy is a great actor.. I remember on one of his interviews he said that his colleagues were all in the heaven and he is the "kulang" in their group.

    RIP Dolphy

    ReplyDelete
  9. He is really a good actor. No doubting it.

    And what's depressing with our country is its fond of giving awards to those who already has passed away.

    We may not give him something back (National Artist award), but he now knows the appreciation that Pinoys give him. That's better, eh?

    ReplyDelete
  10. i really like his comedy but his dramatic moments are what really moved me when i watch his movies. he will be missed but i'm glad he is finally at rest after a fruitful life :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. he deserves more than the award... the admiration of the filipino people... it's sad news, but its sadder to knowing his suffering with his ailment... glad he rest in peace now. Yahweh bless.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Farewell to the King! Thanks thanks to the many laughter!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Another sad news. He made a lot of Filipino happy. He is the only Comedy King who brought joy and happiness in each Filipino's heart. Sana maging masaya na rin sya sa heaven. :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. He was and will always be an icon of entertainment. With the national artist crown or not, his name will be remembered much like FPF.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Indeed, we are all in agreement, about how great this man was and is still is. Dolphy's shoes would be so difficult to fill.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hear Hear! We've truly lost a great Filipino icon, one that we should be really proud of having in the film industry. And yes.. I would've wished the same about Dolphy being given the title of National Artist. Being able to act and make people's lives better through humor and laughter should be a talent worth recognizing.

    ReplyDelete
  17. He has established a legacy of his own, something which not everybody is able to accomplish before leaving this world.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Dolphy will be truly missed by the Filipino people. His movies and TV shows will remain a classic.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I'm really when I found out about it! since we don't have tFC here in our house I'm not so updated with the showbiz news or whats really happening in the philippines. Condolences to the family xx

    ReplyDelete
  20. I really got sad after seeing the breaking news. Dolphy is someone who will never be forgotten. Anyway, he's happier and better with God now.

    ReplyDelete
  21. @ Mai : Indeed, what an icon he is ; @ Teresa : His legacy would never die; @ Badet : He would sorely be missed, there's just no one like him around; @ Mary Jane : We all grieved his passing ; @ Lily : I wish his soul well also, may he be in the good company of the Lord :-)

    ReplyDelete