Movie, TV icon Gloria Romero passes away

MANILA (2nd UPDATE) -- Movie and television icon Gloria Romero has passed away, her family confirmed on Saturday. She was 91.

Her daughter, Maritess Gutierrez, confirmed to ABS-CBN News that Romero passed away peacefully on January 25.

Her wake is set at the Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.

"In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages and heartfelt condolences that we've received," Gutierrez said on social media. "She will surely be missed dearly."

Romero, who appeared in over 250 movies and TV productions, was widely regarded as the "First Lady of Philippine Cinema."

She received numerous movie citations including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress awards from FAMAS, Film Academy of the Philippines, Gawad Urian Awards, among others.

Some of her most best known works were for the movies Dalagang Ilocana (1954), Nagbabagang Luha (1988) and Tanging Yaman (2000).

She was also pat of ABS-CBN's sitcom Palibhasa Lalake.

Last February 2024, she was given a special tribute by her friends, fellow actors, most of whom are movie luminaries themselves, celebrating her 90th birthday.

Among those who mourned over her passing was Palibhasa Lalake co-star Amy Perez-Castillo.

She posted snippets of Romero's scenes, which was part of the sitcom's documentary.

Former ABS-CBN executive and actress Charo Santos also paid tribute to the late showbiz icon.

Madamdaming tribute inialay kay Gloria Romero

Gloria Romero on FDCP honorary award: 'Salamat 'di n'yo pa rin ako nalilimutan!'