With the passing of Ronaldo Valdez, a name in showbiz that made a significant contribution to the industry, the entire nation seems to be in mourning. At the age of 76, he left behind memories that will not be forgotten by fans and colleagues in the industry.
The Quezon City Police Department confirmed that Valdez had passed away, but the exact cause of his death was not made public. His life as an artist spanned almost six decades, during which he succeeded and inspired many.
Valdez’s last project was the romantic drama series “2 Good 2 Be True,” where he starred alongside Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla. It was a project filled with emotion and meaning, showcasing the skill of the late actor in his craft. In the said series, he played the role of “Lolo Sir.” He departed from the industry, leaving behind a legacy of love and appreciation for his innate talent.
One of Valdez’s renowned roles was portraying challenging father figures in films such as “Cedie,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and “Seven Sundays.” His performances in series like “Mula Sa Puso,” “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano,” and “I Love Betty La Fea” are also undeniable. These projects provided inspiration and entertainment to many Filipinos both within and outside the country.
Beyond being an actor, Valdez was also part of the historic Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial where he became the first Filipino Colonel Sanders. This was a unique honor in his career, proving his ability to breathe life into various roles, even in an advertisement.
As he concluded his career, Ronaldo Valdez received the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama at the Golden Screen TV Awards in 2015. This recognition was a tribute to his achievements and contributions to the field of arts.
Ronaldo Valdez’s name immediately trended on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Many shared their memories and tributes to the late actor, including his unforgettable role in the KFC commercial. Netizens revisited and shared clips showcasing his excellence and innate talent as a superb actor.
Ronaldo Valdez was amazing in everything that he did for entertainment but I will forever remember how iconic he was in this ad by KFC Philippines.
— jorie༊*·˚ (@cecilyhooks) December 17, 2023
Rest in peace, Filipino Colonel Sanders.😭💔🕯️ pic.twitter.com/2Oc2cK3nYh
With the departure of Ronaldo Valdez, he left a significant void in the hearts of many. However, through his contributions and unforgettable memories, he will continue to live on in the hearts of every fan and within the entire showbiz industry.
as we remember mr. ronaldo valdez, here's one of my favorite scenes in labs kita okey ka lang? (1998)
— ☁ミ✲ (jolina's version) (@nikkihh_) December 17, 2023
rest in paradise, sir 🕊
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/KHFFbNgQj2