Red Sternberg, the actor who charmed 90s audiences as “Kiko” in the beloved teen series T.G.I.S. (Thank God It’s Sabado), has passed away at the age of 50. His death was confirmed by his wife, Sandy Sternberg, in a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, May 27, 2025.
According to Sandy, Red died suddenly in the early morning, just days before what would have been his 51st birthday on May 30. She expressed the deep pain of experiencing both celebration and mourning within the same month, which holds multiple birthdays for their family.
“To be greeted ‘happy birthday’ and ‘sorry for your loss’ at the same time… what was supposed to be a celebration full of birthdays. May was our month—5th, 28th, 29th, and 30th,” she wrote.
While Sternberg was widely known to the public as “Kiko,” a fan-favorite character from the iconic youth-oriented program that aired during the 1990s on GMA Network, Sandy highlighted the personal side of the actor. “To those who knew him from his early acting days, he was ‘Kiko,’ but to our three kids and I, he was simply Daddy/Dada,” she said.
Sandy asked for prayers and understanding from the public as the family deals with the tragic and unexpected loss.
T.G.I.S. was a groundbreaking show during its time, launching the careers of several stars and resonating with a generation of Filipino youth. Sternberg’s portrayal of the charming and funny Kiko made him a household name and a beloved part of many viewers’ Saturday afternoons.
Friends, former co-stars, and fans have begun posting tributes online, recalling Red’s warm personality and the joy he brought to the screen.
As the family navigates this difficult period, supporters and fans alike are expressing their condolences and reliving fond memories of Red Sternberg’s contributions to Philippine entertainment. His legacy lives on not only through his iconic television role but also in the hearts of his family and loyal fans.