Veteran actor Ronaldo Valdez has been one of the pillar actors of Philippine showbiz. The award-winning actor, who was born Ronald James Dulaca-Gibbs on November 27, 1947,
is a very prominent actor and comedian, with a career spanning nearly five decades.
Ronaldo was actually discovered by the late King of Comedy Dolphy during the mid-1960s and he later on continued making TV shows and films, often taking on the patriarch role in many movies and TV dramas.
He also has several prestigious acting awards under his belt, such as Best Supporting Actor from Film Academy of the Philippines Awards, Gawan Urian, FAMAS Awards, Star Awards for Movies, Metro Manila Film Festival, and the Helen Vela Lifetime Achievement Award for Drama from the Golden Screen TV Awards.
On December 17, 2023, he passed away at the age of 77. He is survived by his wife Marife Gibbs and their children, Janno and Melissa Gibbs.
Take a look into his honorable career highlights:
Ronaldo Valdez ventured into acting and comedy in the 1960's after being discovered by Dolphy. His first major film role was for the 1969 Filipino movie 'The Mad Doctor of Blood Island,' starring American actor John Ashley. Ronaldo played the role of Carlo Lopez.
In 1982, he was also in the notable flick 'Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan.'
In 1993, he played Cenon Fernandez, the father of Aiko Melendez's character named Monica in 'May Minamahal.'
In 1995, he appeared in 'The Flor Contemplacion Story' as Atty. Romeo Capulong.
In 1996, he took on the role of the Earl of Dorincourt in 'Cedie.' Years later, his fatherly bond with actor Tom Taus still remains.
In 1997, he was in the epic TV drama 'Mula Sa Puso' as Benjamin.
In 1999, Ronaldo was cast in family drama 'Ang Munting Paraiso' as Martin Dionisio.
In 2003, he was in the romantic-comedy drama flick 'Til There Was You,' where he played the role of Piolo Pascual's father.
In 2004, he was in GMA fantasy comedy series 'Marinara' as Don Juan Miguel.
In 2005, Ronaldo also played a role in the another GMA fantasy drama titled 'Sugo' as Arando.
In 2006, he was in the horror film 'Sukob,' starring Kris Aquino and Claudine Barretto.
In 2008, Ronaldo appeared in the Philippine adaptation of K-drama 'Full House' as Lorenzo Lazatin.
In 2013, Ronaldo acted as Lolo Tino Gomez in the GMA series 'Kahit Nasaan Ka Man.'
In 2013, Ronaldo joined Marian Rivera and Richard Guttierez's movie, 'My Lady Boss,' which was produced by GMA Pictures.,'
In the 2015 movie 'The Mistress,' Ronaldo played the role of John Lloyd Cruz's father who had a May-December affair with Bea Alonzo's character.
In 2017, he was in GMA rom-com 'Meant to Be' as Enrico Villaroman
He was also part of the heartwarming family drama 'Seven Sundays' (2017), featuring Aga Muhlach, Dingdong Dantes, Aga Muhlach, Cristine Reyes, and Enrique Gil.
In 2022, he was known as "Lolo Sir" in the drama '2 Good 2 Be True' starring Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padila.
Recently, Ronaldo Valdez starred with Boots Anson-Roa, Paolo Contis, and Rhian Ramos in the romantic drama movie titled 'Ikaw at Ako.'
Ronaldo used to fondly post photos of him with his past co-stars on his social media.Here he is with former actress Tessie Tomas, whom he starred with in comedy series 'Bahay Mo Ba To' in 2004 and 'Dahil May Isang Ikaw' in 2019.
The airing of 'Cedie' remastered version in 2017 also brought back so many memories for the cast--which includes Ronaldo Valdez, Jaclyn Jose, and Tom Taus.
Both Ronaldo and his son, Janno Gibbs, have been looking forward to doing a film they worked on together that was scheduled to hit cinemas in January 2024. It was Janno's first directorial job, which made Ronaldo "proud" of his son.
Ronaldo and Janno are in full support of Janno's daughter Chi Loyzaga-Gibbs venture into fashion.
He is commended as one of the most notable actors of the Philippines, with a blossoming career from the 1960s to 2023.
He is also best remembered for appearing in a 2017 KFC ad as the historical Colonel Sanders.
You will be missed, Lolo Sir!