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Sampaguita Pictures actor Pepito Rodriguez passes away
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The Philippine entertainment industry mourns the loss of veteran actor Pepito Rodriguez.
Last February 26, his nephew Hope Marco Neri Yutuc announced the star's passing. According to him, it was due to pneumonia where he was confined in the hospital.
"We will miss you so much especially in seeing you always in our Rodriguez reunion Tito Pepito,
We love you so much and so does your loyal fans because of how you lived on being a respected person,a gentle man,soft spoken,humble and one who's very compassionate to many. Prayers," Hope wrote.
Fans quickly sent their condolences to the family and honored the late star. Among many was Filipina actress Sheryl Cruz.
On her Facebook page, Sheryl penned a heartfelt message in tribute to her late dear friend.
"The dashing gentleman and former screen partner of my mother, Rosemarie Sonora, at Sampaguita Studios has passed away. My heart is deeply saddened by the news, as he was always kind and gracious to me," she wrote.
"My Nanay Doray, who used to chaperone my Mama during filming, broke the news to me earlier. It brought back so many memories of that beautiful era of Philippine cinema. He will truly be missed in the movie industry for his many contributions to Filipino cinema and for the joy he brought to audiences during the golden age of film."
Sheryl then added an emotional note, "Please send my love to my Papa, Ricky Belmonte (Jesse Cruz). You were both such an important part of that remarkable chapter in our cinema history. Rest in peace, Tito Pepito."
Pepito's nephew Hope took to the comment section to express his gratitude to the actress. "Thank you for your beautiful information & message to my Tito Pepito Rodriguez, Sheryl Cruz. He truly is a soft spoken, gentleman, compassionate & loving person even to us his family."
Fans also followed with love and supportive messages for Sheryl and the veteran star's grieving family.
Pepito was one of the stars in Sampaguita Pictures and the brother of the late veteran actor Ramil Rodriguez.
He has starred in several films, such as Mga Batang Bakasyonista (1964), Gintong Alaala (1970), and Sa Bilis Walang Kaparis (1964), and many more.
In 2024, Pepito received the Iconic Movie Actor of Philippine Cinema award at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Awards alongside Coco Martin, Robin Padilla, Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid, Roger Calvin, Eddie Gutierrez, and Dante Rivero.
Meanwhile, take a look at this gallery to celebrate the memories of the seasoned celebrities who have taken their final bow.
