Naty Crame-Rogers, theater legend, dies at 98

Theater legend Natividad “Naty” Crame-Rogers has died. She was 98 years old.

Her granddaughter-in-law Sweet Plantado-Tiongson shared her husband’s post on Tuesday, a photo of the actress, adding the caption: “Final curtain call for Philippine Theatre’s Naty Crame- Rogers.”

“You lived a full colorful life, taught and inspired many … fought the good fight … rest in His perfect peace Mommy Naty. Thank you,” said the musical theater actress and The Company member.

Hours before Naty’s passing, Sweet asked for prayers from theater colleagues.

“I was given the go signal by the family member who is with her and taking care of her … (she is BamBam’s Lola) and was privileged to have known her and worked with her during my CCP/TP days,” she added.

Citing a family member, Sweet shared an update on Naty’s health: “Sad to say that she’s nearing departure. Lungs, kidneys no more. Heart getting tired. She’s on breathing machine, Bipap & last dose of meds. Palliative care is only thing we can do.”

Naty is known for her adaptation of Paula on “Portrait of an Artist as Filipino” in 1965 and her role as Leonor Rivera in Severino Montano’s plays.  

In the 1960s, she established Aming Tahanan/Sala Theater, where she served as mentor to young actors.

Among her many awards were the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Gawad Award in Theater, the National Commission of Culture and Arts (NCCA) Centennial Award for Women, and the CCP’s Best 100 Filipino artists. – Franchesca Viernes/RC, GMA News