Willie Nepomuceno, impersonator and satirist, dies at 75

Willie Nepomuceno, the popular impersonator, satirist, and comedian, has died. He was 75 years old.

His death was announced through a statement on his official Facebook page.

“To our family, loved ones, and friends, it is with deep sadness and heavy heart to announce the passing of our beloved father, WILLIE NEPOMUCENO on July 26, 2023, at the age of 75. He has peacefully joined our creator," the post said.

The family added that details of his wake will be announced soon and that they ask for continued prayers.

In a statement to GMA News Online, his son Willie Wilsson Nepomuceno said that his father was rushed to the emergency room of Marikina Valley Medical Center on Monday morning after falling off the bed and hitting his head on the floor.  

“CT Scan showed he had subdural hematoma. On that same day, he underwent craniotomy to evacuate the hematoma and relieve pressure to his brain."

Following the surgery, Willie’s vital signs became stable but he was still in comatose. The following day, his vitals deteriorated and another CT scan showed recurrence of hematoma and new sites of bleeding.

By Tuesday afternoon, Willie was presumed brain dead and was put on a respirator. By 8 p.m., his vitals dwindled further.

“By 6:17 am this morning, sadly he left us na,” Willie Wilsson said. “Nabigla lang talaga kami lahat."

In a separate post on his own Facebook page, Willie Wilsson said, "Farewell, Tatay. Though it's incredibly hard to say goodbye, I am grateful for the time we had together. Your love, guidance, and presence in my life have shaped me into the person I am today."

“Your legacy will forever be engraved in my heart," he added. "Rest well, knowing that you are deeply loved and missed."

Willie, also called Willie Nep, is a pillar of Philippine entertainment. He was best known for his satirical impersonations of political personalities, such as former Philippine presidents, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte.

—JCB, GMA Integrated News