Mark Gil graced both silver screen and television

(Updated 4:11 p.m.) Veteran actor Mark Gil, who would have turned 53 on September 25, was confirmed dead on Monday morning, September 1, by his manager, Jun Rufino.

According to reports, the actor died of liver cirrhosis. However, the family and his doctors have yet to issue an official statement regarding the cause of death.

Showbiz scion

Born Raphael Joseph de Mesa Eigenmann—the son of Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil and brother to Cherie Gil and Michael de Mesa—Gil was part of one of the most respected showbiz clans in the country.

He is also the father of actors Gabby Eigenmann (with commercial model/actress Irene Celebre), Sid Lucero (with Bing Pimentel), and Andi Eigenmann (with actress Jaclyn Jose).

Two weeks ago, amid speculation about his father's ill health, Gabby Eigenmann told the media that Gil was doing well.

“Marami ang nagsasabi, marami ang nagtatanong sa amin, but we always say the same—he’s okay. Nasa bahay lang siya, pahinga muna siya,” he said.

Gil was last married to Maricar Jacinto in 2006.

Notable roles on film and TV

Gil rose to fame in the 1980s after playing a neophyte in the film "Batch 81," directed by Mike de Leon.

His last film was "The Fighting Chefs" in 2013, directed by Ronnie Ricketts.

In over 40 years in show business, Gil appeared in several films: "Underage" (1980), "Miss X" (1980), "Bilibid Boys" (1981), "Karibal Ko Ang Aking Ina" (1982), "Palipat-Lipat Papalit-Palit" (1982),  "Palabra de Honor" (1983), "Naiibang Hayop" (1984), "Alapaap" (1984), "Ina, Kasusuklaman Ba Kita?" (1985), "Bakit Manipis Ang Ulap?" (1985), "Sugat Sa Dangal" (1986), "Kid, Huwag Kang Susuko! (1987), Pasan Ko Ang Daigdig (1987), Itanong Mo Sa Buwan (1988), Afuang: Bounty Hunter" (1988), "Ipaglalaban Ko" (1989), "Ang Utol Kong Hoodlum" (1991), "Ngayon at Kailanman" (1992), "Narito Ang Puso Ko" (1992), "Astig" (1993), "Eskapo" (1995), "Cedie" (1996), "Gangland" (1998), "Saranggola" (1999), "Kahit Isang Saglit" (2000), "Laro Sa Baga" (2000), "Magnifico" (2003), "Exodus" (2005), "Nasaan Si Francis?" (2006), "Rotonda" (2006), "Donsol" (2006), "A Love Story" (2007), "Till My Heartaches End" (2010), "Corazon: Ang Unang Aswang" (2012), "The Strangers" (2012), and "Seduction" (2013).

Gil also gave his time and talent to television programs such as "Mula Sa Puso", "Saan Ka Man Naroroon", "Sa Puso Ko Iingatan Ka", "Kung Fu Kids", "Eva Fonda", "Lovers In Paris", "Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo", "Magkaribal", "Imortal", "100 Days To Heaven", "Guns and Roses", "Ikaw ay Pag-ibig", "Walang Hanggan", and "The Legal Wife".

He also appeared in "Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin", "Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw", "Hanggang Kailan", "Atlantika", "Sinasamba Kita", "Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?", "Zorro", "Makapiling Kang Muli", "Pahiram Ng Sandali", "Indio", and "My Husband's Lover", as well as a remake of the series "Valiente".

Awards

Gil won his first Gawad Urian trophy in 1982, winning Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Palipat-lipat, Papalit-palit".

He also earned a Gawad Urian nomination in 1983 following his lead role in "Batch '81" as a neophyte initiated in a fraternity.

In 2007, the actor won the Gawad Urian for Best Actor for playing a troubled tabloid reporter in the film "Rotonda."

He was also nominated for the 2014 Gawad Urian for Best Actor for the film "A Philipino Story".

'Sad day'

Celebrities have been mourning Gil's loss and expressing their condolences to his family through social media.

Alvin Anson, who worked with Mark Gil in several movies, expressed his sadness over the actor's passing. In a Facebook post, he says, "One of the coolest & talented actors I've the pleasure of working with, one of the greatest actor from his generation. RIP Bro Mark Gil."

Australian filmmaker Andrew Leavold ("The Search For Weng Weng") also remembers Gil with fondness. "Daniel and I met him a few times over the years, lovely guy," he said.

Film critic Philbert Dy remembers the actor's enthusiasm and good nature.

"He was one of the warmest people I've ever met. He just seemed to enjoy being around people," he said.

A media announcement regarding the actor's passing is expected. — Bianca Rose Dabu/BM, GMA News