It was Sunday, March 3, 2024, when the world of Philippine showbiz was taken aback upon receiving the unfortunate news that renowned actress Jaclyn Jose had passed on. Former colleagues and friends from the entertainment world took to social media in penning heartfelt messages for Jaclyn, born Mary Jane Guck in 1963, who died due to a heart attack.
Her death was first confirmed by PPL Entertainment Sunday night, and was later verified through a press conference on March 4 by Jose’s daughter, former actress Andi Eigenmann.
CELEBRITIES PAY TRIBUTE
Alden Richards, Jaclyn’s co-star in 2013 GMA Prime show “Mundo Mo’y Akin,” shared on Instagram a picture of him with the late actress while penning a brief but heartfelt message.
“My heart aches like a son who lost his mom… You will be with me always. I love you my tita Jane,” he wrote.
Gladys Reyes, who last starred with Jose for 2022 film “Apag,” shared a throwback vlog on set with the actress, reminiscing her good memories with the latter since they first shared the screen for a drama anthology episode on “Lovingly Yours, Helen.”
“Nakakagulat, nabigla tayong lahat ???? ang dami naming pinagsamahan, simula 9 years old ako sa Lovingly Yours Helen hanggang dito sa huling movie na Apag, di sya nagbago sakin,” Reyes said.
“Di ko makakalimutan lahat ng tips, pag-alaga sakin na parang ate talaga. Nabawasan na naman ng isang magaling at de kalibreng aktor ang industriya. Mamimiss namin ang nag-iisang Jacklyn Jose,” she added.
In an Instagram post, Gardo Versoza uploaded an old photo of them, penning a brief but emotional statement that expressed his love for the award-winning actress.
“Mahal na mahal kita abe ???????????????????? masakit na paalam ???? magkwewentuhan pa tayo di ba ,,,,,,” wrote Versoza.
Kapuso artist Rayver Cruz also captioned a tribute post on IG with broken hearts. “Tita jane, mamimiss kita my nanay mahal kita… rest in peace tita jane,” he also said in a story. He last worked with Jose in the GMA Prime drama series “Bolera” (2022).
Acclaimed director and filmmaker Adolfo Alix Jr. shared his devastation and sadness over Jaclyn’s untimely passing. “I don’t know how to start this,” he began his statement.
“You were part of my journey from the start. More than being one of the best thespians in our industry, we bonded because we love cinema and what we do. We even have the same tattoos to remember our loved ones. Lost a family and a dear friend. Utterly devastating but I’m just trying to think that I’ve got another angel in heaven. Love you Ms. Jane,” the director said in an IG post that featured their career photos together.
Kylie Padilla could not help but remember her “heart to hear conversations under the stars” with Jose. She uploaded a photo of her hugging the Cannes Best Actress, and recalled how caring the actress was.
“We talked about motherhood. Life. And love. I loved your energy. I remember the scenes sa bolera na di tayo makapagpigil ng kakatawa kasi ganun ka kasaya kasama. Thank you for being mom to me but also being a friend to me. It’s only a comfort that I saw you last night in my dreams smiling, I got a sense that you were at peace wherever you were. And that’s what you deserve. RIP Tita Jane,” she wrote.
Lito Lapid, Jose’s co-actor in Batang Quiapo, also paid tribute to one of the pillars of the Philippine entertainment industry. “Hindi po matatawaran ang kinang ng kanyang bituin na nagbigay liwanag sa napakaraming likhang sining na nagpayaman sa ating kultura at sumalamin sa ating pagka-Filipino. Ako po ay taos-pusong nakikiramay sa mga naulila ni Jaclyn. Para isang bayan na nagdadalamhati sa pagkawala ng isang bituin, salamat ng marami, Jaclyn,” Lapid wrote in his caption.
AN ENTERTAINMENT ICON’S UNTIMELY PASSING
Jaclyn Jose, born on October 21, 1963 as Mary Jane Guck, was a renowned actress known for her excellent acting prowess that bore many remarkable performances throughout her career. A recipient of multiple accolades, she first bagged home a FAMAS nomination for Chito Roño-directed adult drama film “Private Show.”
Jose’s first of five Gawad Urian recognitions came after her excellent performance in 1986 film “Takaw Tukso.”
The Pampanga-born actress became the first artist from Southeast Asia to win the prestigious Best Actress plum at the Cannes Film Festival for her portrayal of ‘Rosa Reyes’ in the multi-acclaimed Brillante Mendoza film, “Ma’Rosa.”
She was 60 when she passed on in her home in Quezon City, as confirmed by her daughter, Andi Eigenmann, during a press conference on March 4, 2024.
“It is with great sadness that I announce the untimely passing of my Nanay, Mary Jane Guck, better known as Jaclyn Jose, at the age of 60 on the morning of March 2nd, 2024 due to a myocardial infarction or a heart attack,” Eigenmann said in an emotional statement.
“We’d like to thank everyone who has since extended their prayers and condolences to us, as our family is trying to come to terms with this unfortunate incident. Please provide us the respect and privacy to breathe and we hope this would put all speculations to rest,” the Siargao-based actress requested for privacy during this time of mourning.
"Her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work, through her children, and the many lives she's touched as she herself - her life itself - was her greatest obra maestra," said Andi.
She was accompanied by her brother, Kapuso actor Gabby Eigenmann, during the announcement.
