Dolphy dies at 83

MANILA (Updated 10:15 p.m.) – The Makati Medical Center (MMC) confirmed that Philippines' King of Comedy Dolphy passed away Tuesday night. He was 83.

According to MMC’s 9:50 p.m. medical bulletin, the Comedy King died at 8:34 p.m. Tuesday due to multiple organ failure secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute renal failure.

Dolphy, Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. in real life, was diagnosed five years ago of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which according to earlier report is a progressive disease, like cancer.

He was rushed to the MMC last June 9 due to pneumonia and was confined at the intensive care unit since then.

His son Eric Quizon earlier said his father, who underwent dialysis during his one-month stay in the hospital, was responding to treatment but in critical condition.

Eric also earlier said their family has been in a roller coaster ride since his father was hospitalized.

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Dolphy started his career in Sampaguita Pictures in 1952. His first movie under the production company owned by Dr. Jose Perez was "Sa Isang Sulyap Mo, Tita."

After his acting projects, his partnership with Panchito became popular.

The Comedy King also did "Jack en Jill," "Captain Barbell" and “Facifica Falayfay."

In the early 60's, Dolphy joined ABS-CBN under the tutelage of Eugenio "Geny" Lopez Jr. Dolphy spent most of his showbiz life in ABS-CBN.

Dolphy's name became more prominent in local television when he topbilled "John En Marsha" with the late Nida Blanca.

The said show was the longest-running and most-watched primetime sitcom during that time. It ran from 1971 to 1990.

In "John en Marsha," Dolphy worked with Dely Atay-Atayan, his eldest son Rolly Quizon, and then-child star Maricel Soriano. Dolphy became Soriano’s father figure in the entertainment industry.

After the success of "John en Marsha," Dolphy topbilled family sitcom "Home Along Da Riles" aired on ABS-CBN. Dolphy played Kevin Kosme, a widower with five children.

He worked again with Nova Villa, Babalu, and Carding Castro. His five kids were played by Smokey Manaloto, Gio Alvarez, Claudine Barretto, real son Vadolph and Boy2 Quizon.

When "Home Along Da Riles" ended, it was followed by "Home Along Da Riber" in 2002 and "Home Along Da Airport" in 2003.

The Comedy King also did "Markova: Comfort Gay" with sons Eric and Jeffrey, who played the same role in three different life stages.

The father and sons tandem won the Prix de la Meilleure Interpretation in Brussels, Belgium.

After doing "Markova," the comedian did some more television and movie projects, including "Nobody, Nobody but Juan" (2009) with son Eric, and "Father Jejemon" (2010), which happened to be his last movie.

Dolphy won the Best Actor award in "Father Jejemon" and also bagged the Best Supporting Actor award for his participation in "Rosario" in the 2010 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Aside from his colorful showbiz career, the Comedy King's love life was also watched closely by the public.

Though he was never married, Dolphy had 18 children from six different relationships. His longest was with actress Zsa Zsa Padilla with whom he had two children, singer Zia and Nicole.

His other sons Eric, Epi and Vandolph also followed their father's footsteps.

All three joined showbizness and are still doing projects in local television networks. Eric, who once left Manila to pursue his career in Hong Kong, is back in the country and even directed some of his father's movies and other television shows.

During his last days, it was Zsa Zsa, Eric and his other kids who stood strong in front of everyone.

In one interview with Zsa-Zsa last February, the singer was very emotional talking about Dolphy's health and what their family was going through.

"May mga pinagdadaanan ako. Kahit papaano, eh you've been hearing rumors diba. The past few months have been very difficult for my family, alam naman nila na si Dolphy, he's not in the peak of health."

Vandolph said it was his Tita Zsa Zsa who was beside his father through thick and thin for the past 23 years.

"Si Tita ang laging kasama ni Papa, siya talaga yung witness kung anong nangyayari."

Last Father's Day, the Comedy King celebrated it at his hospital room in Makati Medical Center with his family.

Zsa Zsa posted a photo on Twitter of Dolphy's room decorated with banners and words of encouragement made by daughter Zia.

Eric also thanked those who prayed for their father's health and for the never ending support and love for their family.

The family is yet to announce the details on the Comedy King's wake. (Sunnex)