Actor Eddie Garcia dies at 90

VETERAN actor Eduardo "Eddie" Verchez Garcia has passed away, according to the Makati Medical Center bulletin. He was 90 years old.

The award-winning actor died at 4:55 p.m. Thursday, June 20.

"We join the entire Filipino community in praying for the soul of Mr. Garcia... We extend our deepest condolences to the Garcia family," stated the medical bulletin signed by Dr. Artemio Salvador, division head of the Patients Relations Department - Quality Management Division of the Makati Medical Center.

Garcia had been confined at the Makati Medical Center's intensive care unit after he collapsed during a taping of GMA 7's drama series "Rosang Agimat" last June 8. Doctors said he suffered from neck injury.

GMA Network, in a statement, mourned the passing of Garcia, whom it called a "movie icon" and "industry pillar."

"An accomplished and respected actor and director, he was a movie icon and an industry pillar who has touched so many lives in the Philippine entertainment industry. He left behind a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and love for his craft," the network said.

"'Manoy,' as he is fondly called, will be greatly missed by his family, loved ones, co-workers, and fans," it added.

Garcia was born on May 2, 1929 in Sorsogon. His showbiz career started in 1949 when he starred in the movie "Siete Infantes de Lara." He won several awards, including a Gawad Urian "Best Actor" award, which he won recently. (LMY/SunStar Philippines)