Veteran Filipino actor and director Ricky Davao. ARCHIVE

Veteran Filipino actor and director Ricky Davao has died at the age of 63, his management company Viva Entertainment confirmed on Friday (May 2). Born Frederick Charles Davao, the screen legend died on Thursday (May 1), in a hospital in Taguig City. The sad news comes just weeks after the passing of “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales, the mother of Davao’s former wife, actress Jackie Lou Blanco. Sources close to the family confirmed that Davao had been battling a terminal illness since 2024. While the family has yet to issue an official statement, insiders disclosed that the beloved actor succumbed to cancer. The sources requested anonymity, respecting the family’s privacy. Davao is survived by his three children with Blanco—Arabella, Rikki Mae, and Kenneth. He was reportedly in a relationship with longtime partner Mayeth Malca Darocca at the time of his death. Details about the wake and memorial services have yet to be announced. Davao, son of the late actor Charlie Davao, carved an illustrious career spanning more than four decades. Widely regarded as an “actor’s actor,” he made his mark across film, television, theater, and even dance before transitioning into directing. He was known for his powerful performances in classic Filipino films including Huwag Mong Buhayin ang Bangkay, Ipaglaban Mo The Movie, Abot Hanggang Sukdulan, and Misis Mo, Misis Ko. His final film appearance was in the 2025 movie Sosyal Climbers starring Maris Racal and Anthony Jennings. Davao was also a respected television director, with credits including The Seed of Love (2023), Nagbabagang Luha (2021), and Dahil sa Pag-ibig (2019). Throughout his decades-long career, Davao received numerous acting accolades, including the 2020 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for Fuccbois; 2017 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for Deliver Us; 1990 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for Abot Hanggang Sukdulan; 2000 Gawad Urian Best Actor for The Kite and the 2002 Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP) Best Actor for Minsan May Isang Puso. Fans and colleagues in the industry have begun sharing tributes online, remembering Davao not just as an accomplished performer but also as a generous mentor and passionate artist. CAM/Expat Media
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