Celebrities send heartfelt messages as news of Ricky Davao’s death announced

Messages of sympathy from Filipino celebrities started to pour in as news that veteran actor and director Ricky Davao had passed away.

Ricky’s daughter, Ara, confirmed her father’s passing in an Instagram post on May 2, revealing that the death was due to “complications related to cancer.”

“For more than four decades, he dedicated his life to the craft of acting and directing. His remarkable body of work and award-winning performances have left a lasting legacy that will continue to inspire. Most of all he was a loving father, brother, son, and friend,” Ara wrote, honoring her father’s contributions to the entertainment industry.

In Ara’s post, several celebrities expressed their condolences for the actress and her family.

Megastar Sharon Cuneta penned a heartfelt message addressed to the actress.

“Oh, sweetheart…I am so sorry,” she said. “Our deepest condolences to you, Ken, Rikki and Mama. You’ve been going through so much and have lost loved ones one after another. I am praying for you. I love you anak. Hug Mama and your sibs for me please.”

FPJ’s Batang Quiapo star Cherry Pie Picache also commented on the post: “My heartfelt condolences and prayers dear @aradavao and to the whole family. Mahigpit na yakap.”

Other celebrities who expressed their messages of sympathy in the post’s comment section include Janine Gutierrez, Melai Cantiveros, Alyssa Muhlach, Ivana Alawi, Darren Espanto, Mavy Legaspi, Chie Filomeno, Angelina Cruz, Eric Quizon, Diego Gutierrez, Richard Yap, and Lotlot de Leon.

In an Instagram post, singer and actress Zsa Zsa Padilla recounted her experience collaborating with the late actor.

“I had the joy of working with Ricky in Familia Zaragoza where we played siblings—since then, I’ve always fondly called him ‘Brother,’ she said. “In 1997, he became Tony Javier to my Paula Marasigan in the stage adaptation of Larawan, staged at the CCP. We did a total of ten shows, working closely together during that time.”

Emphasizing that Ricky is a “great loss” in the showbiz industry, Zsa Zsa also expressed her sympathy for the bereaved family of the actor.

“May you rest in peace, Brother,” she said. “My deepest condolences to all the loved ones left behind. And thank you for the joy you brought in every role you portrayed—on stage, on television, and in film.”

Veteran newscaster Arnold Clavio also paid tribute to the late actor in an Instagram post saying, “Salamat Direk.”

In a separate Instagram post, Janno Gibbs remembered the late actor by sharing a video of himself and Ricky singing together with the caption: “RIP Ricky Davao.”