The Philippine entertainment industry is mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of its most respected and beloved figures. Ricky Davao, a celebrated actor and director, passed away on May 1, 2025, at the age of 63 after quietly and courageously battling cancer. His death has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his family, friends, colleagues, and countless fans.

A Silent Goodbye That Shattered Many Hearts

According to his daughter Ara Davao, Ricky died peacefully surrounded by his children and loved ones. In a deeply emotional post, Ara shared how her father never lost his humor, love, and gentle spirit, even in his final days. “He held our hands tightly, and even when he was too weak to speak, his eyes told us everything—we knew he was saying goodbye,” she wrote.

The news of Ricky’s passing came as a devastating shock to many who were unaware of the severity of his condition. He had kept his illness private, never seeking public sympathy, choosing instead to focus on spending his remaining time with those he loved.

A Life Dedicated to Art and Truth

Ricky Davao began his career in the 1970s as a dancer with Vicor Crowd, before making a seamless transition into acting. Over the decades, he evolved into a towering presence in both mainstream and independent cinema. His performances in films like Saranggola, Ikaw, and Minsan May Isang Puso showcased his range, while his direction in socially relevant dramas earned him accolades and respect.

He wasn’t just a performer—he was a passionate storyteller, a mentor, and a man who believed in using art to reflect the human condition. Ricky won multiple awards throughout his lifetime, but more than that, he earned the genuine admiration of his peers. Directors praised his depth, co-stars loved his humility, and fans adored the authenticity he brought to every role.

A Family Man Until the End

Ricky was married to actress Jackie Lou Blanco, and together they had three children. Though the couple separated in 2011, their bond remained strong. Jackie Lou shared in a moving interview how she and Ricky had shared a moment of peace and forgiveness before his passing.

“He looked at me, and I knew he wanted to make sure I was okay. We said things we had never said. There was nothing but love and gratitude,” she said through tears.

His children—Kenneth, Rikki Mae, and Arabella—stood by their father’s side until his final breath. Ara recalled their last conversations: “Every night, I said ‘Goodnight, Dad, I love you,’ and he’d whisper back the same. Even when his voice was fading, he never stopped saying it.”

Absence at a Loved One’s Wake

Ricky’s death also came shortly after the passing of his former mother-in-law, the legendary Pilita Corrales. Due to his declining health, Ricky was reportedly unable to attend Pilita’s wake—a sorrowful detail that underscored the weight of his own condition.

Friends and fans couldn’t help but feel the compounded grief of losing two industry icons so close together, deepening the sense of loss and reflection.

Tributes and Final Goodbye

The wake for Ricky Davao was held at The Heritage Park in Taguig, where many from the entertainment community gathered to pay their final respects. From veteran stars to younger artists, all came to honor the man who had touched their lives with kindness, talent, and integrity.

Veteran actor Christopher de Leon said, “Ricky was one of a kind. He gave everything in every scene, in every conversation. He gave his soul.”

Young actors who had worked with Ricky described him as a “father figure” on set—strict, wise, and endlessly supportive. He was known for mentoring many up-and-coming artists behind the scenes, never asking for credit.

A Legacy That Will Never Fade

In the final chapter of his life, Ricky Davao gave us the most human story of all: the story of love, humility, and quiet courage. He didn’t seek the spotlight in his suffering, but instead chose dignity and grace. His last project, the upcoming Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre, will be released posthumously—an echo of his enduring passion for the craft he loved.

The curtains may have closed for Ricky Davao, but the legacy he leaves behind continues to inspire. His passing is not just the loss of an actor—it is the loss of a voice, a soul, and a beautiful human being who made the world richer through his presence.

Ricky Davao passes away at 63
VETERAN and award-winning actor Ricky Davao has passed away. He was 63 years old.

His Viva Entertainment family confirmed the sad news via Facebook.

There is no word on the cause of the actor’s passing, but it has long been rumored that the actor had been in and out of the hospital for the past year.

Attached to a black and white photo of the veteran actor, the message reads, “Rest assured, Sir Ricky.”

“The actor passed away at the age of 63. #RickyDavao.”

Ricky or Frederick Charles Caballes Davao would have celebrated his 64th birthday on May 30.

Ricky’s showbiz career began in the early 80s and has done about 100 movies, in addition to the many teleseryes he has done on various TV networks.

Aside from acting, Ricky has also directed several TV shows. He is also an Industrial Management Engineer but he has never used it as a profession.

In his four decades in the entertainment industry, here are some of the movies he has done: “Berdugo ng Munti” (1993), “Eskapo” (1995), “Kristo” (1996), “Mula sa Puso” (1999), “You and Me Against the World” (2003), “Barcelona: A Love Untold” (2016), “Bato: The General Ronald dela Rosa Story” (2019), “Big Night” (2021).

On television, He has been seen in “Mula Sa Puso” (1997), “Pangako sa ‘Yo” (2000), “Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay” (2002), “Dyesebel” (2008), “Bilangin Ang Bituin sa Langit” (2019), “I Can See You: AlterNate” (2021) and many more.

He is also in GMA 7’s upcoming action-fantasy series, “Encantadia Chronicles: Sang’gre” starring Angel Guardian, Kelvin Miranda, Faith da Silva and Bianca Umali. Some of the awards and recognitions he has received are as follows: Best Supporting Actor for “Fuccbois” at the 2019 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival; Best Supporting Actor for “Kasal” at the 3rd The EDDYS Awards; Film Ambassador-Actor at the Film Development Council of the Philippines’ Film Ambassadors’ Night.

He was a juror at the first ASEAN International Film Festival Awards in 2013.