Veteran actor Ricky Davao has died at the age of 63

Ni Samantha Faith Flores

Veteran actor Ricky Davao has died of cancer. He was 63 years old.

Davao is the daughter-in-law of Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales who died just a few days ago. He is married to Jacky Lou Blanco, one of Pilita’s two children.

Ricky’s family has not yet made an official statement but in a Facebook post by Viva Entertainment, it confirmed the actor’s death.

“Rest in peace, Sir Ricky,” Viva’s Facebook post read.

According to reports, Davao will be diagnosed with serious cancer in 2024. Her condition was not made public by her family.

He is the son of the great character actor Charlie Davao, whose real name is Charles Caballes Davao.

Davao started out as a dancer before discovering her acting skills.

He also entered stage acting and performed in several musical plays.

He and his wife, Jackie Lou, have been separated. They had three children.

Ricky Davao’s Final Battle: The Hidden Struggle Behind the Camera

Manila, Philippines — The entertainment industry remains in mourning after the shocking death of veteran actor and director Ricky Davao, who passed away on May 2, 2025, at the age of 63. While fans and colleagues were stunned by the sudden news, recent revelations confirm that Ricky had been bedridden and battling a serious illness for quite some time, keeping his condition out of the public eye until the very end.

A Silent Struggle with Cancer

According to reports from close family friends and respected showbiz insiders, Ricky Davao had been fighting a private and prolonged battle with cancer. Though no official diagnosis was publicly confirmed before his death, sources indicate that Ricky had been under medical care and largely confined to his home during the last few months of his life.

In December 2024, respected entertainment columnist Cristy Fermin subtly hinted at Ricky’s deteriorating health during her radio show Cristy Ferminute, where she stated that the actor was “feeling something serious,” though she refrained from elaborating due to the family’s request for privacy.

“He was going through something very personal,” she said. “But Ricky was not the kind of person who wanted pity or attention. He handled his pain quietly and with dignity.”

Despite his health challenges, Ricky managed to appear composed in public when needed. His final appearances showed no overt signs of illness, a testament to his strength, professionalism, and grace.

Loved Ones Shielded Him From Public Scrutiny

Throughout his health battle, Ricky was surrounded by a small, tight-knit circle of loved ones who respected his desire for discretion. His partner, Maica Darocca, played a vital role in his care and emotional support, staying by his side during his quiet fight against cancer. Family members, including his children with former wife Jackie Lou Blanco, were also closely involved.

Those close to him noted that Ricky never wanted to be seen as weak or defeated. “Even in his pain, he still had that quiet charisma,” said one friend. “He was more concerned about the people around him than himself.”

This need to protect others from worry may explain why Ricky never publicly disclosed his illness. He preferred that people remember him for his vibrant energy and artistic talent, not as someone slowly fading from illness.

A Career Marked by Dedication and Versatility

Ricky Davao’s death marked the end of a career that lasted nearly five decades. He began as a dancer in the 1970s before becoming one of the most respected actors in Philippine cinema and television. Over the years, he transitioned seamlessly between genres — from drama to comedy, stage to screen — and eventually took up directing, earning respect for his work behind the camera as well.

He starred in notable films such as Patayin si Mediavilla and TV dramas that showcased his range and emotional depth. Ricky was also a frequent recipient of acting awards from the FAMAS, PMPC Star Awards, and other prestigious bodies. His most recent work, before his illness progressed, was a dramatic role in a 2024 teleserye, which fans now remember with added emotion.

His dedication to his craft was unmatched, with colleagues remembering him as someone who gave his all in every scene. “He was the kind of actor who didn’t just play a role — he became it,” said actress Cherry Pie Picache. “You always learned something just by watching him work.”

Public Reaction: Grief, Shock, and Tributes

When news broke of Ricky’s passing, the public was blindsided. Most fans had no idea that the actor had been gravely ill, and many struggled to accept that the man who brought so many characters to life had been quietly enduring pain behind the scenes.

Tributes flooded social media as fans and fellow celebrities shared memories of working with Ricky, praising his humility, discipline, and genuine kindness.

Director Joel Lamangan, who worked with Ricky on several projects, stated,

“He was one of the finest actors of his generation. But more than that, he was a gentleman — someone who treated everyone with respect, from co-stars to crew members.”

Even former President Leni Robredo offered condolences via social media, calling Ricky “a national treasure.”

Final Days: Choosing Peace Over Publicity

According to one report, Ricky made a conscious decision not to undergo aggressive treatments in his final weeks. He instead chose to stay home, surrounded by family, friends, and the people he loved. This decision was rooted in his desire for dignity and peace, values he held deeply throughout his life.

Despite being bedridden, Ricky reportedly remained mentally sharp and emotionally connected with those around him until the very end. He even gave creative input on a planned project — a testament to his enduring passion for the arts.

A Legacy That Transcends Illness

Ricky Davao may have lost his final battle with cancer, but he won the admiration, respect, and love of an entire nation. He proved that strength doesn’t always come in loud declarations — sometimes, it’s in the quiet battles we fight without fanfare, in the courage to keep giving your best even when your body is breaking down.

His passing is a tremendous loss, but his life remains a celebration of art, love, and dignity. As the public learns more about the private hardships Ricky faced, his legacy grows even more powerful — not just as an actor, but as a man who chose humility over attention, privacy over spectacle, and peace over drama.