Veteran Filipino actor and director Ricky Davao has died at the age of 63, leaving behind a legacy of four decades in the entertainment industry. His passing on May 1 was confirmed after he had been privately battling a terminal illness since 2024.
Born Frederick Charles Caballes Davao, he carved a name for himself in Philippine cinema and television through powerful performances in both mainstream and independent projects. He earned acclaim for roles in films like Saranggola, Crying Ladies, and Fuccbois, the latter earning him a Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actor award in 2019.
Davao, the son of late actor Charlie Davao and younger brother of Bing Davao, began his showbiz journey in the late 1970s as a dancer before transitioning into acting and later directing. His work behind the camera included directing episodes of Maalaala Mo Kaya and Magpakailanman.
He was married to actress Jackie Lou Blanco, with whom he had three children: Kenneth, Arabella, and Rikki Mae. Though the two separated in 2011, they shared a professional reunion in 2021 through the GMA drama anthology I Can See You: AlterNate.
Davao was last seen onstage in the musical show Silver Lining Redux, continuing his passion for the craft until his final months.
