Filipinos have lost a familiar face in Philippine horror cinema.
Nonong de Andres, better known in the country as his screen name Bangkay (Corpse), died earlier today, his nephew confirmed. GMA News reported that the actor died in an apparent suicide in a beach resort in Plaridel, Quezon province.
His nephew Powee Capino made the announcement over Facebook today.
“Please pray for the eternal repose of the soul of my Tito (Uncle) Nonong who passed away early this morning,” he wrote.
“He is more popularly known as ‘Bangkay’ in horror movies and ‘Bangky’ in [the show] Forevermore. This is aside from the hundreds of movies and tv appearances he was in throughout his acting career. He was 71.”
“He was weak over the past few days and weeks,” Capino told Coconuts Manila through a Facebook message.
De Andres made a name for himself ever since his acting debut in the 1976 movie Kisame Street. ABS-CBN News reported that he has been in over 100 movies and TV shows. He earned his nickname Bangkay as he usually appears in horror movies as a corpse with unkempt white hair.
He was also a fan favorite in comedies like the 2014 rom-com teleserye (TV series) Forevermore. In the show, he was paired with fellow horror movie actress, the late Lilia Cuntapay who passed away in 2016.
De Andres also made appearances in more recent TV shows like Alyas Robin Hood (2016) and Bagani (2018).
If you or anyone you know has mental issues or is struggling with personal problems, please call the 24/7 HOPELINE at (02) 804 4673, (0917) 558 4673, or 2919 to seek professional help.
