Director-actor Ricky Rivero passes away at 51

Beloved actor-director and former That’s Entertainment member Ricky Rivero has passed away at the age of 51.

Ricky's boyfriend made the announcement through the late actor's official Facebook account on the morning of July 16, 2023.

He wrote: “Good morning po inyong lahat maraming salamat po sa tumulong sa asawa ko na c Ricky ngayon po Wala na po c Ricky S. Rivero namayapa na po maraming salamat sa walang sawang tulong sa Asawa ko.” 

Ricky’s last directorial project was the horror comedy film, D' Aswang Slayerz, released earlier this year starring Mel Martinez, Sharmaine Arnaiz, and Athalia Badere.

In a follow-up post, Ricky’s still unnamed partner shared a photo of them along with a message of gratitude for their relationship.

“Asawa pahinga ka na wala kanang sakit mararamdaman salamat sa isang taong pagsasama isang taong pag-aaway isang taong isang taong kasiyahan madaming salamat sa lahat asawa. Mahal na mahal kita Ricky S Rivero," he said.

In an interview with PEP, Ricky’s uncle Philip Salvador also confirmed his nephew’s passing after initially suffering from a stroke last May where he was confined at the Philippine Heart Center.

The director spent his 51st birthday in the hospital because he was slightly paralyzed on one side of his body and was unable to be mobile.

Philip also shared that Ricky’s remains will be laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Chapels sa Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City after being cremated after his wake.

On his Instagram account, the talented director was remembered as someone who enjoyed posting lighthearted video clips and photos of himself on social media.

As early as six years old, Ricky was already cast onscreen as a child actor, playing a young Fernando Poe Jr. in the 1980 film Aguila as well as starring in other films like the 1986 kiddie adventure flick Ninja Kids and the Samurai Sword along with Francis Magalona, Herbert Bautista, and Ramon Christopher.

In the 80s, Ricky joined German Moreno’s iconic long-running variety program on GMA called That’s Entertainment alongside other teen heartthrobs like Lilet,

Before he passed, Ricky hosted an online show called UpLive Buzz, where he interviewed different showbiz personalities, including his former That’s Entertainment friends like Rachel Alejandro, Lilet, Sharmaine Arnaiz, Brylle Mondejar, Harlene Bautista, Lovely Rivero, and Janice de Belen.