O'Hara dies of leukemia, 68

MANILA, Philippines - Did you know that Mario O’Hara (photo) suffered from claustrophobia? That must be why when he was reported to have been stricken with leukemia barely two weeks ago, he (rather, those close to him) kept secret what hospital he was confined at. Maybe he didn’t welcome visitors.

Yesterday morning, Mario succumbed to complications of leukemia at the San Juan de Dios Hospital in Pasay City where he was admitted last June 15. He was 68.

A writer, actor and director who collaborated in several projects with the late Lino Brocka, Mario directed some of the country’s classic movies, among them Mortal (1975) with the late Dindo Fernando as star, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1977) with Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon, Bakit Bughaw ang Langit (1981) with Dennis Roldan, Bulaklak ng City Jail (1984) with Nora Aunor, The Fatima Buen Story (1994) with Kris Aquino (who won a Best Actress award) and Babae sa Breakwater with Katherine Luna (who also won a Best Actress award).

Two of his memorable performances were in Tubog sa Ginto (1971, as the driver-lover of Eddie Garcia as a closet queen) and Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974, as the leper town outcast), both directed by Brocka. His last work was the TV5 soap Sa Ngalan Ng Ina which marked Aunor’s comeback vehicle when she returned from the US.

Born in Zamboanga, Mario grew up in Pasay City. His father was part-Irish, part-American and part-Filipino; and his mother was an American teacher from Ohio, USA. Both parents were among the first American teachers in the Philippines.

Mario is survived by younger brother Jerry O’Hara who is also an actor. Their brother Edwin, another actor, died of heart attack a few years ago.

Mario’s remains lie at the Saint Alphonsus Mary Ligouri Parish on Magallanes Avenue, Makati City. Interment will be announced later.