A well-loved kontrabida

MANILA, Philippines - Dick Israel (photo), one of Philippine cinema’s best-loved kontrabidas, passed away on Tuesday (Oct. 11), reports said. The veteran actor was 68. 

Colleagues from the entertainment industry turned to social media to express their sympathies and fondly remember the actor, whose real name was Ricardo Vizcarra Michaca.

G Tongi posted on Facebook: “Dick Israel and I worked alongside each other for many years in my youth. He always played the villain or the corrupt politician, characters so far from his actual persona, which is a testament to what a talented and amazing actor he truly is/was.”

Vivian Velez also wrote on Facebook, “Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. RIP Dick Israel.”

Velez as well as other stars like Nadia Montenegro were members of the Damay Kamay Foundation that came to Israel’s aid after he lost his home to a fire in July. The actor was also still struggling then to get better after a stroke in 2010.

Israel, whom fans online called the “villain you love to hate,” won acclaim in his four-decade career, including Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Patrolman and Kanto Boy 2: Anak ni Totoy Guapo at the 1988 Metro Manila Film Festival and 1995 FAMAS Awards, respectively.