MANILA, Philippines — Film and theater actor Bernardo Bernardo, 73, passed away on Thursday morning, his niece confirmed on Facebook.
The cause of death was not mentioned in the post, but the actor had been undergoing treatment for a "potentially life-threatening tumor in his pancreas" since January, according to an Interaksyon report.
On Twitter, singer Lea Salonga expressed her grief for the demise of her "very first leading man."
Rest In Peace, Bernardo Bernardo. This has been heavy news to hear. Tito Bernie was my very first leading man in the very first show I ever did, The King and I (he played the King of Siam and I was one of his daughters). Kind, funny, ebullient, brilliant, big hearted. Sigh.
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) March 8, 2018
"This has been heavy news to hear. Tito Bernie was my very first leading man in the very first show I ever did, The King and I (he played the King of Siam and I was one of his daughters)," Salonga said.
Bernardo was a Journalism graduate from the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He is a also a former editor-in-chief of The Varsitarian, the official publication of UST.
He studied acting at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts and finished his Masters in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Phoenix. The actor also taught acting classes at the UP Film Institute.
Bernardo is best known for his role as Steve Carpio in Dolphy's hit sitcom "Home Along Da Riles."