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MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Whatever happened to Dick Israel, the veteran character actor that captivated viewers with television and film roles in the likes of Maging Sino Ka Man, Boy Golden – and back in the day – Beh! Bote Nga and Patrolman?
In recent photos making the rounds online and reported in various local news outlets, Israel, whose real name is Ricardo Michaca, seems to have fallen on hard times after a fire razed his house.
ABS-CBN News visited the actor in his current location in Caloocan City. He said, “Mabilis kumalat ang apoy (The fire spread so fast). That’s life, carry on.” The houses of 12 other families were also damaged in the fire.
“Tulungan sana siya, ‘yung gamot na tine-take niya o pinansyal, o kung anong [maitutulong],” his wife Marilyn Michaca said.
(Please help him with medicine, finances, or any form of assistance.)
According to the same report, Israel still has nowhere to live after the incident.
Previously, Facebook user Sidemiod Francisco Datanam wrote, “Sana makatulong tayo (Hopefully, we can help).” He says that Israel is currently at Bagong Barrio, Barangay 144 in Caloocan City.
“Ikwento Mo Kay Delio,” a Facebook page, detailed: “Matapos magkasakit, nadamay naman sa sunog ang kanyang tinitirahan. Sana may mag paabot sa kanya ng tulong sa mga nakasama [niya] sa industriya. Kailangan [niya] ng damit, gamot at pagkain. Please share.”
(After getting sick, [Dick’s] house was burned in a fire. Hopefully someone among his colleagues in the entertainment industry can help. He needs clothes, medicine, and food. Please share).
The post also said that Israel resides at #144 Evangelista St in Bagong Barrio.
In 2010, the actor suffered from a stroke. According to an ABS-CBN News report, he then sought financial help from his colleagues in the industry after medical treatment drained his savings.
Members of the entertainment industry had heard about these developments and have called for support through their social media channels.
Vivian Velez reposted the call for support from Damay Kamay Foundation, an organization established by members of the entertainment industry that aims to help their colleagues in need during medical emergencies. Details as to how the actor may be extended any form of help were also listed:
Hello Brothers & Sisters!!!
— Nadia Montenegro (@OfficialNadiaM) July 4, 2016
All solicitations and pledges for Dick Israel pls course it… https://t.co/GVTnWz9y7W
Israel has been known for playing villains. In a 2012 interview with ANC’s Storyline, he said about being known for these kontrabida roles: “Papasok ako sa sinehan nang palihim. Naririnig ko ‘yung mga nanonood, they hate me. I feel elated, kasi ‘yun talaga ang trabaho ko eh, ang galitin nila. Meaning, successful talaga akong kontrabida.”
(I would secretly go to the cinemas. I would hear the audience. They hate me. I feel elated because that’s my job – to make them angry. It means that I’m successful as a villain.)
His work as an actor has been acclaimed locally with Best Supporting Actor awards at the 1988 Metro Manila Film Festival for Patrolman and at the 1995 FAMAS (Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences) Awards for Kanto Boy 2: Anak ni Totoy Guapo.
Some of Israel’s most recent work include films such as Badil and Boy Golden in 2013. – Rappler.com
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