Actress Jaclyn Jose dies at 60

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Jaclyn Jose died on Saturday, March 2, her talent agency announced early Monday morning. She was 60.

PPL Entertainment Incorporated announced on March 4 her passing in a social media post. 

“It saddens us to inform everyone of the untimely passing of Miss Jaclyn Jose (real name Mary Jane Guck,” the company said. 

“The Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Miss Jaclyn Jose and for them to be allowed the respect and privacy to mourn her passing, and navigate these difficult times,” it added. 

In a press conference on Monday afternoon, actress Andi Eigenmann confirmed that her mother Jaclyn passed away due to myocardial infarction or heart attack on the morning of March 2.

She also asked the public to give them respect and privacy as their family grieves. Eigenmann hoped that their statement would put speculations regarding the late actress’ passing to rest. 

“Her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work, through her children, through her grandchildren, and the many lives she’s touched. She herself, her life itself, was her greatest obra maestra,” Eigenmann added.

Born Mary Jane Santa Ana Guck, Jose was a renowned dramatic film and television actress with multiple acting awards under her belt.

She was the first Filipino and Southeast Asian to win best actress at the Cannes Film Festival, for her leading turn as a matriarch and meth dealer in Brillante Mendoza’s Ma’ Rosa. She also had three Gawad Urian best actress nods for her roles in Takaw Tukso (1987), Itanong Mo Sa Buwan (1989), and Sarong Banggi (2006).

She debuted in 1984 with William Pascual’s Chicas and Chito Roño’s Private Show, and had gone on to star in acclaimed films such as The Flor Contemplacion Story, Patay na si Hesus, and Kalel, 15. She also featured in shows such as Maalaala Mo Kaya, Valiente, and Marimar. Her last role was as Chief Dolores Espinas in the series FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.

She was in a relationship with actor Mark Gil. She is survived by their child together, Andi Eigenmann, and a son from another relationship, Gwen Garimond. – Rappler.com

(Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story misreported Jose’s age.)