‘Horror Movie Queen’ Lilia Cuntapay dies at 81

MANILA, Philippines – Actress Lilia Cuntapay, known for her work in Philippine horror movies, has died at 81.

Cuntapay’s grandchild Elma Cuntapay-Daet confirmed to ABS-CBN that the actress died at her son’s home in Pinili, Ilocos Norte early on Saturday, August 20.

Early in August, Cuntapay appealed to her colleagues in the industry to help her get medication, as she could no longer work for it. Relatives of Lilia in Gonzaga said that she is suffering from a spinal cord illness and could not walk.

The film industry icon was born on January 3, 1935, in Cabiraoan village in Gonzaga.

She taught in primary schools in Tuguegarao before engaging in a buy-and-sell business – and later on, working at the National Police Commission (Napolcom).

Lilia Cuntapay often played bit roles like witches, ghosts, or aswangs in several classic Filipino horror movies and TV series throughout the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s.

In one of her most iconic roles, she starred as the nanny of Kris Aquino’s character in Shake Rattle and Roll 3.

In 2011, she won the Best Actress trophy in the Cinema One Originals Film Festival for Antoinette Jadaone’s Six Degrees of Separation from Lilia Cuntapay. – Rappler.com