A Repost From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia

(UPDATE) Comedian Redford White passes away, 54

By Gerry Plaza – July 25th, 2010

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Showbiz Eye by Gerry Plaza
Special to Yahoo! Southeast Asia

Comedian and popular TV personality Redford White, whose real name is Cipriano Cermeno, on Sunday succumbed to complications from his bout with brain cancer. He was 54.

Redford passed away at his home at 6:47 a.m. Sunday, July 25. His wake is at his residence at Maligaya Park Subdivision, Fairview, Quezon City.

He first became popular as the canteen helper of the late Bing Angeles’ character Mang Temi in the 1980s sitcom “Iskul Bukol,” headlined by Tito, Vic and Joey. He then appeared in numerous TV shows and movies.

His breakthrough TV role came in the late 1980s as Eric Quizon’s comical friend in “Buddy en Sol,” which also had movie adaptations. His biggest blockbuster films were those he made opposite the late Babalu in the 1990s.

Redford’s last major appearances on TV were in GMA-7′s “Daddy Di Do Du” wherein he played Vic Sotto’s zany neighbor and on ABS-CBN’s “Kokey” portraying the Visayan businessman Nanding Calundang. He last appeared on TV as the character “Mario” in the ABS-CBN series “Palos” in 2008 that featured Cesar Montano and Jake Cuenca.

He last appeared in a movie portraying a cameo role in the reunion flick “Iskul Bukol 20 Years After (Ungasis and Escaleras Adventure)” during the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Redford had long been rumored to have been afflicted with the deadly disease and was reported earlier this year to being confined at the St. Luke’s Medical Center to undergo treatments.

According to ABS-CBN’s “The Buzz,” Redford was found to have Stage 4 brain cancer last February, aside from a tumor in his lungs.

Redford and his family chose to remain silent on his condition since then.

Photo of Redford White (right) with Babalu from the 1997 movie “I Do, I Die (Diyos Ko Day)” courtesy of ABS-CBN.

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Gerry Plaza, a longtime entertainment editor and writer, is saddened by Redford White’s passing, another comedy icon taking his final bow. He expresses his deepest condolences to the comedian’s family.

Reposted From Gerry Plaza Of Yahoo! Southeast Asia