Cherie Gil, one of the most celebrated and versatile actresses in Philippine cinema, passed away on August 5, 2023 at the age of 59. Her death shocked and saddened her fans, colleagues, and family, who remembered her as a talented, generous, and fearless artist. In this article, we will explore the cause of death of Cherie Gil, her life and career, and the tributes that poured in for her.
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What was Cherie Gil’s cause of death?
According to her son Raphael Rogoff, who confirmed her death in an official statement, Cherie Gil was diagnosed with a rare form of endometrial cancer in October 2021. Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus. It is the most common gynecologic cancer in the United States, but it is rare in the Philippines.
Rogoff said that his mother requested that this information be kept private and that she fought bravely against her illness with grace and strength. He also said that despite her struggles, she always managed to exude courage and never lost her trademark sass, wit, and infectious humor.
Cherie Gil died peacefully in her sleep at 4:48 a.m. EST on Friday at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center of New York. She had moved to New York during the COVID-19 pandemic and appreciated the cancer center where she was hospitalized last month.
Who was Cherie Gil?
Cherie Gil was born Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann on June 12, 1964. She came from a prominent showbiz clan, being the daughter of actors Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, and the sister of actors Mark Gil and Michael de Mesa. She was also the aunt of actors Sid Lucero, Gabby Eigenmann, Andi Eigenmann, Ryan Eigenmann, Geoff Eigenmann, and Max Eigenmann.
She began her acting career at the age of nine and has since appeared in over 100 films and television shows. She was known for her versatility, being able to play different genres and roles. She won several awards for her performances, including three FAMAS Awards, two Gawad Urian Awards, two Luna Awards, and a Metro Manila Film Festival Award.
She was also famous for her exemplary villain roles in movies and on television, earning her the tag “La Primera Contravida” or “The First Villainess”. Every Filipino knows by heart her most iconic line from the 1985 blockbuster film “Bituing Walang Ningning” opposite Megastar Sharon Cuneta: “You’re nothing but a second rate, trying hard copycat!” In the movie, Sharon played Dorina Pineda, an aspiring singer and a fan of an insecure recording star Lavinia Arguelles, played by Gil. The two did a remake of the scene in 2019, but switched roles.
Aside from acting, Cherie Gil also ventured into singing and recording. She recorded two songs that are now classic OPM — “Boy (I Love You)” and “Sing Me Your Song Again Daddy”. She also starred as an operatic diva in her declining years in the film “Sonata” in 2013.
How did people react to Cherie Gil’s death?
Cherie Gil’s death sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration from her fans, friends, and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Many expressed their condolences to her family and shared their memories of working with her or watching her on screen.
Sharon Cuneta posted an Instagram photo of her holding what seems to be Cherie’s hand with the words “I love you” and “big hug”. She also wrote a lengthy caption describing Cherie as her “sister”, “mentor”, “idol”, and “friend”. She said that she was heartbroken by Cherie’s passing and that she would miss her terribly.
Other celebrities who paid tribute to Cherie Gil include Agot Isidro, Lea Salonga, Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, Judy Ann Santos, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Vice Ganda, Anne Curtis-Smith-Heussaff, Erich Gonzales, Iza Calzado, Jodi Sta. Maria, and many more.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines also released a statement honoring Cherie Gil as “one of Philippine cinema’s finest actresses”. It said that she “left behind a legacy of excellence” and that she “will always be remembered for her passion and dedication to her craft”.
Cherie Gil’s son Raphael Rogoff thanked everyone who expressed their concern for his mother and asked for prayers for her soul. He also said that he and his family would appreciate privacy and respect during this difficult time.
Cherie Gil’s last moment video, which showed her smiling and waving to the camera, was also shared online by her fans and friends. The video was taken by her sister-in-law, actress Gina Alajar, who visited her in New York before she died. The video captured Cherie’s cheerful and lively spirit, even in the face of death.
Conclusion
Cherie Gil was a legendary actress who left a mark in Philippine cinema and television. She was admired for her talent, charisma, and courage. She died of a rare form of endometrial cancer at the age of 59, leaving behind a grieving family and a mourning nation. She will be missed by many, but her legacy will live on in her works and in the hearts of those who loved her.
