Character actor Dick Israel passed away last Tuesday night, according to veteran actress Vivian Velez as posted on her Facebook. He was 68.
“Remembering his wonderful and gentle soul will forever remain in our hearts. A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. RIP Dick Israel,” said Velez on her post.
In July, Velez launched a fund-raising campaign for Israel whose house was gutted in Caloocan City fire.
“Dick Israel is in dire need of aid after a fire razed his house in Caloocan City on Saturday. The actor, 67, had already fallen on hard times after he suffered a stroke in 2010 that left half his body paralyzed and impaired his speech,” said Velez on her post then.
Velez said that “Damay Kamay” helped in raising funds for Israel, who is Ricardo Vizcarra Michaca in real life.
“Damay” is an organization founded by concerned artists in the entertainment industry to provide assistance for artists in need during medical emergencies.
Velez worked with Israel in films namely “Nag-Aapoy na Dagat,” “Escolta: Mayo 13…Biyernes ng Hapon,” and “Gameng.”
The last time Israel appeared in a movie was in 2013 for the movie “Boy Golden” with ER Ejercito, an entry to the Metro Manila Film Festival.
Israel won Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Patrolman” at the 1988 Metro Manila Film Festival.
In 1995, Israel received another Best Supporting Actor trophy for the film “Kanto Boy 2: Anak ni Totoy Guapo” at the Metro Manila Film Festival.
His last television appearance was in the Kapamilya noontime program “It’s Showtime” in 2012.