Victor ‘Cocoy’ Laurel

Filipino actor Victor D. Laurel, popularly known as Cocoy Laurel in the entertainment circle, has passed away. He was 72.

Cocoy is the son of the late former Vice President Salvador Laurel, who served during the administration of former President Cory Aquino, and stage actress-singer Celia Diaz Laurel. He is also the brother of OPM singer Iwi Laurel.

His demise was announced on social media on June 16, although the star passed away on June 14. Cocoy just turned 72 last March 2.

The cause of Cocoy’s death was not revealed. But in 2007, the theater actor had a major ulcer operation. He even admitted in the interview that his ulcer ruptured.

Last month, Cocoy made a public appearance when he attended the final wake of National Artist Nora Aunor.

In 1971, Cocoy and Nora debuted their team-up for the blockbuster movie Lollipops and Roses. In 1973, they appeared together in the film Impossible Dream. Cocoy and Nora made their third movie together in Lollipops and Roses and Burong Talangka in 1975.

The full announcement of Cocoy’s death: