Cherie Gil, one of the most celebrated and versatile actresses in Philippine cinema, passed away on Friday, August 5, 2023, at the age of 59. She died in her sleep at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where she was undergoing treatment for a rare form of endometrial cancer. Her son, Raphael Rogoff, confirmed the news in an official statement on Instagram.
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A Private Struggle with a Rare Disease
According to Rogoff, Gil was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in October 2021, but she requested that this information be kept private. Endometrial cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lining of the uterus. It is more common in women who are older than 50, have never been pregnant, or have a family history of the disease. The symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, or weight loss.
Gil fought bravely against her illness, with grace and strength. Despite her struggles, she always managed to exude courage and never lost her trademark sass, wit, and infectious humor, or her larger-than-life personality. She also appreciated the cancer center where she was hospitalized last month.
A Legendary Career Spanning Five Decades
Born Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann on May 12, 1963, Gil began her acting career at the age of nine and has since appeared in over 100 films and television shows. She was the recipient of several accolades at the ASEAN International Film Awards, Madrid International Film Festival, and the 42nd Gawad Urian Awards.
She was mostly known as La Primera Contravida for her contributions to Philippine cinema as a versatile actress who could play any role, from drama to comedy to action. She was especially famous for her exemplary villain roles in movies and on television that gained her the tag “La Primera Contravida.” 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!”
She also starred in other memorable films such as the controversial “Manila By Night”, epic “Oro Plata Mata”, and “Sonata,” where she played an operatic diva in her declining years. She was a mainstay of the hit TV shows “Germspesyal” and “Champoy,” and recorded two songs that are now classic OPM — “Boy (I Love You)” and “Sing Me Your Song Again Daddy.”
A Loving Family and a Loyal Friend
Gil was part of a prominent showbiz clan, the Eigenmanns. She was 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 was married to Israeli violinist Rony Rogoff from 1994 to 2008. They had two children together: Raphael and Bianca. She also had another son named Jay from a previous relationship.
Gil was also a loving friend to many in the industry. She had a close bond with Sharon Cuneta, who played her rival in “Bituing Walang Ningning.” Cuneta posted an Instagram photo of her holding what seems to be Gil’s hand and wrote: “What will I do without you now, Love? My true screen partner, a true friend, ninang of Simone… I miss you so terribly and know it will only get worse. Be at peace in God’s loving arms, my Cheech… I’ll see you again someday. I will love you with all my heart, forever. Thank you for everything.”
Other celebrities who paid tribute to Gil include Agot Isidro, Lea Salonga, Angel Locsin, Bea Alonzo, Vice Ganda, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Ogie Alcasid, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo, Piolo Pascual, Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera-Dantes, Anne Curtis-Smith-Heussaff, Erich Gonzales, Kim Chiu, Maja Salvador, Enchong Dee, Jodi Sta. Maria, Iza Calzado, and many more.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Cherie Gil was more than just an actress. She was an icon, a legend, a trailblazer. She inspired generations of Filipinos with her talent, beauty, and charisma. She left behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved her and admired her.
According to Sportskeeda, she was described as “one of the most influential actresses in the history of Philippine cinema.” According to CNN Philippines, she was “a multi-awarded actress who has given life to some of the most memorable characters in Philippine showbiz.” According to The Teal Mango, she was “a legendary Filipino actress who has passed away.”
Cherie Gil may be gone, but she will never be forgotten. She will always be remembered as La Primera Contravida, the first and the best.
