Anita Linda, 95

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Actress Anita Linda, Alice Lake in real life, passed away due to heart failure on Wednesday, June 10.

Director Adolf Alix, Jr., who directed Anita Linda in “Adela” (2008) and her final film, “Circa” (2019), made the announcement on social media: “This is a very sad day for me. I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts… She is like my Lola and part of my family.

“The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6:15 a.m. at 95. Prayers for her soul.

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“My condolences to her family and her children, Franchesca Legaspi and Fred Osburn.”

Anita Linda was born November 23, 1924 to an American father, James Lake and an Ilongga mom, Gorgonia Buenaflor. She made her acting debut as a stage actress, landing a non-speaking role in “High School,” before making her first movie, “Tiya Juana” (1943).

She starred in over a hundred films and also worked on television. She was considered the “oldest working actor in the Philippines,” appearing as the central character in Alix’ “Adela” (2008) and “Circa” (2019), which was the filmmaker’s love letter to Philippine Cinema.

The senior star was hailed as an icon of Philippine movies, with a career spanning almost eight decades. Last year, Linda was recognized as one of the movie icons by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) in its “Sandaan: The One Hundred Years of Philippine Cinema” and was chosen as an Icon in the 3rd Entertainment Editors’ Choice for Movies or The EDDYs in July 2019.

Members of the local movie industry expressed their grief over the passing of the veteran star on social media.

Liza Diño, FDCP chair, wrote, “…It was such a humbling experience to have been able to spend a moment with one of our country’s living treasures.

“To Miss Anita Linda, the industry is blessed to have you po. Thank you for being an inspiration to all of us….”

Anita Linda was recognized for her performance locally and abroad. She was a FAMAS and Gawad Urian awardee and received best actress recognition from the 54th Asia Pacific Film Festival in Taiwan, Fajr Film Festival in Iran and 11th Las Palmas de Gran Canaria International Film Festival in Spain for her performance in Brillante Mendoza’s “Lola” (2009). Mendoza said he was looking forward to working with the actress again.

“My LOLA. Akala ko may gagawen pa tyo pelikula. Mamimis ka namen!” he wrote on Facebook, accompanied by a photo showing him and the actress.

The actress’ remains were buried June 12 at the Manila Memorial Columbarium in Sucat, Parañaque.

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