The entertainment community mourns Delia Razon, 94, a legendary actress remembered for her iconic films, warmth, and enduring legacy.
The entertainment community mourns the passing of Lucy May Duling Grytz-Reyes, popularly known as Delia Razon, who died on March 15 at the age of 94.
Born on August 8, 1931, in Iloilo City, Delia was the daughter of Karl Grytz, a German-American, and May Duling, a Filipino. She married Aurelio Reyes, with whom she had a daughter, Rea Reyes, who also pursued acting and later became the mother of actress Carla Abellana. Carla’s father is actor Rey Abellana.
Delia’s passion for movies led her to leave her studies at Collegio de Santo Angel in Iloilo City to pursue acting. Her big break came during a visit to Sampaguita Studios, where she caught the attention of executives and passed a screen test. She began as an extra in “Apat Na Bulag” (1948) and soon landed a three-picture contract with LVN Pictures after impressing producer Doña Sisang in “Malaya: Mutya ng Gubat” (1948). Delia was introduced in “Krus Na Bituin” (1948) and went on to star in numerous films, including “Florante at Laura” (1950), “Prinsipe Amante” (1950), and its sequel “Prinsipe Amante sa Rubitanya” (1951). She also appeared in costume films like “Shalimar” (1951), “Rodrigo de Villa” (1952) and “Higit sa Korona” (1956).
Delia’s versatility shone in historical and dramatic films such as “Lapu-Lapu” (1955), “Dakilang Pagpapakasakit” (1954) and “Ilaw sa Karimlan” (1956). She also starred in the first Filipino-Indonesian co-production, “Rodrigo de Villa” (1952), alongside Mario Montenegro, with whom she formed a beloved love team. Their collaborations, including “Bohemyo” (1952), “Mga Pusong May Lason” (1953) and “Rebelde” (1958), remain iconic.
Thanks to the research of Nemica Jose and Mario Mendez, it was revealed that Delia continued to act in later years, appearing in films like “Haplos” (1982), “Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas” (1986), “Ipagpatawad Mo” (1991), “Patapon” (1993), “Ika-13 Kapitulo” (2000) and “Buenavista: Ang Kasaysayan ng Lucena” (2010).
In a heartfelt tribute, her granddaughter Carla Abellana described her Mamang Delia as “the strongest, bravest, fiercest, and most beautiful.” Meanwhile, Cathy Sanchez-Babao, daughter of veteran actress Caridad Sanchez, shared her memories of Delia. “It’s been a tough year,” Cathy said. “We’ve lost so many icons from the ‘60s and ‘70s. First, Tita Glo at 91, and now Tita Del at 94. Only my mom and Tita Rose remain from their LVN group.”
Cathy recalled Delia’s iconic partnership with Mario Montenegro. “Who can ever forget the Delia Razon-Mario Montenegro movies of one’s childhood? Sine Siete was a staple of my growing up years … The Razon-Montenegro love team was my absolute favorite only next to Tessie Quintana-Armando Goyena.” She also remembered Delia’s warmth and elegance: “She lit up every room with her smile. She was beautiful, elegant, and so mabango… As mom says, ‘When Delia calls, you can’t say no. How can you say no to Del? She’s so nice!’”
Delia’s kindness extended to everyone. “Tita Del loved calling us, the LVN daughters ‘sweetheart’ or ‘darling’,” Cathy said.
“She was a very loving and devoted mom to Mia and Rea. My deepest sympathies to all of you.“
Even in her 80s, Delia remained creative, making accessories for loved ones. Cathy shared, “One time, I complimented her on the necklace she was wearing. ‘Thank you, sweetheart! I’ll make you one,’ she said… Tita Del remained true to her word. A few months later she sent me a lovely light turquoise colored necklace.
“That’s how I’ll rememberalways remember you, Tita Del —thoughtful, kind, beautiful, funny, elegant and sweet. Rest with God’s angels, Tita. Just like Tita Glo, we will always remember you in our hearts.”
