Victor “Cocoy” Laurel, beloved actor, singer, and stage performer, passed away on June 14 at the age of 72, his family said. The cause of death has not been revealed.
In a statement accompanied by a photo of Cocoy, the Laurel family wrote:
“It is with deep affection and grateful faith that we entrust our dear brother Victor into the hands of our almighty Lord, GOD, Creator and Savior. He worshipped God and praised Him through his music and artistry, and blessed others so generously. Rest in peace, beloved brother, mentor, maestro, and friend. We are incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for all you’ve done. You will always have a special place in our hearts.”
The middle child of former Vice President Salvador Laurel and theater actress Celia Diaz-Laurel, Cocoy was born on March 2, 1953.
He made his mark both onscreen and onstage, known for his suave presence, giagantic talent, and deep devotion to his craft. He starred opposite Nora Aunor in romantic classics like “Lollipops and Roses at Buroong Talangka” and “Impossible Dream,” forming one of the most memorable love teams in local cinema in the 1970s.
Cocoy was a vital figure in the growth of Philippine musical theater. In the 1980s and 1990s, he brought his powerful to local productions of Broadway classics, such as “West Side Story,” “The King and I” and “Les Misérables.”
He was last seen in public at the wake of Aunor in April.
Tributes have since poured in from friends and colleagues in the industry. Singer Dulce posted a photo of them together on social media with this heartfelt message:
“My Jean Valjean Cocoy… R-ejoice I-n P-aradise my dear brother… thank you for inspiring me during the early years of my singing career. I will never forget when you would often tell me ‘Please don’t stop singing…’ when you noticed I was on and off the music scene in the early 80s. Salamat kapatid, mahal kita.”
Celeste Legaspi, another icon of Original Pilipino Music, also remembered him fondly.
“Cocoy was the sweetest. Will always remember you with affection, dearest Cocoy.”
