EVANGELINE Rose Eigenmann, better known as Cherie Gil, was born on June 21, 1963, the youngest of three kids and only daughter of 50s movie stars Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil.
She was launched to stardom at 17 by Mother Lily Monteverde in 1980 in the film “Problem Child,” co-starring with her own mom.
She then starred in many other memorable Regal movies, like “Manila By Night” and “Ito Ba ang Ating mga Anak,” both directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal. She gave an unforgettable performance in Peque Gallaga’s period film, “Oro Plata Mata” and in “Sonata.”
Other memorable films she did are “Sana Bukas Pa ang Kahapon,” “Palimos ng Pag-ibig,” “Salawahan,” “Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas,” “Ngayon at Kailanman,” “Wating” and her last film was the Cinema One 2019 entry, “Tia Madre.”
Cherie successfully branched out into playing contravida roles, notably in “Bituin Walang Ningning” where she delivered the classic line to Sharon Cuneta: “You are nothing but a second rate, trying hard copy cat!” She was given the title as local showbiz’ “La Primera Contravida.”
She won Metro-Manila best supporting actress awards for “God, Save Me” in 1989, “Imoral” in 1993, and “Sugatang Puso” in 2000. She won the best supporting actress award at the FAMAS and FAP Awards in 1990 for the film “Ang Bukas ay Akin.”
In 2015, she won the best actress award at the Madrid International Film for the comedy film “Mana.” The last award she got was for Mike de Leon’s “Citizen Jake” where she appeared in only one scene and yet won the best supporting actress at the Gawad Urian in 2019.
On TV, Cherie gave memorable performances in Peque Gallaga’s “Cebu,” “Champoy (where she did comedy), “Gulong ng Palad,” “Bituin,” “Marina,” “Sa Puso Ko, Iingatan Ka,” “Legacy,”
“The Half Sisters,” and “Onanay.” Her last TV series was GMA-7’s “Legal Wives,” which she suddenly left when she went to New York. It turns out she was already seeking treatment there for the big C at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Her elder brother, Mark Gil, also died of cancer.
She also excelled in theater, giving unforgettable performances in stage plays like “Doubt,”
“The Sound of Music,” “Master Class” and “Angels in America.”
Cherie is a good singer and also went into recording, coming up with a hit song, “Boy (I Love You)” in 1979.
Cherie passed on August 5, leaving her parents behind, her eldest brother Michael de Mesa, and three kids. The oldest is Jay, her son with actor Leo Martinez. She has two kids with husband violinist Rony Rogoff: Raphael and Bianca.
Her family released a statement yesterday, August 7, saying the actress was “diagnosed with a rare form of endometrial cancer in October of last year after deciding to relocate to New York City to be closer to her children.”
In keeping with Cherie’s request, her illness was kept private.
“Cherie 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.”
Cherie died in her sleep, surrounded by her loved ones.
“In the end, there are no words — only love. Cherie lived with all her heart,” the statement ended.
Cherie may be gone but she left an impressive body of work that will certainly stand the test of time. Let’s pray for the eternal repose of her soul and our condolences to all the loved ones she left behind.
