“A sage says that life is a stage. So, play it well.”
Discerning people appreciate persons who have a humble beginning, able to bit the odds and still self-actualize themselves. Such was Dolphy, the icon of comedy of our Philippine movies, who passed away at 83 years of age.
People could hardly believe that the saddest member of a circus company is the clown. The clown is a person who volunteers to play the most difficult role of making all the spectators of the circus laugh and enjoy the show. Why is this so? It is because before a man could become a clown, he should have already experienced all the sadness or sorrowful episodes in his personal life. He is the “Sad Sack” in the entire show who receives the beatings, the fallings, etc. while the viewers laugh hysterically at his suffering manifested in clowning.
Dolphy’s acting career spanned for seven (7) decades. He started as an extra player until he rose from the ranks. He played earlier in Vaudavil Shows (a simple dance and song skit) before the war and continued at the old Opera House in down town Manila. The real break came when Sampaguita Pictures was born. Dolphy’s talent was discovered by actors like Pancho Magalona, Fernando Poe, Sr. and others. He was paired with other comedians like Pogo and Togo, Tiroy de Guzman, Panchito, etc. He was also paired with Bayani Casimero known as the “Fred Astair” of the Philippines. Dolphy was also discovered to be a good dancer. Then, Dolphy became a full-pledged actor tackling major roles in the silver screen. He made more than 200 films in his life in a span of six (6) decades.
Dolphy’s colleagues in the movie world aptly described him as: a very friendly, generous, humble, loving husband and father as well as an extremely versatile actor-comedian. All Filipinos love and remember him as their “King of Comedy”. He deserves the National Artist Award! Farewell!.
