Philippine entertainment veteran, “Master Showman,” and star maker German Moreno died on Friday morning, Jan 8, at 3:20 am. He was 82.
According to a statement issued by John Nite, his nephew and co-host in the late-night program Walang Tulugan with Master Showman, Moreno died of cardiac arrest. He was in the company of his family and friends.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing but we are comforted by the thought that his legacy will live on,” Nite said.
His death came a year after Moreno suffered a mild stroke, which forced him take a few months off. He returned to Walang Tulugan in June.
Kuya Germs had been in the industry for over 50 years. He started as a utility worker in the ’50s, working his way up to become a stage and film actor.
Producing some of the country’s biggest stars was his biggest contribution to the industry. In the ‘80s he hosted That’s Entertainment, a prime-time variety show that discovered young talents, where the likes of Judy Ann Santos, Manilyn Reynes, Sheryl Cruz, Lotlot de Leon, Donita Rose, Dranreb Belleza and many others were discovered.
ABS-CBN host Billy Crawford, who was originally a child star mentored by Moreno, wrote a touching message on Instagram:
“Pa, I don’t know where to begin. You’ve always been there when I needed you the most. You are the most generous, selfless, genuine, caring father/mentor anyone could ever ask for. You’re one of the reasons why I’m still in this industry you love oh so much. I’m sad that I’m not there next to you to say my goodbyes,” he said.
Sad day for Philippine entertainment, indeed.
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