Dolphy, The Philippines' King Of Comedy, Dies At 83

Legendary Filipino comedic actor Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., better known as Dolphy and the Philippines' King of Comedy, died Tuesday after a four-year battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was 83.

Dolphy's career spanned 66 years, and launched when he was 19 and landed a role in the film "Dugo at Bayan 1 (I Remember Bataan,)" according to rappler.com.

Dolphy was diagnosed in 2009 with COPD, according to Gold Star Daily World News. He died at 8:34 p.m. at Makati Medical Center, the website reported.

In addition to COPD, Dolphy also had liver problems and was battling pneumonia when he died, according to the medical center.

"We would like to inform the public that Mr. Rodolfo 'Dolphy' Quizon, passed away today, at 8:34 p.m. due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and acute renal failure," the Makati Medical Center said in a statement.

Dolphy was rushed to the hospital's intensive care unit Saturday after complaining of breathing problems, according to gmanetwork.com .

Fans of the comedic actor flooded Twitter with condolence messages. "RIP Dolphy"  was trending worldwide on the micro-blogging site Tuesday morning.

"The true king of comedy for the Philippines. Your legacy will forever remain, sir. RIP Dolphy," wrote user @Michiruko .

"RIP Dolphy! Thanks for making us laugh! Now, you'll bring more joy in Heaven!" wrote Twitter user Norries Alver Berber .

"Prayers for our comedy king ... RIP Dolphy ...," said user @HarleyChua .

"RIP Dolphy, Philippines' King of Comedy, you will never be forgotten," wrote @alexisliiii .

"People come & go, he's left a mark in all of our lives. We all know you're cracking jokes with the angels. RIP Dolphy, you'll be missed. :)," said Twitter user Josh Cruz .

According to a report by abs-cbnnews.com , Dolphy "effectively captured the travails of the common Filipino who is able to find humor even in the direst situations."

Before Dolphy's lengthy film career, he was a vaudeville dancer during World War II, according to gmanetwork.com. He then transitioned into theater, landing a role as a Chinese court witness.

Born Rodolfo Vera Quizon on July 25, 1926 in Manila , Dolphy went on to star in 230 films over his 66-year career.

The Cinemanila International Film Festival honored Dolphy with a lifetime achievement award in 2000. At the Philippines-based FAMAS Awards, Dolphy was given an exemplary achievement award in 2010.

Dolphy was nominated 10 times as best actor at the FAMAS Awards, although he only won one once, for his 1978 performance in "Omeng Satanasia."

Last year, Dolphy also won a Best Actor award at the FAP Awards for his role in 2010's "Father Jejemon." That same year, Dolphy was also a contender in the Best Supporting Actor category, where he was nominated for his performance in "Rosario."-International Business Times (July 10, 2012)