Jaclyn Jose dead at 60 years old: Gone too soon

AWARD-WINNING actress Jaclyn Jose, also known as Mary Jane Guck in real life, died on Saturday, March 2, at age 60.

She was survived by her two children, daughter Andi Eigenmann, and son, Gwen Garimond.

Eigenmann was emotional as she confirmed the death of her mother, who died of myocardial infarction, or heart attack.

Accompanied by her paternal brother Gabby yesterday afternoon, Eigenmann tearfully announced in a press conference that her mother had died on March 2, or a day before her death was discovered and disclosed to the public.

“I announce the untimely passing of my Nanay, Mary Jane Guck, better known as Jaclyn Jose, at the age of 60 on the morning of March 2nd, 2024 due to a myocardial infarction also known as heart attack,” she said. “We’d like to thank everyone who has since extended their prayers and condolences to us.”

Eigenmann then requested the public to refrain from speculating about Jose’s death, and to give their family space to be able to grieve the sudden death of the beloved veteran actress.

“As our family is trying to come to terms with this unfortunate incident, please provide us the respect and privacy to grieve. We hope this would put speculations to rest,” she said.

The former actress who is now a businesswoman based in Siargao, who was overwhelmed with tears, said her mother’s legacy will live on through her work and the lives she touched.

“I just like to say that her undeniable legacy will forever live on through her work, through her children, grandchildren, and the many lives she touched. As she herself, her life itself, was her greatest obra maestra,” she said as she was overcome with tears. Eigenmann then immediately left the media room with her brother and other companions.

Jose was found lifeless in her home in Quezon City. No sign of foul play was found by police during investigation.

The family has yet to disclose plans for Jose’s funeral, or if it would be opened to for public viewing.

Earlier, Jose’s death was confirmed by PPL Entertainment Inc., her management.

“It saddens us to inform everyone of the untimely passing of Miss Jaclyn Jose. More details will be shared as soon as they are available. The Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Miss Jaclyn Jose and for them to be allowed the respect and privacy to mourn her passing, and navigate these difficult times,” the statement read.

The veteran actress, whose last appearance was as Jail Chief Supt./BGEN Dolores Espinas in the TV series, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo,” was the first ever Filipino actor to win the Best Actress award at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival for her role in Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa.” In that critically-acclaimed film, she portrayed a mother who runs a small convenience store and gets entangled in the world of drug dealing to make ends meet.

She was also last seen in the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival film entry “Broken Heart’s Trip.”

Aside from the prestigious Cannes award, Jose was also a recipient of local but equally prestigious trophies from Gawad Urian (5), Luna Awards (2), a FAMAS Award, and an MMFF award, under the tutelage of great directors such as Lino Brocka and Chito Roño. (Jessica Ann Evangelista/Hannah Mallorca © Philippine Daily Inquirer)