Tony Ferrer Has Passed Away—This Is How His Family Will Remember Him

And so we lost another great icon of Philippine cinema. 

Antonio D. Laxa, better known by his screen name Tony Ferrer, has passed away. He was 86 years old when he breathed his last on January 23 and is survived by four children including Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, an actress and author, and Mutya Laxa-Buensuceso, a former beauty queen, as well as his partner and grandchildren. 

His daughter Mutya confirmed his passing on Instagram. 

Though Tony Ferrer has passed away, his closest family is choosing to focus on the good things he leaves behind. Maricel and Mutya posted the same online tribute for their father where they describe him as an "industry treasure" and "a remarkable, selfless man." 

"During his last days, he was surrounded by the care of his San Antonio family, the love of his children, and the joy and songs of his grandchildren. He was a remarkable, selfless man who always thought of others first, impacting a lot of lives on and off screen. We shall all remember him with fondness," reads their tribute in part. 

Tony Ferrer made his name in Philippine cinema as one of its first action stars, so much so that his best performances earned him comparisons with James Bond himself.

"Our Dad as Tony Ferrer became an action movie superstar with his most iconic role as Tony Falcon in the Agent X44 movie series. He appeared in 203 movies," continues his family's tribute to him. 

Tony Ferrer made his big screen debut in 1960 and continued to make movies up to the 2000s. His very last onscreen project was 2007's Agent X44, a revival film directed by Joyce Bernal where he graced the Vhong Navarro and Mariel Padilla-led movie with a cameo. 

Throughout his career, Tony Ferrer worked alongside other cinema greats such as Fernando Poe Jr., Eddie Garcia, and Joseph Estrada. 

One of his last public appearances was in 2014 when he celebrated his 80th birthday with family. 

His grandson and fellow actor Donny Pangilinan also posted a photo of him with the late actor. 

Donny's brother Benjamin did the same.

Before Tony Ferrer passed away, he reportedly left word with his family that he wished for a private funeral service attended by only family and friends. However, the service was made available online for those who want to pay their respects to the late actor. 

Lead photos from @mommymaricel @mutyalbuensuceso