Former actress-singer Jean Lopez, who was among the big stars of Sampaguita Pictures in the 1960s, has died at the age of 86, her family confirmed.
Barbi Castelvi, Lopez’s daughter, mourned her mom’s passing through an Instagram post on Thursday, Sept. 3.
‘My sweet mommy is gone. My first love, my first teacher, my first protector has gone on to the next party. September 1st 2026 was the worst day of my life,’ she said, apparently referring to when the former actress died.
Barbi described Lopez as graceful, kind, empathetic, loving, and the ‘best mother,’ saying it was a privilege to be her daughter.
‘She went suddenly, quickly, softly and unexpected,’ Barbi wrote, opting not to expound on the cause of death.
‘I will try my best to go on because I know she would want that… I’ll see you in the next life, my love. I will never be the same without you. Thank you for teaching me to be like you,’ she addressed her mom.
Lopez was known for starring alongside fellow stars Dolphy, Susan Roces, Nida Blanca, Panchito, Eddie Gutierrez, and Amalia Fuentes, among many others in numerous films. Her movies include ‘Tanzan the Mighty,’ ‘Ang Magkakapitbahay,’ ‘Together Again,’ and ‘Operetang Sampay-Bakod.’ She also had a hosting stint in the 1960s noontime show ‘Tayo’y Maghapi-Hapi.’
Lopez left show business after she married her husband, fellow actor Romano Castellvi, in the late 1960s. The couple later moved to Canada where they raised their daughters, Barbi and Billie Jean.