Photo from Instagram/@ barbicastelvi
Veteran performer worked alongside many of Philippine cinema’s leading stars during the 1960s
Veteran Sampaguita Pictures actress Jean Lopez, who appeared alongside some of Philippine cinema’s leading stars during the 1960s, died Sept. 1, her family said. She was 86.
Her daughter Barbi Castelvi announced the death on social media, describing it as sudden and unexpected. Another daughter, Billie Jean, said Lopez had been praying with her husband, former actor Romano Castellvi, shortly before she died. The family has not publicly disclosed a cause of death.
Lopez emerged during the period when major studios helped define Philippine popular cinema. She appeared in films including Ang Magkakapitbahay, Tanzan the Mighty, Susanang Daldal, Mga Batang Iskwater, Mga Batang Turista, The Sound of Buwisit, Together Again and Ayos na Darling. Her screen colleagues included Dolphy, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes and Eddie Gutierrez.
Her career extended beyond film. Family accounts described her as a singer, model, dancer and television producer, while historical records place her on the late-1960s program Tayo’y Maghapi-hapi.
Lopez and Castellvi, an actor known for action and spy films, married in 1969. They also appeared together onscreen, including in Together Again in 1967 and Ayos na Darling in 1968.
The couple later left the Philippine entertainment industry and moved with their family to Canada. Older Philippine Star accounts said they subsequently relocated to the United States.
Castellvi survives Lopez, according to the family’s account of her final moments. Billie Jean said her father was beside Lopez as she prayed shortly before her death.
