Filipino actor-director Joey Paras passed away on Sunday, October 29, his family confirmed. He was 45.
"To all of our family and friends, we are saddened to announce that our Tito Joey Paras passed away and joined our Creator this afternoon, October 29, 2023 at 5:40pm. Unfortunately his heart wasn't able to recover anymore," the Facebook post of one of his relatives read.
They also asked for monetary donations in order to take home Paras' remains, who is still at the hospital's morgue.
"Currently, his remains is still at the hospital's morgue. We need to settle his hospital bills for us to take him home. Our family is knocking at your kind and generous heart to help us raise a fund to cover his hospital bills," the post read.
Paras gained popularity in the drama-comedy film "Last Supper Number 3," which won the Best Film at the 2009 Cinemalaya Film Festival.
He also starred in various movies such as "Sisterakas," "Bekikang: Ang Nanay Kong Beki," "Maria Leonora Teresa," "Born Beautiful," and others.
The comedian also founded the organization Teatro Expedicion de Filipinas, which supported budding young actors from underprivileged communities as well as the Powerhouse Ensemble, which offers free production training for stage and screen actors.
In June 2020, Joey sought help for his heart operation.
