Cocoy Laurel, screen and stage veteran, dead at 72

Cocoy Laurel. Image: Facebook/Celia Diaz Laurel

Victor D. Laurel, fondly known in the entertainment industry as Cocoy Laurel, died just three months after his 72nd birthday, his family announced on Monday.

Cocoy died on Saturday, June 14, according to an announcement posted on his late mother Celia Laurel’s Facebook page (which is managed by his family), two days later. The cause of Cocoy’s death was not revealed.

“It is with deep affection and grateful faith that we entrust our dear brother, Victor, into the hands of our almighty Lord God, Creator, and Savior,” the post read.

According to Cocoy’s family, he was someone who dedicated his faith in God through his “music and artistry,” as well as his generosity toward others.

“He worshipped God and praised him through his music and artistry, and blessed others so generously,” it said. “Rest in peace, beloved brother, mentor, maestro, and friend. We are incredibly grateful for you. Thank you for all you’ve done for us. You will always have a special place in our hearts.”

Cocoy is the son of the late former Vice President Salvador Laurel (who served during Corazon Aquino’s administration) and Celia-Diaz Laurel, who is a theater actress and a singer. He is also the uncle of actress Denise Laurel, and brother of the popular 80s singer Iwi Laurel.

His last known public appearance was last April during the wake for the late superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor, who was his onscreen partner and close friend. Their partnership was a hit among fans in the 1970s, having appeared together in the films “Lollipops and Roses,” “Lollipops and Roses at Burong Talangka,” and “Impossible Dream.” They also sang together at multiple appearances on TV and film.

The actor-singer’s other film appearances include “Love Song” and “Oh Margie Oh.” He was also an accomplished painter, and even gifted Aunor with several paintings of herself prior to her death.

Cocoy’s first foray in show business was for Paramount Pictures’ Romeo and Juliet film production when he was discovered during a nationwide sear for the lead role in 1970.

Cocoy was one of the most notable members of Repertory Philippines, where his biggest roles in theater include the Engineer in “Miss Saigon” and Jean Valjean in “Les Miserables.” After his entertainment career, he pursued his dream of being a painter in Madrid, Spain. /edv