Comedian Ritchie D' Horsie passes away at 58

Comedian Ritchie D' Horsie (real name: Ricardo Reyes) has passed away due to complication of diabetes, kidney failure and brain stroke. He was 58.

According to a report on GMA News TV's Balitanghali, the Loyola Memorial Chapels & Crematorium in Marikina confirmed that the wake of the comedian will start Saturday afternoon.

The report added that the family, friends and former co-workers of D' Horsie are expected to arrive at the Loyola chapel at around 2 p.m.

His "Iskul Bukol" co-star and screenwriter Bibeth Orteza paid tribute to him in a series of posts on Facebook.







He also appeared in television shows such as "Eat Bulaga," "Okay Ka, Fairy Ko," and "TODAS," as well as several films starring Tito, Vic, and Joey.

Battle with addiction

Richie D' Horsie's successful career was marred by a long and public battle with drug addiction.

He served five years in jail because of drug possession charges, before being released in 2008 after Vic Sotto shouldered his bail bond of P120,000.

That allowed him to appear in "Iskul Bukol... 20 Years After," which was part of the 2008 Metro Manila Film Festival.

"Si Ritchie naman, matagal na ang pinagsamahan namin niyan. Sa simula pa lang ng Eat Bulaga! at Iskul Bukol, nandiyan na ‘yan. Sa mga naging pelikula namin, hindi siya nawawala. Nagkataon na talagang nalihis siya ng landas. Kami naman, ginawa na namin ang lahat para matulungan siya. Bilang mga kaibigan ay gagawin namin ‘yon hanggang sa makakakaya namin," Vic Sotto told PEP.ph in a 2008 interview.

But at one point, Vic said, Ritchie's friends felt that it was time for the comedian to battle his own demons.

"Kasi tatlong beses na namin siya tinutulungan, pero tuwing okey na bumabalik siya sa bisyo niya. Kumbaga, ayoko na namin dahil hindi siya nagbabago. Tiniis namin siya talaga kasi hindi siya natututo talaga. Pero ngayon, I think five years is enough time para ma-realize niya na kailangan na niyang magbago at maging matino. Matanda na siya, e. Hindi na biro ang mga ginagawa niya noon. Nangako naman siya na he will change at naniwala naman kami sa kanya," said Vic.

In an interview with PEP.ph in 2009, he expressed gratitude toward Tito, Vic, and Joey for helping him get back on his feet.

"Actually kahit hindi na nila 'ko pagalitan. Kumbaga, 'yong pagkakakuha nila sa akin, sapat na 'yon na parang sermon. Parang sinasabi nila na, 'Ito na! Ito na last chance mo,'" Ritchie told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) in a recent interview held at the Moomba Bar and Café in Quezon City.

But Ritchie has had health issues since then, suffering a mild stroke in 2009. He was able to recover, even appearing in the comedy "Love OnLine." -- Amanda Fernandez/JST, GMA News