Eddie Garcia played over 600 roles in showbiz career that spanned seven decades

Screen legend Eddie Garcia passed away on June 20, 2019 at the age of 90.

The respected actor and director, who many fondly referred to as "Manoy", spent almost seven decades of his life in show business.

The multi-awarded film and television icon breathed life to more than 600 characters.

In his earlier years, Manoy wanted to a soldier—a dream he fulfilled when he served as a Philippine scout in the US Army in Okinawa, Japan.

Garcia tried his luck as an actor in 1949, capturing audiences in his first film "Siete Infantes de Lara."

While he made a name playing a fantastic villain to prominent actors like the late Fernando Poe Jr., Garcia was a beacon of versatility who took on some of the most daring roles in the history of Philippine entertainment.

His memorable performances include his portrayal of a closeted gay husband in the 1971 film Tubog sa Guinto.

In 1962, Garcia made his directing debut with the film Karugtong ng Kahapon.

Later on, the acclaimed actor had a long list of accolades for his work from the director's chair.

Garcia's dedication to the craft earned him a place in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) Hall of Fame, having won the award for Best Supporting Actor six times.

Recently, he won Best Actor at the 52nd Annual WorldFest in Houston, Texas for his portrayal as an elderly gay man in Rainbow's Sunset.

The role also earned him a Special Jury Prize at the 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival in December last year.

He won Best Actor in the 14th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival for his performance in the 2018 film ML, as well as in the 2018 Q Cinema International Film Festival for his role in Hintayan ng Langit.

This year, he was one of the 12 "Mga Natatanging Bituin ng Siglo" legendary honorees at the 35th Philippine Movie Press Club Star Awards.

On June 20, 2019, Garcia died after being in critical condition following an incident while shooting for a TV show.

When the news of his passing emerged, friends, family and respected members of the industry expressed their sympathies as well as their gratitude to one of the pillars of the local film and television industry. —Margaret Claire Layug/NB, GMA News