Former actor and ‘T.G.I.S.’ star Red Sternberg has passed away, just three days before what would have been his 51st birthday.
Director Mark Reyes, who helmed the iconic ‘90s youth-oriented GMA Network series ‘T.G.I.S.’, confirmed the news via a Facebook post on Thursday, May 30.
“The entire T.G.I.S. Barkada is heartbroken to lose one of our own,” Reyes wrote. “We just confirmed with Red’s wife, Sandy Sternberg, of his passing a few days ago. Their family requests privacy at this time and your kind understanding as they navigate this sudden passing of Red. Kiko, we love you and we’re giving you a group hug right now.”
Sternberg reportedly passed away on the morning of Tuesday, May 27. He was 50.
In a deeply emotional post, his wife Sandy Sternberg wrote: “It is hard to find the words right now to say that this has been the most difficult time I have ever gone through my whole life. To be greeted ‘happy birthday’ and ‘sorry for your loss’ at the same time three consecutive days of what was supposed to be a celebration full of birthdays. May was our month! 5th, 28th, 29th and 30th.”
“My husband suddenly passed away the morning of Tuesday, May 27th. To those who knew him from his early acting days, he was ‘Kiko,’ but to our three kids and I, he was simply Daddy/Dada. Today would have been his 51st birthday,” she added.
As of writing, no official details regarding memorial or funeral arrangements have been announced. Sandy promised to share updates once plans are finalized.
Red Sternberg rose to fame in the mid-1990s as part of ‘T.G.I.S.’ (Thank God It’s Sabado), where he starred alongside fellow young stars Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, Rica Peralejo, Onemig Bondoc, Ciara Sotto, and more. He became a household name through the show and went on to appear in several films under Viva Films, including ‘T.G.I.S. The Movie’, ‘Where D Girls R’, ‘Silaw’, ‘Laging Naroon Ka’, ‘My Pledge of Love’, ‘Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Gusto Mo’, and his solo starrer ‘It’s Cool Bulol’ opposite Rica Peralejo.
After stepping away from the limelight, Sternberg lived a quiet life in the United States with his wife and their three children.
Fans and former co-stars have expressed their grief and condolences online, with many reminiscing about Red’s warm personality and unforgettable contribution to Philippine pop culture.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Red Sternberg’s family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
