MANILA, Philippines (AP) — People across the Philippines have been watching the funeral of the country's "King of Comedy" on nationwide TV. Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. was a popular actor fondly called Dolphy by generations of Filipinos. The 83-year-old died Tuesday of organ failure, kidney ailments and complications from pneumonia. He was buried Sunday. Quizon starred in more than 200 films in his 66-year career. Once a poor peanut vendor in movie houses, he shot to fame playing gay roles and slapstick characters. He became so famous that presidential candidates courted his support in elections. He had 18 children with six women. President Benigno Aquino III declared Friday a national day of remembrance to honor the movie icon. Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in the capital.
Philippines mourns as popular comedian is buried
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In this Nov. 8, 2010 photo released by Malacanang Palace, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, left, reacts to a joke by actor-comedian Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr. after conferring him the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines, in recognition of the actor’s contributions to the country’s entertainment industry as its "King of Comedy" and of his charitable works such as providing scholarships to deserving children of migrant workers. The Philippines' "King of Comedy," the performer fondly called Dolphy by generations of Filipinos died late Monday July 10, 2012 at Makati Medical Center of multiple organ failure and complications from pneumonia, according to an email from the hospital where he had been treated. He was 83. At right is Dolphy's live-in partner, singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla. (AP Photo/Malacanang Palace, Ryan Lim) EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO SALES
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Doves fly over the tomb of the country’s "King of Comedy", Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., locally known as "Dolphy", during funeral rites at a cemetery in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines on Sunday July 15, 2012. Quizon starred in more than 200 films in his 66-year career. The 83-year-old died Tuesday of multiple organ failure, kidney ailments and complications from pneumonia.(AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Workers carry the casket of the country’s "King of Comedy", Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., locally known as "Dolphy", during funeral rites at a cemetery in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Quizon starred in more than 200 films in his 66-year career. The 83-year-old died Tuesday of multiple organ failure, kidney ailments and complications from pneumonia. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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Relatives and friends grieve during funeral rites of the country’s "King of Comedy", Rodolfo Vera Quizon Sr., locally known as "Dolphy" at a cemetery in Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines on Sunday July 15, 2012. Quizon starred in more than 200 films in his 66-year career. The 83-year-old died Tuesday of multiple organ failure, kidney ailments and complications from pneumonia. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)
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