MANILA, Philippines — Veteran television director and actor Fritz Ynfante died Monday, July 21, at the age of 84, his family confirmed.
Ynfante passed away at 6:30 a.m. due to natural causes at his home, according to family member Peachy Ynfante-Talanay. He would have turned 85 on Aug. 4.
He was best known for directing some of the most iconic variety shows of the 1980s and 1990s, including “Penthouse Live,” “Keep On Dancing,” and “It’s A Date.”
Tributes from colleagues and artists he worked with over the years poured in following the news of his death.
Singer and actress Pops Fernandez, who worked closely with Ynfante on “Penthouse Live,” posted a brief message on social media saying, “Rest in Peace, Direk Fritz Ynfante. Thank you for everything.”
Ynfante worked with Martin Nievera on ‘Penthouse Live’ alongside his former wife, Pops Fernandez. PHOTO FROM INSTAGRAM/MARTINNIEVERA
Her former husband and co-host in the show Martin Nievera posted a personal and lengthy Instagram post writing, “Today we lost one of the industry’s best and most demanding directors. There was no compromise. It was his way or the super highway! He was a perfectionist to a fault, but that was only because he knew he could get the very best out of all those he directed, mentored and loved. His choice of words were a language all his own, but he got the job done.”
“He gave me my first pair of wings as a tv host on a television show called, “Penthouse Live,” and was a true believer of the Pops and Martin team. He always trusted us with his direction and his gazillion changes on every script. His attention to detail was second to none and he spared no one’s feelings when defending what he knew in his heart was right,” he continued.
“All of these ingredients mixed with love and passion were the makings of a director I am blessed to say was instrumental with my career on television. He was even one of the first directors to turn the concert princess into the concert queen. Tito Fritz I will forever be grateful. I will miss you. Thank you for all you did not just for me , but for all of us whose careers you scolded and molded until each of our dreams came true. I love you!” Nievera ended.
Singer Joey Albert, in a Facebook post, remembered Ynfante and said, “Farewell , beloved Tito Fritz. To you is owed the glory of the 80s music and entertainment industry. You brought class, elegance, much needed discipline, and professionalism that brought our music industry to its golden age. One goodbye was not enough, put the love in the tears we shared then will be an everlasting memory. I will miss you immensely, but you live in me always… each time I stand on that stage.”
In addition to his work behind the camera, Ynfante took on various acting roles in both mainstream and historical films, including “Jose Rizal” (1998), “Gumising Ka… Maruja” and several comedy films with Vic Sotto, such as “Enteng Ng Ina Mo” and “Dobol Trobol.”
Details of Ynfante’s wake have yet to be announced.
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