Celebs react to death of veteran film and TV director Fritz Ynfante

• Fritz Ynfante, a veteran film and television director, has passed away
• The legendary director died at 84 years old, Daily Tribune and Inquirer.net reported
• Tributes have poured in from the entertainment community, with many remembering him as a mentor, visionary, and beloved friend
• Pops Fernandez, Martin Nievera, and Dawn Zulueta are among those who took to social media to honor Ynfante

Fritz Ynfante, a veteran film and television director, has died at the age of 84. The heartbreaking news was first reported by news outlets including the Daily Tribune and Inquirer.net on Monday, July 21.

Ynfante succumbed to natural causes at his residence on Monday morning, a close family friend of Ynfante told Inquirer.net. His passing came just two weeks ahead of his 85th birthday on August 4.

Tributes have poured in from celebrities and peers, who remember him as a mentor, visionary, and passionate artist.

“Rest in Peace, Direk Fritz Ynfante. Thank you for everything,” Pops Fernandez posted on Facebook.

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Veteran film and TV director Fritz Ynfante passes away

Meanwhile, Martin Nievera took to Instagram to share a throwback photo of him with Ynfante and honored the latter in the caption.

“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.

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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’s poignant message reads.

“Rest in peace, #FritzYnfante,” Dawn Zulueta posted on IG.

Ynfante was best known for directing a string of hit variety shows in the 1980s and 1990s, including Penthouse Live, Keep On Dancing, and It’s A Date. Known for his flair, vision, and theatrical creativity, Ynfante helped define an era of Philippine entertainment.

Beyond directing, he also took on acting roles in a wide range of films, including Jose Rizal (1998), Gumising Ka… Maruja, and Vic Sotto movies such as Enteng Ng Ina Mo and Dobol Trobol.

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In a previous report by KAMI, Lolit Solis, a veteran showbiz columnist and talent manager, has died on Thursday, July 3, 2025. She was 78 years old. Solis passed away following her long battle with kidney disease.

In another report, Ice Seguerra announced the passing of his mother, Mommy Caring. The OPM star described her as a strong, kind, and loving presence who supported him throughout his life and career. He shared heartfelt memories of her constant care, unwavering support, and unconditional acceptance.

Source: KAMI.com.gh