Veteran actor Raoul Aragon dies at 78, his family confirms

Published 26 Jan 2026 at 10:30 PM

by Stacy dela Fuente

3 min read

Veteran actor Raoul Aragon passed away peacefully on January 22, 2026, in California, his family announced
The veteran actor was 78 years old at the time of his death
Aragon won Best Actor at the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival
His remains will be brought back to the Philippines for memorial services

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Veteran Filipino actor Raoul Aragon has passed away at the age of 78, his family confirmed through a social media post shared by DJ Laila Chikadora on Monday.

In the announcement, the family expressed their grief over the actor’s death, which occurred in the United States, Philstar reported.

The statement read, "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Raoul Aragon who left us peacefully on January 22, 2026, in Downey, California. He was 78 years old."

Aragon was widely respected in the Philippine film industry, having built a career marked by critically acclaimed performances.

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One of the highlights of his career came in 1979 when he won Best Actor at the Metro Manila Film Festival.

His performance in the film "Ina Ka ng Anak Mo" also earned him a nomination at the 1980 Gawad Urian Awards, further cementing his reputation as a formidable actor.

Throughout his career, Aragon worked alongside some of the most prominent names in Philippine cinema.

He shared the screen with celebrated actresses such as Lo*lita Rodriguez, Nora Aunor, and Sharon Cuneta, contributing to films that left a lasting mark on audiences and critics alike.

His versatility and depth as a performer made him a familiar and respected presence on screen for decades.

Following his passing, the family said preparations are underway to bring Aragon home so he can be laid to rest in his homeland.

In their statement, they shared plans for memorial arrangements.

"His remains will be flown to the Philippines, where a proper viewing and memorial service will be arranged so family and friends can gather to honor and celebrate his life."

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As tributes continue to pour in from colleagues and fans, many remember Raoul Aragon not only for his awards and accolades, but also for his lasting contribution to Philippine cinema.

His legacy, shaped by years of dedicated work, continues to resonate within the industry and among those who admired his craft.

Raoul Aragon was a veteran Filipino actor best known for his award-winning performance in the film Ina Ka ng Anak Mo, which earned him the Best Actor award at the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival and a Gawad Urian nomination. He appeared in several notable films alongside acclaimed actresses such as Nora Aunor, Lo*lita Rodriguez, and Sharon Cuneta, and was respected for his strong dramatic roles in Philippine cinema.

In an earlier local report by KAMI, a family of three was mercilessly shot and killed inside their store in Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. CCTV footage showed three men entering the shop, closing the roll-up door, and then shooting the entire family to death. Before fleeing, one of the suspects even took a bag and a cellphone belonging to the victims. According to a report by Gary De Leon of TV5 Frontline Pilipinas, the family had started receiving threats after they lent ₱1 million to a resident of their barangay, who allegedly used the money for a business.