In a devastating blow to Philippine showbiz and fans around the world, Patrick Guzman, the iconic matinee idol of the 1990s, has passed away suddenly at the age of 55 due to a massive heart attack.

The shocking news broke late Friday evening and quickly rippled through the entertainment world, leaving fans, friends, and former co-stars stunned and heartbroken. Guzman, who had quietly relocated to Toronto, Canada, years ago to live a more private life, reportedly collapsed at his home and could not be revived despite emergency efforts.

A Silent Departure That Shook an Entire Generation

For millions who grew up watching him on screen, the tragedy felt personal. Patrick Guzman wasn’t just a heartthrob — he was a symbol of the golden age of Filipino romantic films, the face of countless posters, and the leading man in blockbuster hits such as “Andrew Ford Medina,” “Mahirap Maging Pogi,” and “Pretty Boy.”

Many fans took to social media with outpourings of grief, sharing their disbelief and sorrow:

“He was the first actor I ever fell in love with,” one user wrote. “I can’t believe he’s gone. This hurts so much.”
“A piece of our youth died with him today,” another fan tweeted.

A Heartfelt Legacy: From Stardom to Silence

Patrick Guzman burst onto the scene in the early ’90s and instantly captured hearts with his dashing looks and quiet charisma. He quickly rose to fame, often paired with big stars like Sharon Cuneta, and earned his place in the hearts of fans with his boy-next-door image and emotional depth.

But as quickly as he entered the limelight, Guzman stepped away. He eventually moved to Canada, married his wife Liezle, and lived a quiet life raising their three children, away from the blinding spotlight of showbiz.

“He was content,” said a family friend. “He loved his family more than anything. Showbiz was a beautiful chapter in his life, but his role as a husband and father was the one he was most proud of.”

Sudden and Silent: The Day the Music Died

According to sources close to the family, Guzman was not known to have any serious health conditions, making the heart attack all the more shocking. He had spent the previous evening enjoying dinner with his wife and children, laughing and reminiscing. No one could have predicted that by morning, their world would be shattered forever.

Paramedics arrived within minutes, but it was too late.

“It was sudden. One moment he was smiling, the next he was gone,” said one emotional relative.

A Nation Mourns: Tributes From Co-Stars and Celebrities

As the news spread across the Philippines, celebrities and industry veterans offered their condolences.

Sharon Cuneta, Guzman’s former leading lady, wrote in a heartfelt post:

“Patrick was one of the kindest, most humble souls I’ve ever worked with. My heart breaks for his family. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”

Janno Gibbs, who starred with Guzman in comedy films during the era, said:

“We shared so many laughs together. I’m still trying to process that he’s really gone.”

The Final Goodbye

Patrick Guzman’s wake was held at Ward Funeral Home in Brampton, Ontario, on June 22 and 23. The mood was somber, the silence heavy. Friends, family, and a few fans came to pay their respects. His children, still in shock, held tightly to each other, whispering tearful goodbyes to the man who had given them everything.

On June 24, a private funeral mass was held, followed by cremation, per the family’s wishes.

Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten

Though he left the entertainment world years ago, Patrick Guzman never left the hearts of his fans. His smile, his roles, his charm — they became cherished memories for an entire generation. Today, that generation grieves.

As one fan wrote:

“You may have left this world quietly, but you will always live loudly in our memories, Patrick.”

’90s heartthrob Patrick Guzman dies
Ogie Alcasid, Beverly Vergel mourn the passing of Patrick Guzman. ’90s heartthrob Patrick Guzman has passed away.

His bereaved family is expected to release an official statement and details about funeral arrangements for the actor, according to Tess Cusipag, editor and publisher of Balita Media Inc. in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The Filipino-Canadian Patrick lives in Canada.

When Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph) spoke to Tess, she said that Patrick died of a heart attack on Thursday, June 15, 2023 (Toronto time).

“Nothing so far,” Tess said when asked about the official statement from Patrick’s family.

“I found out his wife was on vacation and just arrived so maybe tomorrow, there will be funeral arrangements.

“Patrick’s wife name is Liezel and they have a 15-year-old son. They had their house renovated and they’re supposed to have a house warming on June 23.”

Tess was one of the first to express her condolences for Patrick’s passing through her Facebook post.

Her message for the deceased actor was, “Another beautiful soul has gone beyond. A dear friend, a former famous actor in the Philippines, Patrick Guzman.

“You are now at peace and may it comfort the family and relatives that others care and deeply sympathized.”

Singer-actor Ogie Alcasid also extended his condolences to the family of Patrick.

Patrick and Ogie previously worked together in OctoArts Films films such as Mama’s Boys 2: Let’s Go Na and Manolo en Michelle: Hapi Together.

Accompanying a black-and-white photo of Patrick, Michael V., and Anjo Yllana, Ogie captioned his Instagram post on June 17: “So shocked and sad that you have gone to heaven so suddenly.

“Rest now brother. I will always remember the wonderful times we had while filming so many movies together. Be with Jesus.” Actress, acting coach, and director Beverly Vergel also felt shocked by the passing of Patrick, who lives with her in Canada.

“Patrick is a fellow Canadian and was my actor in the 3rd movie that I directed here in Canada. It’s titled ‘BROmance The Movie’ (2019) led by Patrick Guzman.

“It’s 100 percent made by Filipino-Canadians, shot in Canada. The film was the first Filipino film subtitled in English, that enjoyed a double-premiere at Cineplex, Yorkdale Mall. It’s a high-end mall in Canada,” Beverly told PEP.ph about her and Patrick’s collaboration on a project in 2019. Patrick Guzman and Beverly Vergel

In March 2019, Beverly surprised Sharon Cuneta at her concert in Toronto because she brought Patrick, who worked with Megastar in the films Una Kang Naging Akin (1991), Ikaw (1993), and Kung Ako Na Lang Sana (2003).

Patrick Guzman and Sharon Cuneta

Beverly also paid tribute to Patrick, “To a brother, fellow actor and friend. You are one of the kindest, most sincere, gentlest of souls of a gentleman.

“You deserve all the superlatives and more. You were an angel walking on earth. I’m sure all who know you will be so sad that you’re back in heaven joining your league of angels because a man like you is so rare.”

Parick’s showbiz career began when he was noticed in a Swatch television commercial. Since then, Patrick has made a series of TV and movie appearances.

He was a guest co-host with Vilma Santos on the musical variety show VIP and made several films in the 1990s to early 2000s, before he decided to return and settle permanently in Canada to start his own family.

BroMance The Movie was Patrick’s last film.