German Moreno, 82

The Philippine entertainment industry was plunged into mourning after beloved comedian and television host German “Kuya Germs” Moreno died of cardiac arrest at 3:20 a.m. on Friday. He was 82. 

News of Moreno’s death was announced by John Nite, his nephew and co-host of the GMA network’s late-night weekly program Walang Tulugan (No Sleeping) through a statement he sent to GMA News Online.

“He passed on in the company of his family and friends. He lived a full life, touched so many hearts through the years, and helped make dreams come true for most of the biggest stars in the Philippine entertainment industry,” Nite said in the statement.

“We are deeply saddened by his passing, but we are comforted by the thought that his legacy will live on,” he added.

Moreno’s death came a year after he suffered a stroke that sidelined him until last June, when he resumed hosting Walang Tulugan.

Actress-singer Jackie Lou Blanco, also a co-host of Walang Tulugan, said Moreno was like a father to her children.

“He is generous to a fault, very loving and forgiving, a friend and a confidant, no matter the circumstances,” Blanco said. “We will miss him terribly, but we hope he will find peace and eternal happiness beyond the great divide.”

Many of Moreno’s colleagues, friends, fans and acquaintances paid tribute to him on social media, thanking him for his contributions to the industry.

Moreno, also known as “Master Showman,” began his career in the 1950s as a utility worker at the once-famous Clover Theater in Sta. Cruz, Manila. He later became a stage performer; then a film star; and then a talent discoverer, adviser and—for some—manager.

In the 1980s, Moreno earned more fame as a star builder in his youth-oriented daily variety show That’s Entertainment, which introduced many popular Filipino entertainers.

Among them were Tony-winning actress Lea Salonga, Manilyn Reynes, Tina Paner, Gladys Reyes, Judy Ann Santos, Janno Gibbs, Billy Crawford, Donna Cruz, Ramon Christopher, and Lotlot de Leon. TMM with PNA