Meet character actor 'Bangkay'

Character actor Nonong de Andres. Photo: ABS-CBN News

MANILA – Character actor Nonong de Andres is a familiar face on Philippine cinema. You wouldn't miss him in comedy or horror movies with his white tousled hair and thin body frame.

He often plays the role of "bangkay", which earned him his moniker, and also as "kamatayan" or death in some movies.

De Andres shared that he started out as a layout artist for RVQ Productions established by the late king of comedy, Dolphy.

Dolphy made him appear as an extra in one of the movies.

"Ayaw kong mag-artista, katuwaan lang yun eh. May kumuha nang may kumuha," he said.

That started his journey in Philippine show business.

He admitted that he did not have any acting background but the public seemed to like his natural portrayal of the roles given to him.

"Naging si Dr. KM-Tayan ako. Tawag nila sa akin si Kamatayan; bandang huli si bangkay na," he said.

In more than 100 movies that he was in, he realized that he was fortunate enough to have worked with some of the biggest names in the industry.

But, he has only one idol.

"Si Dolphy. Magaling. Walang katulad si Dolphy, all-around, versatile actor yun. Lahat nagagampanan," he said.

For his friends, de Andres may be scary on screen, but not in real life.

"Paano naman ako matatakot, kahit ako'y mapapanglawin. Ang mukha naman niya'y kaaliw-aliw, talagang isang kaibigan," said his friend Pocholo Santorcas.

The 66-year-old native of Masbate is now based in Plaridel, Quezon.

He has been managing a beach resort owned by the town mayor for eight years now. -- Report from Paul Hernandez, ABS-CBN News