Veteran comic and satirist Willie Nepomuceno, known for his impeccable impersonations of politicians and celebrities, passed away on July 26 at the age of 75. Nepomuceno, popularly known as “Willie Nep,” made a name for himself by impersonating former Presidents Ferdinand Marcos Sr., Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, Benigno Aquino III, and more recently, Rodrigo Duterte and Ferdinand Marcos Jr. His repertoire also included celebrities like Dolphy, Fernando Poe Jr., and Freddie Aguilar and other politicians such as Juan Ponce Enrile, Panfilo Lacson, and Mar Roxas.
Nepomuceno was not only known for his physical transformations and mimicry skills, but also for his use of satire to inject social commentary into his performances. He tackled a wide range of topics and issues, including presidential elections and media killings, through his sketches and routines. However, he always made it a point not to impose his own political views on his audience, leaving it up to them to form their own opinions.
Born on July 8, 1948, Nepomuceno initially aspired to become a singer or actor but found his true calling in comedy. He studied Fine Arts at the University of the Philippines and became involved in activism during his college years. Eventually, he made his way into television and appeared in various variety and sketch comedy shows.
In recent years, Nepomuceno focused on stage shows and private gigs until he suffered a stroke in 2016. Despite being less active in shows, he continued to perform occasionally. Tragically, on the morning of July 24, Nepomuceno fell off his bed and suffered a head injury. He underwent surgery to relieve pressure on his brain but unfortunately, his condition worsened, and he passed away on July 26.
Nepomuceno leaves behind a legacy as a loving father and a talented performer. His children, including impersonator Frida Nepomuceno, expressed their grief and gratitude for his presence in their lives. Despite the pain of losing him, they are thankful for the time they had together and the invaluable lessons learned from him. Willie Nepomuceno’s legacy as a beloved comedian and satirist will forever be remembered in the hearts of his fans and loved ones.
