Theater director and producer Bobby Garcia passed away at only 55 years old.
On December 17, 2024, theater director and producer Bobby Garcia passed away in Vancouver, Canada.
Over the course of his life, Garcia has worked on over 50 plays and musicals in Canada and throughout the Asian region. Some of his productions have also been nominated for the Tony, Drama League, and Outer Critics Circle Awards.
Shown here in the Philippines, he recently worked on Request sa Radyo starring Lea Salonga and Dolly De Leon. In Canada, Garcia was set to make his Stratford Festival debut as the director of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
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“Bobby was forced to withdraw from directing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels earlier this month for health reasons,” said artistic director at the Stratford Festival Antoni Cimolino. “We know that the entire cast and creative team will make Bobby’s spirit proud of the beauty and joy he set in motion.”
“Bobby had made a very positive impression very quickly and we felt he had a lot to give the Festival and the theatre world more broadly,” Cimolino told Stratford Today. “In hiring him for the production, we knew that he was extremely accomplished and brimming with talent, but very quickly we learned that he was also an extraordinary, gentle and kind human being.”
“Our hearts go out to Bobby’s family and friends, who must be struggling to deal with this sudden loss,” he continued. The festival has also announced that the 2025 production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will be dedicated to Garcia’s memory.
Following the news of his passing, several other members of the theater community have shared tributes to their dear friend and colleague.
Loving Tributes
On Instagram, De Leon shared a photo of Garcia inside a car, waving and smiling at the camera. “We will always have nyc. I love you,” she wrote.
Her fellow Request sa Radyo star, Salonga, posted a photo of her with Garcia, captioning the post with a single red heart emoji.
“Ours was a complicated one. You pushed me to my limits, made me cry, made me frustrated, and boy oh boy, did you drive me crazy,” Carla Guevara Laforteza began her post for Garcia.
“But most of all, you loved me, believed in me, and made sure I was prepared for every role you gave me. Thank you for everything Direk. Have great time up there with tita Liza, Raymund and Cherie! Love and Light. Your Carlitta.”
Theater star Joanna Ampil posted a tribute to Garcia on her social media page, writing, “Thank you for giving me the most incredible gifts: the chance to meet my husband and, most of all, your wonderful friendship. Until we meet again, Bobby.”
She also included lines from the play The Bridges of Madison County, adding, “There is one thing that’s eternal, that cannot be torn apart … It will all fade away but you.”
On Facebook, film producer Girlie Rodis posted a photo of her and Garcia on the red carpet at the premiere of Here Lies Love. In the caption she wrote, “Love,” adding a heart emoji at the end.
“This sad news has absolutely gutted me,” actor and director Michael de Mesa shared on Instagram. “You were like a brother to me, Bobby. It feels like I’ve lost another sibling. Thank you for 25 years of friendship. I love you so much, and I will miss you immensely.” The photo he posted was from 2001, when the two worked together on a production of Rent.
Singer and actress Rachel Alejandro posted a photo with Garcia, writing, “I love you, Bob. My director, mentor, Ninong and dearest friend. Thank you for being a part of all of my life’s happiest moments and for the faith you put in me. Missing you already.”
Vina Morales, who has worked on Rock of Ages and Here Lies Love with Garcia, also took to Instagram to share a tribute. “My heart is broken. I will truly miss you, Direk Bobby Garcia. You were one of the first to introduce me to the world of theatre, which I have come to love deeply,” she wrote.
“I am so blessed to have known you, not just as my director but as a dear friend. You were such a brilliant artist and an even more incredible person. I love you, Direk. Rest in peace.”
Banner images via Instagram @carlaguevaraofficial and @msleasalonga.
