The Manila Times
By Christina Alpad
January 23, 2021
ANYONE who grew up in the ‘60s and the ‘70s will vividly remember actor Tony Ferrer. His signature all-white suit a perfect fit, he was the epitome of cool and amazing, especially when beating bad guys to a pulp without messing his hair and clothes. As Agent X44 Tony Falcon, Ferrer was the Philippines’ answer to England’s James Bond.
On Saturday morning though, X44 accomplished his final mission and passed on at the age of 86.
“Mission Accomplished. On 23 January 2021, our beloved father, friend, and Philippine movie industry treasure Antonio D. Laxa [Ferrer’s real name] popularly known as Tony Ferrer joined our Creator quietly in his sleep and in the comfort of his home,” his daughter, actress Maricel Laxa-Pangilinan, confirmed on her official Instagram account.
“During his last days, he was surrounded by the care of his San Antonio family, the love of his children, and the joy and songs of his grandchildren. He was a remarkable, selfless man who always thought of others first, impacting a lot of lives on and off screen. We shall all remember him with fondness,” Laxa-Pangilinan added.
Earlier in the day, Ferrer’s son Mark Laxa also confirmed to movie writer Mell Navarro that the movie icon died in their Pasig City home. Another relative, nephew, Jim Laxa Lalic, revealed the cause of death to be heart failure and complications from diabetes.
Ferrer left behind a rich legacy in Philippine entertainment industry. According to Laxa, the actor appeared in a staggering total of 203 movies, 20 of which were in his most beloved and celebrated role.
The late actor had worked with some of the industry’s greatest through his storied career. His film debut, “Kilabot sa Barilan” (1960) starred Fernando Poe Jr. and Zaldy Zshornack. This was followed by war films “Mga Tigreng Tagabukid” (1962) and “Suicide Commandos” (1962) which also starred besides Poe, fellow movie icons Romeo Vasquez and Joseph Estrada.
It was in 1965, however, when Ferrer first played Agent X44 in the 1965 film “G-2.” The movie directed by yet another legend, Eddie Garcia.
In the years that followed, Ferrer earned the right to crisscross between action and drama titles, working with the likes of Nora Aunor, Ramon Revilla Sr. and Lito Lapid, among many others.
Most notably, Ferrer broke through the international scene, landing roles in global action/spy movies like “The Vengeance of Fu Manchu” (1967), “Cover Girl Models (1975) and “Blind Rage” (1978).
In 1981, the successful actor took on the director’s chair, helming “Leg, Katawan, Babae!” for his debut movie. The same film made OPM icons of the group Hagibis.
All in all, Ferrer devoted 47 years of his life to acting, directing and movie production. One of his last projects saw him back on screen for a special participation in the 2007 remake of “Agent X44” starring comedian Vhong Navarro.
According to Laxa-Pangilinan, there will be no public viewing of her father’s remains, following his wishes.
“In lieu of flowers and cards, an online mass and memorial shall be announced to family, relatives and friends shortly,” she said.
The family has yet to release details as of posting time.
Besides Laxa-Pangilinan, Ferrer left behind two other children, beauty queen and actress Mutya Laxa Buensuceso and only son Mark who chose a career outside the spotlight. A proud grandfather too, young TV and movie star Donny Pangilinan is the most prominent among his beloved grandchildren.
FERRER, Tony (Antonio Laxa)
Born: 6/12/1934, Maiabebe, Pampanga, Philippines
Died: 1/23/2021, Pasig City, Philippines
Tony Ferrer’s westerns – actor:
Dakilang 9 - 1961
Bilis ng Kamar - 1963
Dugong Tigre – 1964
Isa Lang ang Hari – 1965 (Marco)
The Bandits - 1969
The Gunman - 1969
Dakilang – 1973
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