Who wouldn't remember Karen and Karen's lolo from the famous 2001 McDonald's commercial? Rudy Francisco, who played Karen's senile grandfather, has continued to touch the hearts of many Pinoys long after the ad has run its course.
On May 9, his son Raymond announced his passing on Facebook: "I ? u, dad... Fly high."
Karen delos Reyes, who played "Karen" in the commercial, also shared a few photos of them on Instagram.
"Sad day today," she wrote in a May 9 post. "Rest in Peace Lolo Rudy Francisco."
Fastfood chain McDonald's also posted a tribute: "Paalam sa aming paboritong Lolo... Marami pong salamat, Lolo Rudy. Mapayapang paglalakbay."
Many netizens offered their family their condolences, and thanked Lolo Rudy for being a part of their childhood.
Rudy Francisco, a laywer, was once an actor under Sampaguita Pictures. According to a 2002 interview with Ricky Lo for The Philippine Star, he acted as the legal counsel of the said production house for around 40 years before he retired. Through his first McDonald's commercial, he became everyone's lolo.
"Everywhere I go people recognize me," he said in Lo's feature. "Everybody calls me Lolo, especially the kids and even their parents." And like his character in the commercial, Lolo Rudy was giving in real life; he donated part of his talent fee to children in need.
Lolo Rodolfo's remains lie in state at Immaculate Conception Cathedral in Cubao. He will be inurned on May 12.
