MANILA — Lolit “Manay Lolit” Solis, one of Philippine showbiz’s most enduring and influential figures, renowned for her decades-long career as an entertainment columnist, television host, and talent manager—passed away on Thursday, July 3. She was 78.
Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Angel Liza “Sneezy” Pasamonte, who shared that Solis died peacefully in the hospital. She had been undergoing dialysis since 2022 due to chronic kidney disease. According to her family and news reports, she died from complications involving her heart and kidneys.
“Our beloved Manay Lolit Solis has peacefully joined her Creator,” Pasamonte said in a statement. “Rest well now in the loving embrace of our Lord.”
Six Decades in Showbiz
Born on May 20, 1947, in Sampaloc, Manila, Solis began her journalism career in the late 1960s. She first covered police beats before transitioning to entertainment reporting, where her sharp wit and fearless commentary quickly earned her a devoted readership.
Her profile rose further when she became co-host of GMA’s Startalk, a showbiz talk program she helmed from 1995 to 2015. Off-camera, Solis built a respected career as a talent manager, guiding the careers of major stars including Bong Revilla, Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Paolo Contis, and Gabby Concepcion.
Health Challenges and Continued Engagement
In 2022, Solis was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and began dialysis treatments twice a week, which later increased to three sessions weekly. In early 2023, she suffered a suspected mild stroke after a dialysis session but recovered and continued working.
Despite her health struggles, she remained active and engaged—writing her regular columns, maintaining an active Instagram presence, and staying connected to her audience. In one of her final reflections, she shared:
“I have so many things to be thankful for. If I were to leave now, I have no regrets.”
An Outpouring of Tributes
Her passing prompted an immediate wave of tributes across the entertainment community. Actor Niño Muhlach wrote simply, “Paalam Nanay Lolit Solis.” Former senator Bong Revilla, one of her longtime clients, described her as “a rock and a second mother” to his family. Actor Jolo Revilla remembered her steadfast loyalty, while entertainment editor Salve Asis called her “a woman of strength and wit who left her mark on the industry she loved.”
Scandals, Comebacks, and a Lasting Voice
Solis was no stranger to controversy. In 1994, she was at the center of the Manila Film Festival awards scandal, later taking full responsibility and facing legal consequences.
Yet even after setbacks, she regained her footing and remained an influential voice in showbiz journalism. Her candid, often fearless commentary continued to shape public conversation, and she was respected for mentoring both rising talents and industry veterans.
A Legacy Remembered
Over nearly 60 years, Lolit Solis helped define the landscape of modern Philippine entertainment journalism. She championed Filipino artists, nurtured careers, and never shied away from speaking her truth.
As the entertainment world mourns her loss, her legacy as a bold voice, loyal mentor, and cultural mainstay will endure.
RIP
