Versatile Lolita

Lolita Rodriguez (with ex-husband Eddie Arenas in photo) died at age 81 in Hemet, California, last Monday, Nov. 28, leaving behind a body of work that ranges from (see movie ads here) comedy, drama and action.

But it was in drama where Lolita excelled, best remembered for her movies with Lino Brocka such as Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang; Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo; Ina, Kapatid, Anak; and the stage play Larawan (Nick Joaquin’s Portrait of the Artist As Filipino).

She retired prematurely 40 years ago, in her early 50s, and joined her Filipina mother and siblings in California where she married an American.

Lolita is survived by three children (by Arenas) — Birdie, Bogey and Par, all named after golf, their mom’s favorite sport.— RKC