'One of our country's treasures': The Philippines' oldest active actress Anita Linda has died aged 95

Her daughter, Francesca Legaspi, confirmed the news

Anita Linda starring in Filipino TV series 'Wagas' (2013). IMDb

Beloved Filipina actress Anita Linda died in the early hours of Wednesday, June 10 at her home in Paranaque, it has been confirmed.

Linda, who was widely regarded as the oldest active actor in the Philippines, was 95 years old.

Her daughter, Francesca Lake-Legaspi, reportedly confirmed the news to The Philippine Star.

She told ABS-CBN News that her mother had succumbed to heart failure and also had late-stage dementia.

Screenwriter and director Adolf Alix Jr, who worked with Linda in films such as Circa and Presa, also confirmed the news.

"This is a very sad day for me," he wrote in posts on Instagram and Facebook, next to an image of him with the actress.

"I am trembling as I am gathering my thoughts...The great Anita Linda has passed away this morning at 6.15am. Prayers for her soul.

"My condolences to her family and her children, Francesca Legaspi and Fred Osburn."

Alix Jr also directed Linda in 2008 film Adela, for which she won a best actress award at the 10th Cinemanila International Film Festival.

Linda was born Alice Buenaflor Lake in 1924 in Pasay City, Manila. She married actor Fred Cortes, who died in 1964, with whom she had a son, Fred Cortes Jr, who also went on to become an actor.

Her first starring role was in Tiya Juana, in 1943, and her most recent was 2019's Circa, although there are still some pending projects yet to be released.

She has a total of 398 acting credits to her name listed on IMDb, and has won 17 awards and been nominated for 21 more over the course of her career.

Tributes to the actress poured in across social media.

Liza Dino, the chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, was among those to express grief. She shared a photo of herself with Linda, writing: "It was such a humbling experience to have been able to spend a moment with one of our country's living treasures."

A fan wrote on Twitter: "Thank you for the 7 decades of dedication to Philippine cinema.. You will never be forgotten. RIP to the legendary Anita Linda."

Another Twitter user added: "To my favorite film grandma, the great Anita Linda, thank you for sharing your love and talent with us. Rest in peace."