Andi Eigenmann on late mom Jaclyn Jose: ‘Her life itself was her greatest obra maestra’

MANILA, Philippines — Bringing home the much-coveted acting trophy from the Cannes International Film Festival in 2016 was a major career highlight in the life of the late multi-awarded actress Jaclyn Jose (Mary Jane Guck in real life).

Jaclyn became the first Southeast Asian talent to win at the prestigious filmfest for her portrayal of a resilient matriarch in Brillante Mendoza’s “Ma’ Rosa.” She went to Cannes to personally receive her award, accompanied by her daughter Andi Eigenmann.

At the time of her death, Jaclyn was playing prison warden Dolores Espinas in the Coco Martin-led “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.”

Her passing was first confirmed in an official statement from Perry Lansigan’s PPL Entertainment, Jaclyn’s talent management company, in the early hours of yesterday morning.

“The Guck and Eigenmann families are requesting for everyone to please pray for the eternal repose of Miss Jaclyn Jose and for them to be allowed the respect and privacy to mourn her passing and navigate these difficult times.”

In a press conference yesterday afternoon, an emotional Andi delivered the family’s official statement, laying to rest speculations surrounding her mother’s shocking demise.

“It’s with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of my Nanay at the age of 60 on the morning of March 2nd, 2024 due to a myocardial infarction or a heart attack.

“We’d like to thank everyone who has since extended their prayers and condolences to us. As our family is trying to come to terms with this unfortunate incident, please provide us the respect and privacy to grieve and we hope this would put all speculations to rest.

“Just like to say that her undeniable legacy will definitely forever live on through her work, through her children, grandchildren and the many lives she has touched. She herself, her life itself was her greatest obra maestra,” Andi said.

On Sunday, March 3, Jaclyn was reportedly found lifeless by her actress-sister, Veronica Jones, in the former’s home in Quezon City. It was her sister who checked on her when the latter was not responding to calls and text messages for quite some time.

Jaclyn’s two children — Andi and Gwen Garimond Guck — were not with her at