Caridad Sanchez Then and Now: The Truth Behind Her Transformation Isn’t Fame, Family, or Fortune — It’s Age

By [Author Name]
Published: May 29, 2025

For decades, Caridad Sanchez was a familiar face on Philippine television — the wise and loving grandmother, the ever-reliable supporting character, and at times, the stern matriarch. Her presence onscreen brought comfort to generations of Filipino viewers, making her one of the most respected and beloved character actresses in the country.

But today, those who once watched her on primetime television may not recognize the Caridad Sanchez of now. Frailer, quieter, and mostly away from the limelight, her transformation has left fans curious and even heartbroken.

What happened to the once-vibrant veteran of stage and screen? Was it heartbreak? Financial hardship? Family conflict?

Surprisingly, the answer is none of the above.

The true force behind her dramatic change is something we all face — age.

A Life on Screen

Caridad Yuson Sanchez, born August 1, 1930, in Mandaue, Cebu, began her career in showbiz in the post-war era. Known for her soft-spoken demeanor and expressive eyes, Sanchez starred in numerous Visayan-language films before making her way to national television. Her career took off in the 1970s when she became a mainstay in soap operas and family dramas.

Her most iconic role? That of Nanay Idad in the beloved TV series “Gulong ng Palad”, where she played a warm but strong mother figure — a performance that became etched in the memory of Filipino households.

From sitcoms like “Home Along Da Riles” with Dolphy to countless episodes of “Maalaala Mo Kaya”, Sanchez proved herself as a versatile actress who could move viewers to laughter or tears with a single look. She represented the archetype of the ideal Filipino mother — nurturing, selfless, enduring.

The Shift Behind the Scenes

By the early 2010s, Caridad Sanchez began retreating from public view. She had given decades of her life to the entertainment industry, and retirement was expected. But whispers about her health started circulating. Fans noticed her absence from tributes and reunions, and speculations emerged.

In 2020, the public finally learned the truth. In a heartfelt social media post, Sanchez’s daughter, grief educator and writer Cathy Babao, revealed that her mother had been diagnosed with dementia.

“This is the long goodbye,” Cathy wrote. “The mind forgets, but the heart remembers.”

According to her, the once-sharp actress was slowly losing her memory and recognition of familiar faces. It was a painful reality for a woman who once memorized entire scripts and delivered them flawlessly to millions.

A Family Divided

The revelation was met with concern and sadness from fans and the entertainment community. However, it also led to a family dispute that played out, uncomfortably, in public.

Sanchez’s son, Alexander Joseph, issued a statement disputing Cathy’s claims, arguing that their mother was not suffering from full-blown dementia but instead from normal age-related memory decline. He criticized his sister for publicizing the issue, calling it a violation of their mother’s dignity and privacy.

Despite the controversy, what became clear to everyone was this: Caridad Sanchez was not the same anymore, not because of scandal or tragedy — but because time had done what it inevitably does.

The Power — and Pain — of Aging

In Filipino culture, aging is both revered and feared. Elderly figures are respected, but society is not always kind to those who fade away from the spotlight. Caridad’s transformation forces a conversation we rarely have: what happens to our beloved icons when they are no longer on camera?

Unlike others who left showbiz amid controversy or financial downfall, Caridad Sanchez lived a relatively quiet, dignified life. There were no headlines of debt, no scandalous separations or bitter family feuds — at least not until her illness became public.

The true reason behind her transformation is simple and universal — old age.

Dementia is a cruel thief. It steals memories, names, even the sense of self. For someone like Caridad, whose identity was built on portraying emotions and stories, it is especially tragic. Yet even in this quiet decline, there is something noble — a reminder that behind the celebrity is a human being, vulnerable like the rest of us.

Fans Remember

Since news of her condition surfaced, there has been an outpouring of love from former colleagues, fans, and the general public.

“She was always kind on set,” one actor shared in an interview. “Caridad treated everyone — crew, extras, staff — with respect. No ego, no diva behavior. Just pure professionalism.”

Social media continues to share clips of her best performances, from intense dramatic confrontations to gentle, grandmotherly roles. Many have commented how their own childhoods were marked by the sight of her comforting presence on TV.

Then and Now — Not Less, Just Different

To compare the “then” and “now” of Caridad Sanchez is not to mourn what has been lost, but to acknowledge the richness of her journey. She was once the nation’s “Nanay,” a symbol of care and wisdom, and in many ways, she still is — even if she no longer remembers the lines that made her famous.

Her life today is quieter, surrounded by family, living away from the glare of the camera. She may no longer walk the red carpet, but her legacy continues — not just in film archives, but in the hearts of those she moved.

A Final Curtain Call, On Her Terms

Aging is inevitable. For Caridad Sanchez, it was not a scandal or crisis that altered her life. It was not fame, not family drama, not financial ruin.

It was age — powerful, unrelenting, and natural.

And perhaps that’s the most profound part of her story. Unlike many in the entertainment world who fade due to misfortune or controversy, Caridad faded gracefully, as if giving one final, silent performance. One where the spotlight dims not in disgrace, but in dignity.