“He died with a smile on his face.” That was the moment actress and singer Denise Laurel knew her beloved uncle, Cocoy Laurel, was truly at peace. Surrounded by family in his final moments, he left the world just as he lived in it—with grace, kindness, and a heart completely devoted to God.

In an emotional tribute, Denise opened up about the life and legacy of her uncle, whose real name is José “Cocoy” Laurel IV, a cherished figure in Philippine theater and music. A celebrated artist, Cocoy was not only known for his world-class talent but also for his humility, generosity, and profound love for others.

“He always saw the best in people,” Denise shared through tears, recalling how her young son noticed his great-uncle smiling moments after he passed. “Even in pain, he looked like he was welcoming God with open arms.”

More Than an Icon

While Cocoy Laurel’s accomplishments on stage and in music were undeniable, Denise wants people to remember the man behind the curtain—the mentor, the teacher, the servant of God.

“Everything I know came from Papa,” Denise said, using the name she lovingly called her uncle. “He taught me how to sing, how to perform, but most importantly, how to live with kindness and purpose.”

She recalled being only four and a half years old when her grandmother first brought her to watch Cocoy at work in the theater. What she thought was just another family visit turned out to be a life-changing moment—one that launched her career in the performing arts.

“I didn’t even realize he was teaching me,” she said. “He made it all feel like play. That’s the kind of teacher he was.”

Cocoy nurtured talent wherever he saw it—whether in big theaters or quiet afternoons at home. Many of his students, Denise revealed, have gone on to become successful artists, often forgetting to credit him. But Cocoy never held resentment.

“He still prayed for them,” Denise said. “He prayed for everyone he knew. Our grace before meals would take forever because he included each and every person.”

The Heart of a Warrior

Denise described her uncle not just as talented, but as God’s warrior—a man who gave of himself endlessly, even when it cost him.

“He wasn’t just nice. He was kind. Kindness doesn’t expect anything in return,” she emphasized. “He would literally give the shirt off his back. I remember being six years old trying to stop him from giving away too much.”

Despite being taken advantage of at times, Cocoy remained faithful to his calling—to serve, to teach, and to love. He lived a life with radical generosity, mentoring students for free, sharing his talents without ego, and giving his time to anyone in need.

A Family Man, A Faithful Soul

Cocoy Laurel’s love extended beyond the stage and into the heart of his family. Denise, who grew up under the same roof, credits much of her identity to her “Papa.”

“He ran so we could walk,” she said. “He paved the way for all of us, not just as an artist, but as someone who lived for something greater than himself.”

In the months before his passing, the Laurel family suffered multiple losses, including Cocoy’s sister and other close relatives. Yet Denise chooses to see these departures not as endings, but as reunions.

“He’s in heaven now with all of them—my Lola, Panora, Orura—probably singing and painting again, this time for God.”

A Smile That Says It All

As Denise and her son stood by his hospital bed minutes after his passing, it was her son who noticed what no adult could have: “Mom, look. He’s smiling.”

Even behind his oxygen mask, Cocoy Laurel left this world the way he lived in it—smiling, with peace in his heart, and God on his mind.

“I hope people remember that about him,” Denise said. “Not just his talent, but his heart. He always welcomed God, and he always saw the beauty in others—especially when they couldn’t see it in themselves.”

The Final Curtain

In an age where fame often overshadows integrity, Cocoy Laurel’s life is a powerful reminder of what truly matters: kindness without expectation, service without applause, and love that reflects God’s grace.

To the world, he may have been an artist.
To Denise and countless others, he was home.

📌 How did Cocoy Laurel touch your life? Share your memories in the comments below. Let’s remember him—not for how he died, but for how deeply he lived.