T.G.I.S. stars mourn the sudden death of Red Sternberg, beloved as “Kiko,” who passed away just days before turning 51.
MANILA, Philippines — The beloved cast of the ‘90s youth-oriented show T.G.I.S. (Thank God It’s Sabado) is mourning the heartbreaking loss of one of their own. Actor Rodwick “Red” Sternberg, who played the well-loved character “Kiko,” passed away on May 27, just days before his 51st birthday.
Red’s untimely death shocked fans and co-stars alike. He was 50 years old and was preparing to celebrate his birthday on May 30. His wife, Sandy Sternberg, confirmed the sad news in a Facebook post, which was later shared by T.G.I.S. director Mark Reyes.
The show’s original stars took to social media to express their grief and sorrow. Angelu de Leon, Michael Flores, and Ciara Sotto, who were part of the tight-knit “barkada” on the hit GMA-7 weekend series, all posted broken heart emojis as a simple but powerful tribute to their late friend.
Mark Reyes, who directed the popular Saturday series, also shared an emotional message on Facebook. “The entire T.G.I.S Barkada is heartbroken to lose one of our own… Kiko, we love you and we’re giving you a group hug right now,” he wrote, alongside a photo of the cast during their younger days.
Red Sternberg’s role as Kiko made him a household name in the Philippines during the ’90s, when T.G.I.S. was at its peak. The show revolved around the lives of Filipino teenagers dealing with friendship, love, and growing pains.
Red’s charm and charisma made his character a fan favorite, and his passing has clearly left a void in the hearts of those who worked with him—and those who grew up watching him on TV.
As fans began paying tribute online, many shared nostalgic memories of the show and how it shaped their teenage years. “T.G.I.S. was my childhood,” one fan commented. “Kiko was one of the reasons I tuned in every Saturday.”
While no details have been released yet regarding the cause of Red’s death, the sadness and respect being shown by his former castmates say a lot about the kind of person he was, both on and off-screen.
The T.G.I.S. family will always remember Red Sternberg not just as Kiko, but as a dear friend, co-worker, and a cherished part of Philippine TV history.
Rest in peace, Kiko. You will always be part of the Barkada.
