‘Crazy Rich Asians’ Star Nico Santos ‘Devastated’ as Stepdad Dies, Mom Suffers From COVID-19

March 30, 2020

Editor’s Note: This article has been updated to correctly report that Santos’ mother was recovering from COVID-19, not his stepmother.

Nico Santos announced the death of his stepfather from COVID-19, which has now killed more than 2,100 people in the U.S.

The “Crazy Rich Asians” star expressed his devastation over the news in an Instagram post this weekend, adding that his mother is still fighting the disease.

Santos, 40, described his stepfather as a “kind” and “caring” man, and even “friendly to a fault.”

“My Tito Sonny passed away yesterday after losing his battle with COVID-19,” the Filipino American actor wrote. “He always greeted strangers walking past him with a chipper ‘Good Morning!’ and a big smile. He had a great laugh that filled the room with joy.”

The fact that his stepfather had a contagious disease that prevented the rest of the family from saying goodbye has taken a toll on him.

“The loss of my stepfather is devastating but what has gutted me is that this pandemic has kept my family apart. We were unable to be with him during his last days,” Santos wrote. “I can’t hold my mother as she mourns her husband. I can’t hug my brother as he contemplates a world without his father. I can’t wipe away the tears from my nephews’ eyes as they wonder why their Lolo Sonny isn’t here anymore.”

Santos’s stepfather and mother. Image via Nico Santos (@nicosantos)

As of this writing, the U.S. has recorded 144,672 cases of COVID-19. Recoveries have gone up to 4,865, according to data culled by Johns Hopkins University.

Meanwhile, the outbreak has killed 2,513 people in the country, most of whom came from New York City (776), followed by King County, Washington (144) and Orleans, Louisiana (73).

At the time of his post, Santos revealed that his mother did not require hospitalization.

“My mom is also fighting COVID-19. For the time being, she has not required hospitalization,” Santos wrote. “Please continue to pray and send healing energy to my mom.”

Santos’ post has received support from thousands of people wishing him and his family strength.

“So sorry for your loss, Nico,” “Crazy Rich Asians” actor Ken Jeong commented. “Your mother and family are in our thoughts and prayers and wishing her a speedy recovery. Sending all our love.”

Santos currently stars as Mateo on NBC’s “Superstore.”

Feature Images via Nico Santos (left) and Warner Bros. Pictures (right; screenshot)

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