Who Was Ate Gay? Remembering the Late Filipino Comedian
Ate Gay, who rose to fame for his impersonations of actress Nora Aunor, passed away at 55 years old.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Nov 2, 2026
Gil Aducal Morales, known by many as Ate Gay, passed away on November 1, 2026. His family confirmed the news, saying, “You may be gone, but the joy and beautiful memories you shared will never be forgotten.” They also expressed their gratitude for everyone who has extended their kindness, love, and support during the difficult time.
In loving memory, we remember Ate Gay.
Who Was Ate Gay?
He was 55 years old.
Ate Gay was born on August 12, 1971 in Tondo, Manila. He was 55 years old at his time of passing.
He rose from humble beginnings.
In an interview with Jessica Soho, Ate Gay revealed that he worked several jobs—including being a janitor, a dishwasher, and a singing waiter—to make ends meet before he entered show business.
He was one of the faces of the Philippine comedy scene.
Ate Gay gained popularity for his impersonations of the late Nora Aunor, whose nickname is Ate Guy. He was also known for his talent in singing and his witty medleys of popular songs. In 2012, Ate Gay notably headlined his major concert, Ako Naman… Ate Gay sa Arena, where he shared the stage with numerous Filipino stars—including Nora Aunor herself.
He was a staple performer in comedy bars and variety shows, and he also starred in television series and films, such as FPJ’s Batang Quiapo and Bekikang: Ang Nanay Kong Beki.
He recently hosted his own living funeral.
Dubbed Habang Naririto Ka: A Celebration of Life for Ate Gay, his loved ones gathered for his living funeral last October 15, where they shared their “eulogies” while he was still around to hear them. Ate Gay’s family and friends spent the evening recalling their fond memories and expressing their appreciation for the entertainer.
“Mahalaga ito sa mga kagaya kong nakakaramdam ng ganito kasi habang nabubuhay ako, habang nabubuhay ang tao, dapat sinasabi na nila ang nararamdaman nila sa buhay, sa puso nila,” Ate Gay said in an interview.
He battled a rare type of cancer.
Ate Gay was diagnosed with stage four of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, a rare type of cancer that develops in the salivary glands, back in September 2025. Two days after his recent living funeral, he suffered “septic shock at acute respiratory failure secondary to pneumonia, o malubhang impeksyon na nakaapekto sa kanyang paghinga at sirkulasyon ng dugo,” his family revealed. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit, and successfully overcame it.
However, on October 29, he suffered a stroke that damaged a part of his brain. He passed away three days later.
Rest in peace, Ate Gay.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.