June Keithley-Castro | |
|---|---|
| Born | June Keithley March 10, 1947 |
| Died | November 24, 2013 (aged 66) Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Resting place | Loyola Memorial Park, Marikina, Metro Manila, Philippines |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Occupation(s) | Broadcaster, Marian devotee |
| Spouse | Angelo Castro Jr. (deceased) |
| Children | Angelo Diego Castro III Gabriella Castro Angelica Castro |
June Keithley-Castro (March 10, 1947 – November 24, 2013)[1][2] was a Filipina actress and broadcast journalist.
Castro was born to a Cebuano mother and an American father. She studied at St. Paul College, where she was mentored by James B. Reuter. She married broadcaster Angelo Castro, Jr. in 1973 and the couple had three children: Diego, an actor and anchor of UNTV,[3] Gabriella, and Angelica.
Prior to becoming a journalist, Castro had a television and film career. She was part of the cast in the defunct ABS-CBN comedy-gag show Super Laff-In from 1969 until 1972. She appeared in several films, including Durog (1971), and Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo (1976).[4]
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Main article: People Power Revolution |
During the People Power Revolution of 1986, Keithley continued her broadcasts at the Radio station booth of DZRJ-AM in Sta Mesa, Manila, where she along with Father James Reuter, Felino Interia, Charlie Frejas, set up Radyo Bandido, which served as an alternative source for news of the uprising after the destruction of Radio Veritas' transmitter by government soldiers on 23 February. As government forces failed to discover their whereabouts despite their proximity to Malacanang Palace, Radyo Bandido helped sustain the momentum of the revolt that ultimately toppled the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos on 25 February.[citation needed]
In 2009, Castro was diagnosed with breast cancer and told she had three years to live.[5] She died, aged 66, on November 24, 2013, at St. Luke's Medical Center, Quezon City, Metro Manila.[6][7]
Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda issued a statement announcing her death on Philippine television.[8]
Castro hosted a religious program called "The Woman Clothed with the Sun".[9]
During the administration of Corazon Aquino, Castro was conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor, becoming a reservist in the Armed Forces of the Philippines with the rank of general.[10]
In 2013, she and Reuter were given a plaque of recognition and the Spirit of EDSA award during the 27th year commemoration of the EDSA People Power Revolution.[11]
Keithley was portrayed by Odette Khan in the 1988 Australian television film A Dangerous Life, in a scene depicting her role in Radyo Bandido during the People Power Revolution.