Tiya Pusit (born Myrna Villanueva; March 23, 1948 – October 2, 2014) was a Filipino actress and comedian. She is best known for her role in the 1980s sitcom Eh, Kasi Babae. She is acclaimed as one of the best local comediennes of her generation.
Personal life
Tiya Pusit was the sister of actress and comedian Nova Villa.[1] In 2013, it was announced that she would be marrying her 27-year-old boyfriend in 2014.[2][3] She had four children.[1]
Career
Villanueva's career in entertainment began when she was discovered while accompanying Nova Villa to her workplace as a broadcaster on Radio Veritas by program host Orly Punzalan. She began working for the station as a production assistant before becoming a broadcaster herself. Villanueva's association with her sister also led to her acquiring the stage name Tiya Pusit (lit.'Aunt Squid'); a reference to her shadowing Villa that was likened to squid ink.[4]
Tiya Pusit was best known for comedic roles during her 30+ year career. She appeared in many movies, including Dorm Boys (2012), A Journey Home (2009), Bakit ba Ganyan (Ewan ko nga ba, Darling) (2000), Huwag na Huwag kang Lalapit Darling (1997) and Hulihin si…Nardong Toothpick (1990), and Leroy Leroy Sinta (1988).[5]
Pusit fell ill in April 2014, suffering from kidney failure and aortic aneurysm. She underwent double heart bypass surgery on September 9 but had difficulties recovering. She died due to multiple organ failure at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City on October 2, 2014.[5]
