Rio A. Puertollano

Rio Adorable Puertollano; Also known as Dinjo, Dinjomouse, River
OCCUPATION NOTES: Actor
CLUBS/GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS: Yale School of Drama, Class of 2001; Yale Alumni Association; SMU
Alumni Association; The Cool Club
SURVIVORS:
His father Raul, older brother Juan, his cousins Amgelene Akbari, Rosemary Harwood, Catherine Bovier
and their families; and countless other cousins and relatives in the US and Philippines, including Ruby-
Joan, Benjo, and Jon; Ryan and Melissa; Ian and Andre and all their families; and Adrian, Nicole and
Cherie; Carmel and JC.
LIFESTORY:
Rio was born on September 21, 1974 in Manila, Philippines to Drs. Raul Puertollano and Marilu
Puertollano (deceased). Rio spent most of his life in New York, where he attended The Stony Brook
School. There he caught the acting bug, though by then he was already a vibrant and talented
performer. He was a bona fide ham.
He pursued his dream further, first receiving a BFA in theater from Southern Methodist University, then
went on to receive his MFA in acting from The Yale School of Drama in 2001. As an actor, Rio has
appeared Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway and has had roles in TV and film. He was a brilliant and
talented actor who always delivered a standout performance in any role, big or small, that was
inimitably, undeniably, RIO. He has also proven to be a creator of poignant and insightful short films,
which have won awards and have been screened internationally.
He lived for music, had an ear for music, and was an amazing pianist (much like his mother); he made
the hard pieces seem easy. He liked to test himself, to try to play a piece as fast as possible, just for fun.
He loved to sing, sang brilliantly, and with his beautiful tenor, sang everything from opera to the works
of Sondheim, or Ridgeley and Michael, or Ciccone…but especially the full catalogue of ML Gore.
He was a loving son, brother, cousin, friend, and was equally loved by everyone he touched. He will be
remembered for being kind, generous and thoughtful. Despite his own personal hardships, he truly had
faith in, and was hopeful for, the happiness and success of everyone around him. He will be missed for
that impish grin, that big, beautiful smile, the hearty laugh, and that big beautiful heart.
As much as we will miss you, we know you’re at peace. Rest easy, Dinjomouse. You are free.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charity of your choice.

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