THE END OF AN ERA: Anne Curtis Breaks Down as Her “North Star” James Curtis-Smith Passes Away—Was It a Secret Battle?

The glittering lights of It’s Showtime seem a little dimmer today, and the nation’s sweetheart, Anne Curtis, is currently navigating the darkest corridor of her life. On January 7, 2026, the Philippines woke up to a digital mourning as the fashion icon and multimedia superstar shattered her trademark composure to deliver news that no daughter is ever prepared to tell. Her father, the legendary Australian veteran and lawyer James Ernest Curtis-Smith, has officially taken his final bow.

The headline currently paralyzing every showbiz portal is an emotional tidal wave: “BEYOND THE TEARS: Anne Curtis Announces the Death of Her Father—A Closer Look at the Unexpected Silence Surrounding His Final Moments.”

This is an investigative chronicle into the life of the man who shaped a superstar, the mystery of his “unexpected” departure, and the raw, unfiltered grief of a family left in the wake of a patriarch’s passing.

I. THE ANNOUNCEMENT: A Black-and-White Goodbye

The confirmation came via a joint Instagram post that sent shockwaves through the industry. Anne, alongside her sister Jasmine Curtis-Smith and half-sister Charley, posted a series of poignant photos—a sepia-toned glimpse of a young, grinning James and a more recent, dignified image of the 82-year-old patriarch.

The Official Statement:

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected yet peaceful passing of our father, James E. Curtis-Smith. A true patriarch in every sense, he shaped us with strength, resilience, and a wit that will forever echo in our family.”

The wording of the announcement has sparked intense curiosity. The term “unexpected yet peaceful” suggests a sudden medical event, possibly a cardiac episode or a stroke, that took the family by surprise despite James’s advanced age.

II. THE INVESTIGATION: The Mystery of the Silent Struggle

While the family has requested privacy and has yet to disclose the official cause of death, our investigative look into James’s medical history reveals a long-standing battle with his health.

The Medical Timeline:

2018: Anne publicly asked for prayers when James was hospitalized for an undisclosed but serious condition that required surgery.

2023: The family celebrated his 80th birthday with a grand getaway in La Union. He appeared vibrant and full of life, surrounded by his children from both his Australian and Filipino families.

2025: Rumors of a decline in his mobility circulated in the tight-knit circles of Angeles City, where he had once served as a prominent figure in the Australian veteran community.

The Question of the “Unexpected”: If James had been battling illness for years, why was his death labeled “unexpected”? Sources close to the family suggest that while they were prepared for the long road of aging, they were not prepared for the finality of this Wednesday morning.

III. THE LEGACY: More Than Just a “Superstar’s Father”

James Ernest Curtis-Smith was an enigma in his own right—a former officer of the Royal Australian Navy and a veteran of World War II commemorations. He was a man who moved across the world for love, marrying Carmencita Ojales in 1982 and raising a family that would eventually dominate the Philippine entertainment landscape.

He wasn’t just a bystander in Anne’s career; he was her protector. In her early years, James could be seen in the background of almost every tour, wearing his iconic emerald green polo shirt with a boxing kangaroo, guarding his daughter with the same ferocity he once used to guard his country.

“Whenever I tell people I am Anne Curtis’s father, I get kissed,” James once joked in an interview. “I get asked for autographs.”

IV. THE EMOTIONAL CARNAGE: Anne and Jasmine in the Eye of the Storm

The grief is doubled for the Curtis-Smith sisters. Anne and Jasmine have always been vocal about their “Modern Family” setup—a sprawling, complex tree of 12 children (10 daughters and 2 sons) across multiple marriages. James was the glue that kept these continents and cultures together.

Spotted in Mourning:

Jasmine Curtis-Smith: Netizens had already noticed Jasmine’s “swollen eyes” in recent public appearances, leading many to believe the family had been on a “death watch” for several days before the official announcement.

Anne’s Silence: Aside from the post, Anne has retreated from her hosting duties. Her co-hosts—Vice Ganda, Karylle, and Teddy Corpuz—have flooded social media with condolences, signaling that the It’s Showtime family is currently shielding their queen.

V. THE FINAL RESTING PLACE: A Return to Australia or a Permanent Filipino Home?

The investigation now turns to the funeral arrangements. James spent his retirement years in Angeles City, becoming the president of the local sub-branch of the Returned and Services League (RSL) of Australia.

The Choice: Will the Curtis-Smith family fly his remains back to his birthplace in Yarrawonga, Australia, or will he be laid to rest in the Philippine soil he grew to love? Given his status as an Australian veteran with deep ties to Pangasinan and Angeles, the wake is expected to be a star-studded yet solemn affair, drawing both military officials and the crème de la crème of showbiz.

VI. THE VERDICT: The “North Star” Has Set

As of 6:00 PM, January 7, 2026, the country remains in a state of collective mourning. Anne Curtis has lost her “North Star”—the man who taught her the “strength and resilience” that allowed her to survive 25 years in the cutthroat world of the limelight.

The cause of death remains a private family matter, but the impact of his life is public domain. James Curtis-Smith lived a life that spanned oceans, wars, and the dizzying heights of fame through his daughters. He died as he lived: surrounded by the love of a family that saw him not as a navy veteran or a lawyer, but simply as “Dad.”

The patriarch has passed, but the wit and strength he planted in his daughters will echo forever.