Bayani G. Casimiro Sr. (July 16, 1918 – January 27, 1989) was a Filipino dancer who was among the leading stars of bodabil (vaudeville) in the 1930s and 1940s. He also appeared in musical films and later in life, in comedic roles. A tap dancer, he was frequently called the "Fred Astaire of the Philippines".

Early years Casimiro was born in Laguna. His parents were stage comedians, and at the age of 7, he would appear on stage, often dressed as a clown. By 1936, he would join a performing troupe in Hawaii headlined by Atang de la Rama.

Bodabil star By the late 1930s, Casimiro began headlining major bodabil productions in Manila. He made a name for himself as a tap dancer, often in top hat and tails, and was soon nicknamed as "The Fred Astaire of the Philippines". Casimiro also first appeared in film in 1938, when he was cast in Bayan at Pag-ibig, a production of Excelsior Pictures.

Upon the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941, local film production was halted, allowing bodabil to thrive as the main source of public entertainment. Along with such actors as Rogelio de la Rosa, Norma Blancaflor and the comic team of Tugo and Pugo, Casimiro would perform at the Life Theater in Manila for the duration of the war. He would form his own comic tandem with Jose Cris Soto, and the pair would be promoted as the "Laurel and Hardy of the Philippines". Casimiro would also be paired with Dolphy, then appearing under the stage name "Golay", to form a comic dance team.

Film and television career After the war, Casimiro restarted his film career, appearing in several popular musicals for the next two decades. His frequent onscreen dancing partner was the choreographer Nieves Manuel, whom he would marry. As in his stage performances, he would often appear in films in top hat and tails. Among his more notable musical roles were in Isang Sulyap mo Tita (1953), Tres Muskiteras (1954), and Botika sa Baryo (1960).

Later career As he aged, Casimiro became known to a younger generation primarily as a character actor in film comedies. Often cast as a grandfather, a town sage, or even as a corpse in the Chiquito vehicle Estong Tutong (1983), his thin frame and befuddled look lent to easy ridicule. A notable exception to this trend was his role in Celso Ad. Castillo's Burlesk Queen (1977), where he again donned top hat and tails as he performed onstage with Vilma Santos.

In 1985, Casimiro starred as the titular character in the IBC comedy television series The Adventures of Super Lolo.

Death Bayani Casimiro Sr. died on January 7, 1989 in Manila, Philippines at the age of 70 as a result of emphysema. His final resting place are located at the Loyola Memorial Park in Sucat, Paranaque City.

Tribute and legacy His most prominent role in later years was as the father of Enteng Kabisote (Vic Sotto) in the popular sitcom Okay Ka, Fairy Ko!. Casimiro died less than two years into the run of Okey Ka Fairy Ko. His son, Bayani Casimiro, Jr., soon joined the cast as Prinsipe ng Kahilingan. In obvious tribute to his father, Casimiro Jr.'s character would perform a brief tap dance upon his every entrance and exit.

Personal life Casimiro's widow, Nieves Manuel, would later marry Chiquito Pangan's brother, Rene Pangan. She died in 2006.

Filmography Film 1938 - Bayan at Pag-ibig 1940 - Rosa Birhen 1940 - Santa 1941 - Manilena 1941 - Halimaw 1941 - Kung Kita'y Kapiling 1942 - Caballero 1946 - So Long America 1947 - Maling Akala 1947 - Ikaw Ay Akin 1947 - Oh, Salapi! 1948 - Malaya (Mutya sa Gubat) 1949 - Milyonarya 1949 - Maria Beles 1949 - Makabagong Pilipina 1949 - Hiyas ng Pamilihan 1949 - Kuba sa Quiapo 1949 - Lupang Pangako 1949 - Hen. Gregorio del Pilar 1950 - Sohrab at Rustum 1951 - Shalimar 1951 - Maria Bonita 1951 - Amor mio 1953 - Vod-A-Vil 1954 - Tres Muskiteras 1954 - Sa Isang Halik mo Pancho 1955 - Dalagita't Binatilyo 1955 - Mariang Sinukuan 1955 - Banda Uno 1955 - Karnabal 1955 - Pilipino Kostum No Touch 1957 - Lelong Mong Panot 1957 - Turista 1957 - 10,000 Pag-ibig 1958 - Tuloy ang Ligaya 1983 - Tengteng de Sarapen 1984 - Hoy! Wala Kang Paki 1986 - Batang Quiapo – Mang Paquito 1987 - Mga Anak ni Facifica Falayfay – Mayor 1987 - No Retreat... No Surrender... Si Kumander – Lolo Boy 1988 - One Day, Isang Araw – Don Paquito

Television The Adventures of Super Lolo (1985–1986) Okay Ka, Fairy Ko! (1987–1989) - Vicente "Edad" Kabisote Sr.

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