El Santo, or The Saint, was a Mexican luchador enmascarado (masked professional wrestler), actor and folk hero. He was one of the most influential and iconic figures in Mexican culture, and his legacy lives on to this day. But how did he die, and what was the significance of his final act of unmasking his face to the public?
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The Life and Career of El Santo
El Santo was born as Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta on September 23, 1917, in Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico. He moved to Mexico City with his family when he was a child, and grew up in a rough neighborhood called Tepito. He started wrestling at the age of 16, under various ring names such as El Demonio Negro, El Enmascarado, and Rudy Guzmán. He adopted the name El Santo in 1942, and soon became a star in the Mexican wrestling scene.
El Santo was known for his athletic skills, charisma, and heroic persona. He wore a silver mask that covered his entire face, and never revealed his identity to anyone outside his family and close friends. He was a fan favorite, and often fought against villains such as vampires, zombies, mummies, and werewolves, both in the ring and on the screen. He starred in over 50 movies, most of them in the genre of lucha libre films, which combined wrestling, horror, and comedy. He also appeared in comic books, radio shows, and TV programs.
El Santo was a legend in his own time, and inspired generations of wrestlers and fans. He was respected and admired by his peers, and received numerous awards and honors. He was also a philanthropist, and supported various causes and charities. He was married twice, and had 11 children, one of whom followed his footsteps and became a wrestler under the name El Hijo del Santo (The Son of the Saint).
The Unmasking and Death of El Santo
El Santo retired from wrestling in 1982, after a career that spanned almost five decades. He continued to make occasional appearances in public events, but always wore his mask. He was very protective of his identity, and never wanted to disappoint his fans by showing his face.
However, in 1984, he decided to do something unprecedented and shocking. He agreed to appear on a Mexican talk show called Contrapunto, hosted by Jacobo Zabludovsky, and reveal his face to the world. He said he wanted to thank his fans for their support and loyalty, and give them a gift they had always wanted.
On January 26, 1984, El Santo appeared on the show, wearing his signature mask and cape. He talked about his life and career, and then, after a dramatic pause, he slowly removed his mask and showed his face for the first time. He smiled and waved to the camera, and said his real name. He looked calm and happy, but also tired and aged. He was 66 years old at the time.
The unmasking of El Santo was a historic moment in Mexican culture, and a shock to millions of viewers. Some were thrilled to finally see the face of their idol, while others were saddened to lose the mystery and mystique of their hero. Some even cried, feeling that El Santo had betrayed his own legend.
El Santo said he felt relieved and liberated after unmasking his face, and that he hoped his fans would understand and respect his decision. He said he had no regrets, and that he was proud of his career and legacy. He also said he was ready to face death, and that he had no fear of it.
He was right, because death came soon after. On February 5, 1984, just 10 days after his unmasking, El Santo died of a heart attack in his home in Mexico City. He was buried with his mask on, as he had requested. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans, who paid their respects and honored his memory.
The Legacy of El Santo
El Santo is widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, and a cultural icon of Mexico. He is remembered for his achievements, his charisma, his courage, and his generosity. He is also revered as a symbol of justice, honor, and heroism. He is celebrated in various forms of media, art, and entertainment, and his influence can be seen in many aspects of Mexican culture.
El Santo is also a source of inspiration and pride for many Mexicans, especially those who face hardships and challenges in their lives. He is seen as a role model, a protector, and a friend. He is also a part of the collective identity and imagination of Mexico, and a link to its history and traditions.
El Santo is more than a wrestler, more than an actor, more than a legend. He is a saint, in the true sense of the word. He is El Santo, and he lives on in the hearts and minds of his fans.
