Cantinflas was one of the most popular and influential comedians in the history of Latin American cinema. He was known for his witty and satirical humor, his iconic character of a poor Mexican slum dweller, and his involvement in social and political causes. He starred in over 50 films, including the Oscar-winning Around the World in 80 Days, and was admired by millions of fans across the world. But how did this legendary entertainer die? What was the cause of his death? And what legacy did he leave behind? In this article, we will explore the life and death of Cantinflas, the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico.
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Early Life and Career
Cantinflas was born as Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes on August 12, 1911, in Mexico City. He was one of eight children of a poor mail carrier and a housewife. He grew up in the tough neighborhood of Tepito, where he learned to survive and improvise. He dropped out of school at an early age and tried various jobs, such as boxing, dancing, singing, and bullfighting. He also joined a traveling circus, where he discovered his talent for comedy.
He adopted the stage name Cantinflas, which has no clear origin or meaning, but became a household word in Mexico and other Spanish-speaking countries. He developed his signature character of a pelado, a slang term for a poor and marginalized person in Mexico. He wore baggy pants held up by a rope, a battered hat, a mustache, and a scarf. He spoke in a fast and nonsensical manner, using puns, double entendres, and wordplay. He often portrayed himself as an ignorant but clever underdog who outsmarted authority figures and social elites.
He made his film debut in 1936 with No te engañes corazón (Don’t Fool Yourself Darling), but his breakthrough came in 1940 with Ahí está el detalle (There’s the Rub), which made him a star in Mexico. He went on to make dozens of successful films in Mexico, such as Ni sangre ni arena (Neither Blood Nor Sand), El gendarme desconocido (The Unknown Policeman), El padrecito (The Little Priest), and El analfabeto (The Illiterate One). He also founded his own film production company, Posa Films, and became one of the richest and most powerful figures in the Mexican film industry.
Hollywood Fame and International Recognition
Cantinflas achieved international fame when he co-starred with David Niven in the 1956 film Around the World in 80 Days, based on the novel by Jules Verne. He played Passepartout, the loyal and adventurous valet of Phileas Fogg, who travels around the world in a balloon. The film was a huge success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. Cantinflas also won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his performance.
He became known as the Charlie Chaplin of Mexico, as he was compared to the British comedian for his physical comedy and social commentary. Chaplin himself praised Cantinflas as “the greatest comedian in the world”. Cantinflas also received recognition from other celebrities, such as Walt Disney, Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, and John F. Kennedy.
He continued to make films in Hollywood, such as Pepe (1960), The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962), and The Greatest Show on Earth (1963). However, he never achieved the same level of success as he did with Around the World in 80 Days. He faced language barriers, cultural differences, and creative conflicts with American producers and directors. He also felt that his character was diluted and stereotyped by Hollywood standards. He decided to return to Mexico and focus on making films for his native audience.
Social and Political Activism
Cantinflas was not only an entertainer but also an activist who used his fame and fortune to support various social and political causes. He was a staunch supporter of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which ruled Mexico for most of the 20th century. He campaigned for several PRI candidates, such as Miguel Alemán Valdés, Adolfo López Mateos, Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, Luis Echeverría Álvarez, José López Portillo y Pacheco and Carlos Salinas de Gortari. He also served as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF and helped raise funds for children’s welfare.
He was also involved in labor issues within the Mexican film industry. He was one of the founders and leaders of the National Association of Actors (ANDA), the main union of actors in Mexico. He fought for better working conditions, wages, and benefits for actors and other film workers. He also opposed the practice of charrismo, which was the government’s interference and control of unions. He faced threats and attacks from political opponents and corrupt union leaders, but he never backed down from his principles.
He also supported various charitable and educational causes, such as building schools, hospitals, and housing for the poor. He donated millions of pesos to various organizations and institutions, such as the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), the Mexican Red Cross, and the Mexican Academy of Language. He also founded the Mario Moreno Cantinflas Foundation, which provides scholarships and grants to students and researchers.
Death and Legacy
Cantinflas died on April 20, 1993, at the age of 81, in Mexico City. The cause of his death was lung cancer, which he had been diagnosed with a few months earlier. He had been a heavy smoker for most of his life, despite several attempts to quit. He was buried in the Panteón Español, a cemetery for Spanish immigrants and their descendants in Mexico City. His funeral was attended by thousands of fans, friends, family members, and dignitaries, who paid their respects and tributes to the beloved comedian.
Cantinflas left behind a legacy that is still alive and relevant today. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time and one of the most influential figures in Latin American culture. He is also recognized as a humanitarian and a philanthropist who used his fame and fortune to help others. His films are still watched and enjoyed by millions of people around the world, who laugh at his jokes and admire his wit. His character of Cantinflas has become a symbol of Mexican identity and pride, as well as a source of inspiration and hope for the poor and oppressed.
According to Britannica, Cantinflas was “one of the most popular entertainers in the history of Latin-American cinema”. According to Wikipedia, he was “celebrated throughout Latin America and in Spain as a popular icon”. According to The Celebrity Deaths, he died of lung cancer on April 20, 1993. These are some of the facts that I used to write this article on cantinflas cause of death. I hope you learned something new and interesting about this legendary comedian. Thank you for reading.
