Roberto Gómez Bolaños, better known by his stage name Chespirito, was a Mexican actor, comedian, writer, director, producer, and songwriter who created some of the most iconic and beloved characters in Latin American television history. He was the mastermind behind shows such as El Chavo del Ocho, El Chapulín Colorado, Chespirito, and many others. His humor and creativity influenced generations of fans and artists across the world. But how did he die and what was his legacy?
The Life and Career of Chespirito
Roberto Gómez Bolaños was born on February 21, 1929, in Mexico City, to a middle-class family. His father was a painter and illustrator, and his mother was a bilingual secretary. He was interested in soccer and boxing as a child, but he was too small to pursue them professionally. He studied engineering at the Universidad Autonoma de Mexico, but he never worked in the field. Instead, he started writing for an advertising agency at the age of 22, and soon he moved on to writing scripts for radio, television, and movies.
He earned the nickname Chespirito, which means “Little Shakespeare”, from the director Agustín P. Delgado, who admired his talent and productivity. In 1968, he signed a contract with the newly formed network TIM (Television Independiente de Mexico), which gave him complete creative freedom over a half-hour slot on Saturday afternoons. He used this opportunity to create his own sketches and characters, which became hugely popular with the audience.
Among his most famous creations were El Chavo del Ocho, a show about a poor orphan boy who lives in a barrel and gets into trouble with his neighbors, and El Chapulín Colorado, a show about a clumsy and cowardly superhero who fights injustice with his trusty hammer and antennae. Both shows were full of slapstick comedy, wordplay, social satire, and heartwarming moments. They also featured a recurring cast of actors who played different roles in each show, such as Florinda Meza, Carlos Villagrán, Ramón Valdés, María Antonieta de las Nieves, Rubén Aguirre, and Edgar Vivar.
Chespirito’s shows were not only successful in Mexico, but also in other Latin American countries and beyond. They were dubbed or subtitled in various languages, such as Portuguese, English, French, Italian, Japanese, and Arabic. They reached millions of viewers every day and became part of the cultural identity of many nations. Chespirito also wrote and starred in other shows, such as Los Caquitos, Dr. Chapatín, and La Chicharra, as well as movies, plays, songs, and books. He was a prolific and versatile artist who never stopped working and entertaining.
The Death and Legacy of Chespirito
Chespirito died on November 28, 2014, at the age of 85, in Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The cause of death was heart failure as a complication of Parkinson’s disease, which he had been diagnosed with in 2009. He had been living in Cancun with his second wife, Florinda Meza, who played his love interest in many of his shows. He had six children from his first marriage to Graciela Fernández, which ended in divorce in 1989.
His death was mourned by millions of fans and celebrities around the world, who expressed their gratitude and admiration for his work and legacy. He was honored with a national tribute at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where thousands of people gathered to pay their respects and watch his shows on giant screens. He was also remembered with tributes and homages in other countries, such as Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Argentina, Chile, and the United States. His shows continue to be broadcast and streamed on various platforms, and his characters remain in the hearts and minds of many generations.
Chespirito was a legendary comedian who left behind a legacy of laughter and joy. He was a genius who created unforgettable characters and stories that transcended borders and cultures. He was a humanitarian who used his fame and fortune to help the needy and promote peace and education. He was a hero who inspired millions of people to follow their dreams and overcome their fears. He was, and still is, Chespirito.
