It has been said that the comedian through his methods of pulling laughter from the sadness of life, is the vessel that allows us to release our inner tensions of our lives. So it was for a generation of Latinos, whether born in Latin America, the United States, or in Mexico, where actor and comic Roberto Gomez Bolanos, 85 years old, but forever the little boy with the red suspenders and flappy hat in a Mexico City neighborhood who entertained us as children as “Chespirito” in “El Chavo del Ocho.”
He was in declining health and his death, in his home in Cancun, Mexico was a shock. Bolanos mentioned in May that though not in the best of health, he always looked at life positively.
“My condition is fragile, yet I am tranquil and happy.”
Born in the late 20’s, Bolanos also made famous his red clad superhero character, “Chapulin Colorado.”
One thing that stood out to this reporter during a vacation to Puerto Rico was the set of “El Chavo del Ocho” collectible toy images of the cast, something rare for a comedy. I think that is a measure of his impact nearly 40 years after the show playing a boy in his 50’s. Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said as much today.
“Mexico has lost an icon whose work has trancended generations and borders.”
He will be missed and a significant part of our childhood for those now in their 40’s and 50’s, is gone. The little boy has grown beyond this life now.
