(CNN Spanish) — The actor, comedian and producer Xavier López Rodríguez, popularly known as “Chabelo”, died this Saturday, as confirmed by his official Twitter account. He was 88 years old.
“This is a very sad morning, Xavier Lopez Chabelo, father, brother and husband has left us suddenly, due to abdominal complications,” read on the official Twitter account by Xavier López “Chabelo”.
“Chabelo”, considered the “friend of all children”, had a long career on Mexican television for more than seven decades. He appeared in various productions, including some 30 films and worked on countless small screen programs.
“With a torn soul and knowing that many and many people have loved him for many years and that they will feel his departure, we ask you to pray for his rest and give us the opportunity to peacefully mourn the grief that overwhelms our entire family,” added the family in the message posted on social media.
With his character “Chabelo”, Xavier López became one of the most iconic actors on Mexican television. His Sunday program “En familia con Chabelo” was on the air for 48 years on the signal of the Mexican television station Televisa. It is the children’s program that has been on the air for the longest time.
After his 80 years, Xavier López “Chabelo” remained active in various projects, including a Christmas play. “I keep doing what I’m happy to do. And I’ll keep doing it as long as the people of Mexico allow me,” said actor Xavier López, in an interview with CNN in 2018.
“Chabelo” began his career as he himself said “from below” in the studios of the company that was then called “Televicentro”.
“I was going to bring the things that they ordered me and everything was defined over time and ended up in the present. But at the beginning it was like that because there were few of us who were in that environment, and then, well, all of us who were inside, well, we had to do a bit of everything,” López “Chabelo” told CNN.
Mexico reacts to the death of “Chabelo”
After the announcement of the actor’s death, the president of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, wrote on Twitter: “I hug family and friends for the death of Xavier López “Chabelo”. How can I forget that my oldest son woke up early to see him a long time ago? more than 40 years”
Hugs to family and friends for the death of Xavier López “Chabelo”. How can I forget that my eldest son woke up early to see him over 40 years ago.
– Andrés Manuel (@lopezobrador_) March 25, 2023
The head of government of Mexico City also sent a message and condolences to the actor’s family and friends: “Mexican families will remember you with great affection ‘Chabelo'”
Mexican families will remember you with great affection “Chabelo”.
My solidarity and condolences to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/YcEnWbHk9W
— Dr. Claudia Sheinbaum (@Claudiashein) March 25, 2023
Emilio Azcárraga, a Mexican businessman and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Grupo Televisa, sent the following message on Twitter: “A great Spanish-speaking screen has left, RIP my dear Xavier.”
A great Spanish-speaking screen has left, RIP my dear Xavier, a hug with love to your family
— emilio azcarraga (@eazcarraga) March 25, 2023
Eduardo España, a Mexican actor, comedian and voice actor, sent his condolences and wrote the following message on social networks: “RIP Xavier López ‘Chabelo’, one of the pioneers of TV in Mexico, was literally among those who kicked out walk this industry; a classic on Sunday mornings with the family”.
RIP Xavier López “Chabelo”, one of the pioneers of television in Mexico, was literally among those who started this industry; a classic for family Sunday mornings. My condolences to Óscar, Xavier, Gabo and all his loved ones. Unforgettable buddy. pic.twitter.com/34KUJjys8b
— Eduardo Spain (@laloespana) March 25, 2023
Krupskaia Alís and Fernando Almanzar contributed to this report.
