Xavier Lopez Rodriguez - the actor and comedian who is better known as "Chabelo," has died. He was 88 years old.
The news of Lopez's passing was shared, on Saturday, by his family via the official "Xavier Lopez Chabelo" Twitter account.
"This is a very sad morning," the family wrote. "Xavier Lopez Chabelo - father, brother, and husband - has left us suddenly, due to abdominal complications."
At the time of this writing, further details about the circumstances of Lopez's passing were not provided. But, the family did post to Twitter one more message. Lopez's family wrote:
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 spend in peace the mourning that overwhelms our entire family. Lopez Miranda Family
The impact and success of Lopez's career as an actor, comedian, and producer cannot be overstated.
CNN reports, "'Chabelo,' considered the 'friend of all children,' had a long career on Mexican television for more than seven decades. He starred in some 30 films and worked on countless TV shows."
Lopez is, likely, most known for En Familia con Chabelo. This was a Sunday variety show that ended up becoming Mexico's longest-running television show, lasting 48 years, from 1967 to 2015.
According to Deadline, "Chabelo hosted the children’s show dressed as a kid wearing suspenders with a singular voice that was often imitated by his fans."
According to the New York Post, Lopez actually "helped found a genre of adult comics dressed as kids that became a staple for decades on Mexican television."
Lopez's career, however, involved much more than just En Familia con Chabelo. He has numerous film and television credits to his name.
According to Deadline, on the television side of things, Lopez appeared on such shows as La Familia P. Luche (2002), La Escuelita VIP (2004), and Los Simuladores (2009). And, he appeared in such films as Los Reyes del volante (1965), Los dos Rivales (1966), and La Princesa Hippie (1969).
But, this is just scratching the surface of Lopez's acting credits.
Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, following the news of Lopez's passing, released a statement, saying:
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.
Although the Mexican president and Lopez share the same last name, they are not related.