Xavier López Rodríguez, better known as Chabelo, was a renowned Mexican-American actor, comedian, and television host, born on February 17, 1935, and passed away on March 25, 2023, at the age of 88.
Chabelo's career in the entertainment industry began when he studied medicine, which he practiced for four years in a private sanatorium. However, he soon abandoned his medical career to pursue his passion for acting and television production. He worked as a production assistant, cameraman, and floor manager at Televicentro, where he met producer Luis de Llano Palmer, who offered him a job and encouraged him to pursue a career in acting.
Chabelo's nickname originated from a joke he told about a boy named Chabelo, and he went on to embody that character for most of his acting career. He appeared in numerous television programs, movies, and soap operas, and recorded several albums as his character "Chabelo". Throughout his career, he received several awards and accolades, including the Diosa de Plata, the Legend Award from the MTV Movie Awards Mexico, and the Gaviota International Award.
In 2010, Chabelo received the special recognition Una Vida en el Escenario (A Life on Stage) at the Lunas del Auditorio Awards, and in 2012, he was awarded two Guinness World Records for the longest career as host of a children's program and the longest time representing a character, Chabelo.
On March 25, 2023, Chabelo passed away in Mexico City due to a septic shock caused by an acute abdominal condition. His body was cremated the following day, and his ashes were given to his family.
