Rubén Aguirre was a Mexican actor and comedian who charmed millions of children and adults across Latin America with his roles in popular television shows such as El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado. He passed away on June 17, 2016, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and joy. But what was the cause of his death? How did he spend his last days? And what did he contribute to the entertainment industry? In this article, we will explore these questions and pay tribute to the life and work of Rubén Aguirre.
The Final Illness
According to IMDb, Aguirre died from complications of pneumonia, a lung infection that causes inflammation and difficulty breathing. Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms, and can affect one or both lungs. Pneumonia can be serious and even fatal, especially for older adults, people with chronic conditions, or those with weakened immune systems.
Aguirre had been suffering from various health problems for several years before his death. He had diabetes, kidney failure, and gallstones, among other conditions. He also had a car accident in 2007 that left him with severe injuries and required several surgeries. He spent most of his time in a wheelchair and needed constant medical attention.
In his last months, Aguirre was hospitalized several times due to pneumonia and other complications. He was admitted to a hospital in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, where he lived with his wife Consuelo de los Reyes. He celebrated his 82nd birthday on June 15, 2016, surrounded by his family and friends. Two days later, he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
The Remarkable Career
Rubén Aguirre was born on June 15, 1934, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. He studied agricultural engineering in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, where he also worked as a radio host and bullfighting commentator. He moved to Monterrey, Nuevo León, where he began his acting career and met Roberto Gómez Bolaños, the creator and star of El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado.
Aguirre joined Bolaños’ team of comedians and writers in Mexico City, where he worked on several television scripts and shows. He became famous for his character Professor Jirafales in El Chavo del Ocho, a sitcom about the adventures of a group of children living in a low-income neighborhood. Professor Jirafales was the teacher of the children at the local school, who often had to deal with their mischief and misunderstandings. He was also in love with Doña Florinda, the mother of one of the students, whom he courted with flowers and compliments.
Aguirre also participated in another hit show by Bolaños, El Chapulín Colorado, a parody of superhero stories. He played various roles in this show, such as a mad scientist, a cowboy, a pirate, or a detective. He also appeared in other shows and movies by Bolaños’ production company Chespirito , such as Chespirito , El Chavo Animado , La Chicharra , Los Caquitos , among others.
Aguirre’s characters were known for their gentle slapstick humor, their catchphrases, and their distinctive physical features. He was very tall (6’5″) and skinny, which earned him the nickname “The Skinny One” by his fans. He also had a deep voice and a prominent mustache.
Aguirre’s shows were broadcasted across Latin America and other countries, dubbed into different languages such as Portuguese, English, French, Japanese, or Arabic. They were repeated for decades and became part of the cultural identity of many generations. They also inspired many other comedians and actors who admired Aguirre’s talent and charisma.
In the 1990s, when his television contracts ended, Aguirre bought a circus and traveled with it across the Americas. He performed as a clown, a magician, an acrobat, or a singer. He also wrote books about his life and career, such as Después de Usted (After You), published in 2015.
The Lasting Legacy
Rubén Aguirre was loved by millions of people who grew up watching his shows and laughing with his jokes. He was considered one of the most influential and beloved comic actors in Latin America. He received many awards and honors for his work, such as the Golden Ariel Award by the Mexican Academy of Film Arts and Sciences in 2014.
He was also respected and admired by his colleagues and friends in the entertainment industry. Many of them expressed their condolences and tributes after his death on social media or in public statements. Among them were his co-stars from El Chavo del Ocho and El Chapulín Colorado, such as Edgar Vivar, Carlos Villagrán, María Antonieta de las Nieves, and Florinda Meza.
Aguirre’s family also thanked the fans and the media for their support and affection. They asked for privacy and respect during their mourning. They also requested that his funeral be a private ceremony, without cameras or reporters.
Rubén Aguirre’s cause of death was pneumonia, but his legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of his fans. He was a comic genius who made millions of people smile and laugh with his characters and stories. He was a humble and generous man who dedicated his life to entertaining and educating others. He was a legend who will never be forgotten.
