For almost 45 years, Mexican actor, entertainer and businessman Xavier López Rodriguez, known for his character Chabelo, hosted the children's game show En Familia con Chabelo (Family Time with Chabelo) which aired live every Sunday morning. The show, which featured competitions and games for prizes, was watched by millions of Mexican families and even made the Guinness Book of Records for its unprecedented broadcast run. López's character Chabelo, who wore shorts and spoke in a squeaky voice, became a significant part of Mexican culture, and his longevity inspired a massive internet fandom celebrating his seeming immortality. Despite the show ending in 2015, Chabelo memes inserting him into Mexican historical events continued to be created.
López, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 88, was also known for his roles in Pepsi adverts throughout North and South America, his own radio show La media hora de Chabelo (The Chabelo Half Hour), and for appearing in films. He was drafted into the US army during the Korean War but returned to Mexico to study medicine and eventually drama after his short service. López's character Chabelo will always hold a special place in Mexican culture, and his influence has extended beyond the show, even inspiring a Mexican phrase meaning a lottery or a risky gamble.