The uncrowned king of Mexican
comedy and known worldwide as one half of “Los Polivoces” has passed away,
leaving behind six decades of laughter, legacy, and unforgettable characters.
According to international
media, the Mexican comedian died at the age of 87. His son, Lalo Manzano,
confirmed the heartbreaking news through an emotional message on Instagram.
Fans across Mexico and Latin America have been plunged into grief, as they mourn the loss of one of
the most beloved and significant personalities in Spanish-language
entertainment.
Lalo Manzano paid tribute to
his father on Instagram, writing:
“Today, the curtain has fallen
on the stage of life. My father — a comedian loved by thousands and an
admirable human being — has left this world. He was an extraordinary, kind,
intelligent man with a big heart, just like his talent.”
He added that behind every
joke was a hardworking artist, and behind every smile was a father who taught
his children to stay positive even in difficult times.
Born on July 18, 1938, Eduardo
Manzano was one of Mexico’s most celebrated comedians, actors, and singers. He
rose to fame nationwide after teaming up with Enrique Cuenca to create the
comedy duo Los Polivoces. Their show became one of the most popular programs on
Mexican television throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
He also worked in numerous
films and created many humorous and memorable characters for both television
and cinema — performances that audiences still fondly remember today. His
popularity extended to younger generations as well, who admired him just as much.
Eduardo Manzano’s Life
Manzano gave
life to many unforgettable characters: Gordolfo Gelatino (a satire of a
romantic film star), Agallón Mafafas (an authoritarian military
caricature), Don Teofilito, and even a character named “Wash-and-Wear.” These
characters became cultural icons, and some even appeared in comic books.
- Formation of Los Polivoces
Manzano met Enrique Cuenca
in 1959 during a contest for voice imitators. They officially formed the comedy
duo Los Polivoces in 1960, debuting at the Teatro Ideal. Their unique brand of humor, with voice
imitations and absurd characters, made them hugely popular on Mexican TV in the
1960s and 70s.
- Music and Satire
Apart from
comedy sketches, Los Polivoces also made parody songs. They used music
in their comedy, often mimicking popular musical genres and styles of the 60s
and 70s. Their songs sold well, showing that their humor wasn’t just verbal but
also musical.
- Separation and Reunion
The comedy
duo eventually split in the mid-1970s. However, they reconciled later and even
appeared together again (for example, in commercials) before Cuenca’s death.
- Life-or-Death Incident (1998)
In 1998,
Manzano was involved in a serious real-life incident: he surprised three
robbers who were assaulting someone. According to reports, he confronted them
with a gun, and in the confrontation, one of the attackers was killed. Manzano
himself was shot during this incident. He was taken to the Red Cross hospital
and was reported “out of danger,” but was later questioned about the use of a
military-grade firearm. This shootout
incident reveals a different, more dramatic side of his life — he wasn’t
just on-stage humor, but also faced real danger off-stage.
- Health Struggles
In 2021, at
age 82, Manzano was hospitalized because of a severe bile (gallbladder)
infection. This health issue worried his fans, but he recovered and
continued working. Near the end of his life, he faced further health decline,
reportedly with complications involving his colon and intestines. His health
challenges in life and his continued work in Una Familia de Diez
underline his dedication to comedy and performing even in difficult
times.
- Late-Career Resurgence
In 2007,
Manzano joined the hit TV sitcom “Una Familia de Diez”, playing Don
Arnoldo López, a grandfather figure. He appeared in over 130 episodes
of that show, bringing his classic comedic touch to a whole new generation.
- Legacy in Print / Comics
The
popularity of his characters was so great that in the 1970s, Los Polivoces
launched a comic-book series, featuring characters like Gordolfo Gelatino,
Chano and Chon, Don Pasiflorino, and more. This move into comics shows how
deeply his comedy penetrated Mexican pop culture.
These moments show how
versatile Manzano was — not just a comedian, but a voice imitator, actor,
singer, and even an administrator.
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