Beloved Mexican television comedian Roberto Gomez Bolanos has died of heart failure in Cancun. He was 85.
The Hollywood Reporter confirmed the actor's Friday death.
Known throughout Latin America as Chespirito, Gomez Bolanos wrote and produced many of the shows he appeared in throughout a career that spanned six decades. He was best known for his roles in the Televisa series El Chavo del Ocho, El Chapulin Colorado and Chespirito, and his Red Grasshopper character reportedly was the inspiration for Bumblebee Man in the American animated series The Simpsons.
Gomez Bolanos is survived by his wife -- actress and producer Florinda Meza -- and six children from a previous marriage.
Fans, including Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto, have taken to Twitter to express their sorrow over the star's death and to thank him for the gift of laughter he so long bestowed upon them.
"Mexico has lost an icon whose work has transcended generations and borders," the president said.
#RIP to my best childhood comedian who taught us that is possible to make us laugh without being vulgar.
#Chespirito pic.twitter.com/O8rStVrYtV— She Wants Da Chorizo (@ShiWantsTheC) November 28, 2014
There goes my whole childhood .. RIP #Chespirito pic.twitter.com/WjeVACb37y" #Chespirito we always miss you— Ramon Vasquez (@RamonVasquez_) November 29, 2014
RIP #Chespirito. He made my family laugh all the time... pic.twitter.com/HhTVNEpxOv— Cristobal=) (@CCovarruvia) November 29, 2014