Chabelo, Mexican TV Icon, Comic, dead at 88

Chabelo is no more to entertain.

The family of "Chabelo," an actor, comedian, and producer, announced his passing on Saturday via his official Twitter account. He was 88.

“This is a very sad morning, Xavier Lopez Chabelo, father, brother, and husband, has left us suddenly due to abdominal complications,” the tweet reads.

For more than seven decades, "Chabelo," regarded as the "friend of all children," enjoyed a successful career on Mexican television. He appeared in about 30 movies and contributed to innumerable Television shows.

“With a broken soul and knowing that many people have loved him for many years and that they will feel his loss, we ask you to pray for his rest and allow us to mourn peacefully the grief that overwhelms our entire family,” the family said.

For nearly 48 years without interruption, Xavier López's weekly Sunday morning programme "En Family con Chabelo" attracted viewers.

In Mexico and South America, his character "Chabelo" became one of the most adored actors and a touchstone for many generations.

Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador posted a homage to the actor on Twitter following the death announcement.

“Hugs to family and friends for the death of Xavier López ‘Chabelo,’” he wrote.

“How can I forget that my eldest son woke up early to see him more than 40 years ago.”