The entertainment world in Mexico mourns the departure of Ricardo de Pascual at 85 years of age, a key figure in national comedy and remembered for his multiple roles in Chespirito productions, after facing complications derived from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
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Career and legacy of a master of Mexican comedy
The National Association of Actors confirmed the death of the interpreter during the early hours of this Tuesday, April 21. With a career that exceeded four decades of uninterrupted validity, De Pascual established himself as an essential face in the collective imagination. His versatility allowed him to go from magazine theater to television productions with the highest audience in Latin America, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
The actor, born on August 21, 1940, is remembered with special affection for his participation in “El Chavo del 8”. In the emblematic neighborhood, he gave life to memorable characters such as Mr. Calvillo—that potential buyer of Mr. Barriga’s property—and Mr. Hurtado, the character responsible for the misunderstandings due to theft in the series. Likewise, his time in “El Chapulín Colorado” gave him the role of the Sleepy Dwarf, demonstrating a unique acting ability to integrate into the humorous universe of Roberto Gómez Bolaños.
The battle against COPD and the commitment to the profession
Despite the health challenges he faced, the actor’s determination to stay active was a constant until his last days. In recent testimony, De Pascual shared that his COPD diagnosis was a late consequence of two decades of heavy smoking during his youth. Although he had given up the habit 45 years ago, the disease manifested itself severely after contracting Covid-19, forcing him to depend on an oxygen tank for his daily activities.
In addition to respiratory conditions, the comedian was dealing with problems with his spine, heart and kidneys. However, his philosophy of life rejected retirement: work represented a vital driving force for him. His participation in the “Tomy Zombie” program in October 2025, where he played Grandpa Zeus alongside Andrea Torre, was one of his most recent appearances, confirming that his talent was still valid despite physical limitations.
The marriage that defied a terminal medical prognosis
Ricardo de Pascual’s personal life was marked by a story of improvement and affection that captured the public’s attention. After being diagnosed with a limited time to live by the medical team, the actor married Martha, a former nun with whom he had a dating relationship for 18 years. Their love story began through social networks, at a time when she had left her congregation after nine years of service due to her own health complications.
The formal union occurred under exceptional conditions: they were civilly married twelve years ago and subsequently celebrated their religious wedding remotely via Zoom during the 2021 pandemic. This bond not only represented critical emotional support, but coincided with a notable improvement in the stability of his health, allowing him to extend his lifespan far beyond what doctors had initially predicted.
Outstanding filmography and presence on contemporary television
Ricardo de Pascual’s presence on the small screen covered diverse genres, from white comedy to historical drama and youth soap operas. His resume includes titles of great relevance in the Televisa structure, such as:
- Educational and Children’s Productions: The treasure of knowledge, Bubble Odyssey and The Adventures of Capulina.
- Dramas and Soap Operas: Path of Glory, The Spring, Dreams and Candy and Chameleons.
- Contemporary Comedy: Neighbors and A Family of Ten.
- Unitary Formats: Woman, real life cases.
The actor’s departure leaves a void in the artistic community, where he is recognized not only for his acting technique, but for his resilience in the face of adversity. His remains are dismissed with the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of an audience that grew up watching his performances on Spanish-speaking television.
