The death of Alfonso Lizarazo, confirmed last August 4, marked the end of one of the most influential careers in Colombian television. The creator, director, and first host of ‘Sábados Felices’ dedicated much of his life to consolidating the country’s longest-running comedy show and opening doors for dozens of comedians who, over the years, became national entertainment icons.
His passing also revived the memory of other figures who left an indelible mark on the show and who, although no longer with us, continue to be remembered by several generations. Comedians, actors, and hosts who made the country laugh for decades and whose legacy remains in the memory of Colombians.
Fabiola Posada
Also known as ‘La Gorda Fabiola’, she became one of the most emblematic figures of Sábados Felices thanks to the more than 20 years she spent on the show.
Her relatable humor and charisma earned her the affection of several generations of Colombians. Besides television, she was also a speaker and writer.
She passed away on September 19, 2024, at the age of 61, after facing a health complication associated with a bacteria that grew in her stomach.
Marcelino Rodríguez
Remembered by the public as ‘Mandíbula’, he was part of Sábados Felices for more than three decades, becoming one of the most recognized faces of the show thanks to his participation in dozens of comedic ‘sketches’.
In 2013, he stepped away from television after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and passed away on May 27, 2022, at the age of 71, after suffering health complications related to Covid-19.
Lucero Gómez
Colombian comedian and actress Lucero Gómez passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2020, at Méderi clinic, after undergoing umbilical hernia surgery.
In her artistic career, she worked in radio and acted in soap operas such as ‘Tentaciones’ and ‘Padres e Hijos’. Later, she joined the cast of ‘Sábados felices’, where she participated in various ‘sketches’ for over 20 years.
In most of her scenes, she was accompanied by ‘La Gorda Fabiola’, who at the time of her passing bid farewell to her friend with a photo on Instagram.
Leonardo Vargas
Better known as ‘Fatman’, he died in January 2020 due to a heart attack while watching the friendly match between América and Millonarios. The comedian was always remembered for his jokes that made fun of his physical appearance.
The news was confirmed by fellow comedian ‘Mono’ Sánchez via his Twitter (now X) account: “We just received sad news for comedy and storytelling (…) our buddy passed ahead of us.”
Jaime Santos
The Colombian artist became known for his character ‘Clímaco Urrutia’. He also had the opportunity to act in productions such as ‘El man es Germán’ and ‘La ley del corazón’.
He passed away in August 2019, at 78 years old, at Fundación Santa Fe due to a respiratory problem.
Jota Mario Valencia
The renowned host of ‘Muy buenos días’ passed away on June 6, 2019 due to a cerebral ischemia that turned into a hemorrhage.
Although he was not a comedian on ‘Sábados Felices’, he hosted the show from 1998 to 2003, after Alfonso Lizarazo’s spot was handed over to him.
Francisco Javier Fuentes
Known for his character ‘Pacho sin fortuna’, he managed to stay on the show after winning a contest organized by the program. He was on ‘Sábados felices’ from 2001 until his death.
He died in 2016 from a respiratory illness that sent him to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Enrique Colavizza
The comedian was part of the ‘Sábados Felices’ cast from 1976 to 2013, when he had to retire due to health reasons.
He died in an ICU at the Imbanaco clinic in Cali, at the age of 80.
Jaime ‘el Flaco’ Agudelo
He was one of the first people to be part of the ‘Sábados Felices’ cast.
‘Jaimito’ was one of the most representative characters, and his followers loved his humor and tenderness.
He left this world on November 21, 2009, due to respiratory problems.
‘El mocho’ Sánchez
Carlos Sánchez, also known as ‘El mocho’, was a comedian, scriptwriter, and musician who won the hearts of Colombians with his characters: ‘El Inspector’, ‘Ruanini’, ‘El Indio Goterero’, and ‘Doña Cleofe’.
He also appeared on Colombian comedy shows such as ‘Operación Ja Ja’ and ‘Campeones de la risa’.
His death was due to stomach cancer, at the end of 2005.
Pablo Pachón Ramírez
Alcance Digital Editorial Team
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