On Friday, Roberto Gómez Bolaños, known for his iconic roles as El Chavo del 8 and El Chapulin Colorado, died of a heart attack in Cancun, Mexico at the age of 85.
The actor and director had been suffering from deteriorating health in recent years. Most recently in May, doctors had lost hope for a full recovery, according to Univision Noticias.
Bolaños was born in 1929 in Mexico City. He studied engineering at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) before dedicating himself full-time to writing scripts for television and film.
His popular sketch comedy show Chespirito debuted in 1968, that spawned his now famous characters like El Chavo and El Chapulin Colorado.
El Chavo del 8, his most famous show, lasted from 1971 to 1992. The show was a staple of Mexican television, and reached audiences throughout Latin America and the United States.
Twitter reacted to the news with sad and beautiful homages to someone who greatly impacted their childhoods.
Cartoonist Lalo Alcaraz shared this after his death.
Maria Antonieta de las Nieves, who played La Chilindrina on El Chavo del 8 said her heart is with him.
She wrote on Facebook:
Today, November 28, 2014, is a day that will touch the hearts of many generations – the death of Roberto Gomez Bolaños. Extraordinary comic, writer, actor, producer, and human being. Aside from the friction we had in the last years, which wasn't really with him, he was a great example, and a great friend...I send my deepest condolences to everyone, and everyone of his kids and family members... and his fans. My heart is with you. Thank you for all the laughs... for all the hours of team work... for being a great human being... you take with you a piece of my heart.