Legendary Mexican actor and comedian Héctor Suárez dies at age 81, family says

Suárez was the first Latin American comedian to be "roasted" by celebrity peers when Comedy Central Latin America brought the iconic "Roast" franchise to Mexico.
Image: Hector Suarez
Actor Hector Suarez speaks during a press conference at Angeles Hospital on Sept. 5, 2019 in Mexico City, Mexico.Eyepix Contributor / Sipa USA via AP

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By Nicole Acevedo

Héctor Suárez, one of Mexico's most legendary actors and comedians, died at age 81, his son said on social media Tuesday.

"For us, we're losing the father, the grandfather, the brother, the husband, and not the public figure that deserves all the recognition of the artistic family and the media," said Héctor Suárez Gomís, also an actor, wrote in an Instagram post.

View this post on Instagram

A los amigos, a los compañeros y a todos los medios de comunicación: Con profundo dolor, queremos compartir con ustedes el fallecimiento de Héctor Suárez Hernández. La familia Suárez, les pedimos que por favor comprendan este momento de gran tristeza que estamos viviendo y también esperamos que puedan respetar nuestro duelo. Para nosotros se va el papá, el abuelo, el hermano, el esposo y no la figura pública que merece todo el reconocimiento de la familia artística y los medios de comunicación. Dennos oportunidad de procesar este duelo y en unos días podremos conversar con ustedes. ¡Gracias! Descanse en paz, Héctor Suárez. Atentamente Su viuda, Zara Calderón. Sus hijos: Héctor Suárez Gomís, Julieta Suárez Gomís, Rodrigo Suárez Calderón e Isabella Suárez Calderón. Sus nietos: Paula Suárez Gomís, Ximena Suárez Palacio y Pablo Suárez Quiroz.

A post shared by Héctor Suárez Gomís (@pelongomis) on

Suárez became well-known for using his spontaneous, dark humor to create timely and relatable comedy sketches and political satires in television shows such as ¿Qué nos pasa? (What's happening to us?), while also being critical about societal issues.

"Rest in peace Héctor Suárez, one of the greats of comedy, political parody and Mexican television. Unforgettable its characters of "What's happening to us?" Hugs to your loved ones," Jenaro Villamil, president of the Mexico's public broadcasting system tweeted.

During this 60 years of career, Suárez also acted in many Mexican telenovelas, or soap operas, as well as films, earning him multiple awards — including three "Diosa de Plata" awards, a prestigious recognition given out by PECIME, Mexico's association of journalists and filmmakers.

Suárez became the first Latin American comedian to be "roasted" by celebrity peers when Comedy Central Latin America brought the iconic "Roast" franchise to Mexico for the first time in 2013.

In 2015, he was diagnosed with cancer on the bladder and for four years he underwent several surgeries to treat the disease.

In one of his last interviews, the actor stated that he was in good health and "eating well and thinking well" after suffering from colon problems. "I got sick from swallowing candy and a sip ... of wine," he said with his usual good humor.

Suárez's death comes weeks after debuting his iconic comedic style on the social media platform Tik Tok, with the help of Rodrigo Suárez Calderón, one of his four children.

In the last tweet he posted before passing away, Suárez said he was "keeping up with the times," and introducing his comedy to younger generations.

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Image: Nicole AcevedoNicole Acevedo

Nicole Acevedo is a reporter for NBC News Digital. She reports, writes and produces stories for NBC Latino and NBCNews.com.