Pipo (23)

(April 1, 1933 – February 6, 1998) Mexican Actor notable for playing a clown known as Pipo, locally dubbed "El Rey De Los Payasos" (King of the clowns). He hosted a children's show by the same name from 1964 until his death in 1998. His first role was a clown called "Canelita" in 1950, which he portrayed until 1961, when HX-TV bought the licensing rights to make the Mexican version of Bozo the Clown, a role José Marroquín fulfilled until his license expired in 1963. On January 20, 1964, the new character of Pipo was created. José Marroquín later created other characters for the show, most notably Profesor Pilocho (played by Carlos Torres), intended to be Pipo's guidance. The show aired for 34 years on XEFB-TV until February 6, 1998, when Jose Marroquin failed to show up on the set. When associates and friends arrived to Marroquin's home later that day they found he had died in his sleep. His death left a huge impact on the people of Monterrey, and many attended his funeral which got much TV coverage. In his honour, a street was named after him.