Popular Mexican Comedian Polo Polo Dies At 78

One of Mexico's most popular comedians “Polo Polo” died at the age of 78 on Monday, Jan. 23.

Popular Mexican comedian Leopoldo Roberto Garcia Pelaez Benitez, who performed as “Polo Polo,” who was known for his irreverent adult humor and live comedy albums, died at the age of 78 on Monday, Jan. 23. Polo Polo's death was announced through a social media post shared to his official Facebook page, CNN reported.

“PoloPolo died today. One of the greatest comedians in #Mexico and Latin America,” said the social media post, which was translated from Spanish to English.

The announcement social media post featured a photo of Polo Polo performing onstage.

“Thank you for so many moments, for so many smiles. We will carry you in our hearts always,” the post read.

Polo Polo’s son Paul García shared news of his father’s death with local outlets. He noted that his father died a “natural death” early Monday morning. Polo Polo also suffered from vascular dementia, a condition in which impaired blood flow to the brain causes brain damage that can lead to "problems with reasoning, planning, judgment, memory, and other thought processes."

Polo Polo, who was born in 1944, worked as a shoe-factory executive in Mexico City before he started his comedy career, USA Today reported.

Later, in the ‘70s, he began performing at small clubs and bars and made his way to theaters and venues, including Mexico’s Crown Plaza. He also recorded his routines and sold multiple live comedy albums, including “Viaje a España” and several self-titled volumes throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Polo Polo was also known for his adult-themed humor and use of double entendres.

In addition to stand-up, Polo Polo also appeared in several television and film projects. His film credits include “The Dairy of Zacarias,” “Solo para adúlteros” and “Crónicas chilangas,” and his television work includes “La escuelita VIP,” “¿Qué nos pasa?” and “Con ganas.” In “La Escuelita VIP” in 2004, he appeared in various episodes as himself.

According to García, his father spent his final days surrounded by his loved ones.

"He was always protected by his family. My sister was attentive to him all the time," García said in Spanish. "He never wanted to be placed in an institution. He always wanted us to take care of him."

"Everything we could do with him was done. Everything he wanted, he was able to achieve," García said. "His last wish was to be with (his family), and that’s how it was."