Roberto Gomez Bolanos dies; beloved Mexican comedian known as 'Chesperito' was 85

Roberto Gomez Bolanos, the iconic Mexican comedian who wrote and played the boy television character "El Chavo del Ocho" that defined a generation for millions of Latin American children, died Friday, the Televisa television network said. He was 85.

Known as "Chespirito," he changed comedy in Latin America, taking his inspiration from Laurel and Hardy as well as Mexico's other transcendent comedian who made it to Hollywood, Cantinflas. The cause of death was not announced.

His two most famous characters were "El Chavo del Ocho," who lived in the homes of Latin America and beyond with his barrel, freckles, striped shirt and frayed cap, and the naive superhero "El Chapulin Colorado," or "The Crimson Grasshopper." His morning show was a staple for preschoolers, much like "Captain Kangaroo" in the United States.

He warmed the hearts of millions with a clean comedy style far removed from the sexual innuendo and obscenity-laced jokes popular today. In a career that started in the 1950s, he wrote hundreds of television episodes, 20 films and theater productions that drew record-breaking audiences.

His prolific output earned him the nickname "Chespirito." It came from the Spanish phonetic pronunciation of Shakespeare -- "Chespir" -- combined with "ito," a diminutive commonly used in Mexico that seemed natural for Gomez Bolanos because of his short stature.

Born Feb. 21, 1929, he was dedicated to writing from a young age. He achieved smashing success in 1970 with the creation of "Chespirito," a television show that included segments about "The Crimson Grasshopper." The goofy superhero dressed in a red bodysuit and hood with antennae that helped him detect danger miles away.