CNN
—
Mexican comedian Leopoldo Roberto Garcia Pelaez Benitez, who played the role of “Polo Polo”, died Monday, his family announced.
He was 78 years old.
His son, Paul Garcia, told Mexican broadcaster TV Azteca that his father suffered from vascular dementia and died of natural causes at his home.
Born in Leon, Guanajuato, Benitez rose to fame in the 1970s as one of Mexico’s most popular comedians.
Starting out in small Mexican clubs, Benitez eventually sold Mexico City’s largest venue, the Crown Plaza, according to a 2014 press release.
Benitez was known for his adult-themed jokes and Spanish puns, which were featured in dozens of albums the comedian recorded throughout the 2000s.
The comedian has also acted in several films and television series, including “La Escuelita VIP” in 2004 in which he appeared in various episodes as himself.
