One of Colombia’s most iconic TV personalities passed away Wednesday morning at the age of 81, according to a national radio station.
Fernando Gonzalez, commonly known as “Pachecho,” had been battling with pulmonary and respiratory problems for a number of years, eventually passing away in a private hospital in the Colombian capital of Bogota.
Gonzalez, born September 1932 in Valencia, Spain, moved to Colombia with his parents when he was four to escape the Spanish Civil War.
His first appearance on television came in 1957, and over an astonishing 57-year career in the Colombian spotlight, he became known for his sharpness and improvisational skills on camera, excelling as a presenter, actor, announcer and journalist.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos reacted to the news via his twitter account, saying,”we lost a great man and a great gentleman.”
Lamentamos de veras la muerte de ese gran personaje de la televisión que fue Pacheco. Se nos fue un gran hombre y un gran señor.
— Juan Manuel Santos (@JuanManSantos) February 12, 2014
Sources
- Falleció Fernando González Pacheco (Caracol)
