TV personality Velasco dies
Actor remembered for Mexico's 'Siempre en Domingo'
More Articles:
Most Viewed:
'New Moon' crosses $200 million(4891 views)Invictus(2127 views)The costs of Hollywood spending(1759 views)Hollywood sea of change(1502 views)Pearce hops on to 'Hungry Rabbit Jumps'(677 views) |
Velasco, whose variety show has been compared to "The Ed Sullivan Show" in 1955-1971, was credited with launching many of Mexico's biggest pop stars to fame by having them appear on the show, which was broadcast from 1969 to 1998.
Announcers on the Televisa network, which broadcast "Siempre en Domingo," or "Always on Sunday," broke into coverage of a Sunday soccer game to lament Velasco's death.
On its Web site, the Televisa network posted an article saying Velasco died "surrounded by his family at his home, after an intense struggle against several illnesses."
"This closes a chapter in the history of Mexican television," the article stated.
Earlier this month, Velasco's son Arturo told local media that stomach problems had prevented Velasco from appearing at a ceremony in his honor sponsored by an entertainers' union.
But an homage to Velasco in October was attended by pop stars, including Alejandra Guzman and Puerto Rican singers Ricky Martin and Chayanne.
In 1998, a case of hepatitis forced Velasco to undergo a liver transplant, which local media said hastened the demise of his show.
Jovial in the show's earlier years, Velasco showed a more spiritual side in later broadcasts. He became known for his favorite phrase: "Aun hay mas," or "There's more to come."
In addition to his wife, he is survived by several children.
