Chabelo

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, every school day The Cardinal will feature a prominent and historical Hispanic American, living or dead, who has worked toward change, advancement, and/or world peace. Some of them are heroes, and some are unsung heroes, who deserve recognition, and have made a contribution to society.

Kenia Ortiz, Junior Editor

October 4, 2023

Xavier Lopez Rodriguez, also famously known as Chabelo, is a beloved Mexican television host and entertainer. He made the world a better place through his passionate career, bringing joy and laughter to generations of viewers.

Chabelo was born on February 17, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, and lived there before his family settled back in Mexico, in the city of León, Guanajuato. He started working as an assistant at the Televisa television network, sometimes filling in for actors, leading to the creation of the popular Chabelo. He met “Panseco y Gamboa,” who were well-known actors in Mexico and introduced Chabelo to the basics of the TV business. Xavier López became famous as Chabelo when he was hired as the Pepsi Cola spokesperson, touring North and South America. After his contract, he struggled to find work with his past partnership with Pepsi.

At the moment, his open choice was to take a low-paying job in New York City, touring the US for six months with Tongolele. Afterward, he negotiated a comeback to television with his daily half-hour show. He again played “Panchito” in Cantinflas’ film El Extra (1962). He started as a child actor, inspired by his adoration for performing. Chabelo recently passed away on March 25, 2023, but his TV show will continue to be a source of amusement for all, leaving each viewer with a smile in remembrance of him.

About the Contributor

Kenia Ortiz, Senior Editor

At first glance, Kenia could come off as dull, but in all reality a tranquil and loving senior at Hoover High who cherishes the petite things in life. As she wraps up her year as the class of 2025, she looks forward to attending Mesa or City Community College to study business and open a clothing boutique to share her adoration for fashion. Her main encouragement is to be the first of her siblings to attend college for her mom, who she looks up to for her sacrifices. Kenia desires to acquire her full potential and find self-love for who she is. From a young age, Kenia maintained a sensitive heart that values kindness. She truly believes the world could be better if we held respect and forgiveness for one another. She owns up to her beliefs, not only with love for her peers but keeping an open mind as it's everyone's first time living and she too makes mistakes. She was born at the spookiest yet coziest time of the year, October 6th. Like the season she was born in, the cold, crisp weather fall brings is her favorite. She enjoys her independent time as an introvert yet pushes to be more out there by carrying school spirit through ASB, yearbook, and the Cardinals Interact program. Kenia grew a love for teaching in fifth grade and decided to heal her inner child by volunteering to tutor students by taking a College Ed 100 class. She adores the work of expressing her lens of the world through writing, especially with the opportunities her yearbook class brings. Outside school, Kenia spends her days listening to music while reading, getting dolled up, and journaling or collaging her thoughts. What may catch you by surprise is her contrast from personality to her top artists Fetty Wap, Chris Travis, PARTYNEXTDOOR, and her odd addiction to gray leopard print and piercings.