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.

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, Junior Editor

Kenia Ortiz is a Junior at Hoover High School. 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. Outside school, Kenia spends her days listening to music, watching movies, and taking long walks. The Weeknd, Giveon, and The Internet band are her top artists. She’ll never tire of rewatching her favorite childhood movies, Madagascar and Cars. Her favorite meal is chicken alfredo and pink lemonade for any occasion. She despises slow walkers and loud talkers. She could come off as dull, but in all reality, she’s a tranquil and non-judgmental being who cherishes laughs and the petite things in life. She enjoys her independent time as an introvert although, pushes to be more out there by being additionally involved with the school. Kenia is part of Cardinals Interact, where they support their Cardinal family in every way possible. She plans to join clubs such as IMIN and Key Club. She adores the work of expressing her lens of the world through writing, especially with the opportunities her yearbook class brings. She aspires to graduate here at Hoover High, as it is traditional in her family, and at least four years in college, preferably SDSU, where she will strive for a career in the photography industry. Her biggest motivation is to be the first of her three siblings to attend and complete college for her mom, who she looks up to. Kenia desires improvement within herself, to acquire her full potential, and to find self-love for who she is. She truly believes the world could be better if we held love and basic respect for one another as a family. Today, she aims daily to own up to her beliefs, not only with care and love for her peers but understanding them as well.