Manolo Villaverde obit

Cuban actor Manolo Villaverde, the beloved Pepe in “What’s up USA?”, dies.

 

He was not on the list.

“

What’s happening USA?” It is considered the first bilingual sitcom on United States television.

LIMA, Peru – The renowned Cuban actor Manolo Villaverde died this Saturday, January 10 in Daytona Beach, in Florida, where he lived for years.

Born in 1934, Villaverde is especially remembered for his participation in the television program “What’s up USA?”, where he played the character of Pepe, the father of a family of Cuban exiles.

His role in the famous series, still revered four decades later for its imprint on Latino representation on the American small screen, contributed to its success.

Broadcast between 1977 and 1980, “What’s Up USA?” It is considered the first bilingual sitcom within the United States. It marked a milestone and showed how an immigrant family tried to maintain their roots and customs in a foreign country.

Pepe, the patriarch played by Villaverde, brought smiles not only in Miamibut around the North American giant, becoming one of the most memorable characters.

Although it was produced for local consumption in Miami, the 39-episode series ended up being broadcast in 144 cities in the United States and in numerous countries, including Ecuador, where it reached one of the top positions in audience levels.

Manolo Villaverde’s career also encompassed other media and roles. In the cinema he was part of the cast of films such as “The Night of the Hunter” and “Apache Ambush”, both from 1955.

Likewise, his time on the radio distinguished him for his work in the radio soap opera La Hora del Misterio and on the big screen he has accumulated dozens of credits in front of and behind the camera, due to his work in Latin dubbing.

Villaverde also lent his voice to animation in famous projects such as “The Flying House,” Adventures in Mississippi, and the popular anime Mazinger Z, in which he played Baron Ashler.

After his death, the fan page of the program “What’s up USA?” on Facebook published a heartfelt farewell in honor of the Cuban actor.

“Rest in peace Manolo Villaverde, our Pepe Peña – For all of us, he was not just a character: he was the Cuban father of all, guiding us with humor, love and wisdom –

Thank you,” says the text.

 

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