Cantinflas

Cantinflas was one of the most popular entertainers in the history of Latin-American cinema. He was known for his comic character of a poor Mexican slum dweller, a pelado, who spoke in a fast and nonsensical way. He often used his humor to satirize social and political issues. He started his career as a dancer and a circus performer, and then moved to the theatre and the cinema. He starred in many successful films, both in Mexico and Hollywood, such as Ahí está el detalle (1940), Ni sangre, ni arena (1941), El padrecito (1964), and Around the World in 80 Days (1956), for which he won a Golden Globe Award. He was also a philanthropist and a supporter of labor unions. He died of lung cancer in 1993, at the age of 81. He is widely regarded as a cultural icon and a national hero in Mexico and other Latin American countries.