Beloved Mexican children's entertainer Xavier Lopez, 'Chabelo', passes away at 88

EL PASO, Texas (KDBC) — Mexican children's actor Xavier Lopez, otherwise known as "Chabelo," passed away in his home in Mexico Saturday morning at the age of 88.

Lopez has had more than 40 years of specializing in kids' programming in Mexico.

He was well known for his morning show, "En Familia con Chabelo" which ran from 1975 to 2015.

Xavier Lopez was born in Chicago, Illinois on February 17, 1935, before his family moved back to their home country of Mexico.

Lopez's character "Chabelo" would dress up like a child and often talk with a raspy voice while performing.

His iconic character was named after a joke Lopez told when he first started acting in a television program named "Carrusel" where "Tio Gamboin," the host, gave him his first break.

The Mexican President tweeted that his son would wake up early to watch Lopez's show.

He is survived by his wife and children.