The entertainment world is in mourning as the beloved Mexican comedian and actor Eduardo Manzano — affectionately known as “El Polivoz” — has died at the age of 87. According to reports, Manzano passed away on December 4, 2025; the news was publicly confirmed by his son, who paid tribute to his father’s immense legacy in comedy, television and film.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Manzano’s son described his father as “a comediante querido por miles y un ser humano admirado por todos” — a beloved comedian for thousands and a human being admired by all. El País The outpouring of condolences from colleagues, fans, and current entertainers underscored just how deeply his humor, warmth, and talent resonated across generations.
Born July 18, 1938, in Mexico City, Manzano enjoyed a career that spanned more than six decades, earning a lasting place in Latin American pop culture. He rose to fame as part of the iconic comedic duo Los Polivoces, alongside fellow comedian Enrique Cuenca. Their variety-sketch comedy show, which debuted in the late 1960s, became a cultural institution. Through a menagerie of recurring characters, catchphrases and humorous takes on everyday life, Los Polivoces offered sharp social satire and boundless laughter — long before the streaming era. Wikipedia+1
Manzano was celebrated for his comedic versatility. Nicknamed “El Polivoz,” meaning “the many-voiced one,” he could switch voices, accents, ages, and personalities — moving effortlessly from pompous officials to bumbling romantics. That chameleon-like talent made his characters unforgettable. Archival footage of performances still circulates, and for many, those early sketches remain iconic staples of Mexican comedy.
After the peak of Los Polivoces, Manzano continued to reinvent himself. In the 2000s and beyond, he reached a new generation through television; most prominently, he appeared in the long-running sitcom Una Familia de Diez, where he played Don Arnoldo López, the lovable — if occasionally exasperating — grandfather. The show, beloved for its family-friendly humor and relatable domestic chaos, introduced Manzano to younger viewers and made him a familiar face once more.
His film career also featured roles in projects such as La hija de Moctezuma (2014), among others, demonstrating his ability to navigate between genres and mediums with ease. Over the years, he remained a consistent presence in Mexican entertainment, even as tastes and industry standards shifted dramatically.
In July 2025, rumors began circulating on social media that Eduardo Manzano had died — but his son refuted those claims. The confusion arose from online speculation after Manzano experienced health challenges some years earlier. In a video message posted publicly, his son affirmed that his father was alive at the time, calling reports of his death “completely false.” That dismissal brought relief to many fans — but just months later, the real news arrived.
The timing of the public confirmation of his passing has sparked renewed reflection on Manzano’s life and career. For decades, he entertained generations of families on television sets, stages and cinemas. His humor wasn’t just about punchlines — it was about connecting, reflecting everyday life, and offering laughter that could transcend social divides.
Among his fans and peers, memories are already emerging. Many highlight not only his comedic skill, but also his kindness off-screen: stories of mentorship, generosity toward younger performers, and his readiness to share advice and support. Interviewers and colleagues repeatedly emphasized his humility — a rare quality in a profession known for glamor and ego.
In the age of streaming reboots and digital archives, there is solace in knowing that Manzano’s work will remain accessible. Whether through reruns of Una Familia de Diez, clips of Los Polivoces sketches, or his film appearances, new fans will discover his talent, and old fans will revisit cherished memories. His impact will likely continue far into the future, preserved not just in media, but in the laughter of people who grew up watching him.
For many in the United States — especially Spanish-speaking communities or fans of Latin American television — the news of Eduardo Manzano’s death crosses borders. It serves as a reminder of how entertainment can bind cultures, generations and languages, even when miles apart.
As family, colleagues and fans mourn, they also celebrate a life dedicated to bringing joy and laughter. The curtain may have closed on Eduardo Manzano’s final act, but in every giggle, in every quote, in every rerun, “El Polivoz” will be remembered.
