Prominent Puerto Rican actor, comedian, and scriptwriter Pedro Juan Ríos, known for his appearances on various local comedy shows, passed away at 58. His legacy in the entertainment world is indisputable, with a career that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Francis Rosas, a fellow comedian and the host of “PR en vivo” on TeleOnce, was among the first to break the news on social media.
Fellow comedians mourn their loss
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Rosas penned, “Pedro Juan Ríos my brother. I still can’t believe you’re gone. There are so many moments that I have and will always cherish with you, like those epic scripts you wrote for decades for your colleagues across all TV channels in Puerto Rico. You were my mentor, close friend, and brother. I’m still selfishly questioning God as to why He took you. I need to accept that you’re at peace and no longer suffering. But there’s still this void, brother. I’ll miss you terribly, but I promise, Pedro, I will always carry you in my heart and thoughts. To all of Pedro’s friends and family, I embrace you all tightly. Pedro, I have faith we’ll meet again, brother. Thank you for existing in my life and for everything, brother, for everything we lived through, for how you welcomed me from day one, for all the lessons, for your big heart, and for your unique sense of humor. I love you, Pedrito.”
The grief was palpable among other figures in the television world. Jorge Castro, Carlos Merced, Herbert Cruz, Lizmarie Quintana, Jasond Calderón, Antonio Sánchez “El Gangster,” Raymond Arrieta, and many others expressed their condolences and shared fond memories of Ríos.
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A diverse career in comedy
Ríos had a multifaceted career, making significant contributions to Puerto Rican television. Beyond his renowned roles on “El Show de Raymond,” “El kiosko Budweiser,” and “Entrando por la cocina,” he worked for an impressive roster of media companies. He served as an executive producer for MegaTV, scene director and actor for Univision, had roles with the Puerto Rico Public Broadcasting Corporation (WIPR) SBS Telemundo, and was a scriptwriter and actor for Wapa Televisión.
In theater, he showcased his talent in productions like “Amor en la hamaca”, “No puedo más,” and the show “No Te Duermas: Una noche mas” at the Coliseo de Puerto Rico, José Miguel Agrelot.
Personal life and legacy
Beyond his professional achievements, Ríos also had a rich personal life. He was in a relationship with actress and host Noris Joffre, and they had two children together. The memories they created will undoubtedly serve as a testament to the kind of person he was – full of humor, warmth, and boundless creativity.
Pedro Juan Ríos’s passing leaves a void in the comedy world and the hearts of his family, friends, and countless fans. However, his personal and professional legacy will undoubtedly live on for generations to come.