The world of beloved TV shows often hides real-life dramas. For fans of “Chespirito,” the iconic Mexican comedian Roberto Gómez Bolaños, the backstage stories are as captivating as the sketches themselves. A significant piece of this history, a secret romance that bloomed during the peak of their fame, recently came to light again through old interviews.
Back in 2014, the late Rubén Aguirre, known affectionately as “Professor Jirafales,” spoke openly about a pivotal moment. He revealed exactly how and where the romantic connection between Roberto Gómez Bolaños and Florinda Meza first truly began. It’s a tale that adds a layer of complexity to their cherished legacy.
Roberto Gómez Bolaños, “Chespirito” himself, never hid that he had been unfaithful to his first wife, Graciela Fernández. Graciela once shared that Roberto told her his “quota for women was finished.” Florinda Meza, who would later become Chespirito’s wife, also mentioned that he “had many women” during his marriage to Graciela. She even recalled him comparing himself to a “donkey in spring” when talking about his youthful vigor.
According to Rubén Aguirre, speaking to reporter Gustavo Adolfo Infante, the turning point happened far from home. The cast was on tour in Chile when Roberto and Florinda shared their first kiss. They ended up spending the night in the same room. Aguirre recounted how each person had their own hotel room, but Roberto didn’t wake up in his own.
This dramatic twist is even being depicted in the new bioseries about Chespirito’s life. The show, titled ‘Sin Querer Queriendo,’ uses the name “Margarita Ruiz” instead of Florinda Meza for legal reasons. Its upcoming seventh episode is set to show this first romantic encounter between Gómez Bolaños and “Margarita.”
Ramón Valdés Stood His Ground
Rubén Aguirre remembered how this event shifted everything for the tight-knit cast. Their show was at the height of its fame in the 1970s. Roberto told the group what had happened. Aguirre noted that only Ramón Valdés, famous for playing “Don Ramón,” expressed any strong disapproval.
Chespirito tried to downplay it, saying he wasn’t hurting anyone. But Ramón Valdés challenged him directly. “Are you sure?” he asked, clearly thinking about Graciela, Roberto’s wife, and their children. Aguirre confirmed that Roberto and Graciela were not divorced at that time. Their separation would not happen until much later, in 1989. Rubén Aguirre himself passed away on June 17, 2016, at his home in Puerto Vallarta, at the age of 82.
A Surprising Call from Graciela Fernández
Florinda Meza has often faced public criticism. Many people blamed her for the end of Chespirito’s first marriage. The actress, now 76, once shared a surprising detail that brought her great comfort: a phone call she received from Graciela Fernández.
In an interview with journalist Adela Micha on the ‘La Saga’ podcast, Florinda revealed the conversation. Graciela told her, “Yes, I had a lot of anger, but my anger is not with you. It’s with him.” Florinda admitted she didn’t fully appreciate those words at the time. But over the years, she came to understand their true value. She said Graciela’s honesty “did her so much good” because it lifted a “great weight” from her shoulders. Florinda has often expressed confusion about why her relationship with Chespirito bothered so many people.
These personal stories remind us that behind the laughter and beloved characters, there were real people navigating complex lives and relationships.