The family of Roberto Gómez Bolaños, better known to the world as ‘Chespirito,’ has always lived under a spotlight. When it comes to Florinda Meza, the legendary comedian’s widow, their feelings are a mix of respect and distance. While some family members prefer to keep their thoughts private, others have shared their views openly.
‘Chespirito’s’ children saw their father’s marriage to Graciela Fernández end. Roberto Gómez Fernández, their youngest son, even recalled how his parents almost reconciled, but it never happened. Since Roberto Gómez Bolaños passed away, actress Florinda Meza has mostly kept her distance from his family. She says she still talks to Cecilia Fernández, ‘Chespirito’s’ eldest daughter. However, it is clear her relationship with the other children is not as close.
Florinda once told talk show host Pati Chapoy that people often thought Roberto Gómez Fernández and Paulina Gómez Fernández were her children with ‘Chespirito.’ This shows a perceived closeness. Yet, an old interview from Chile’s TVN channel, rediscovered online, reveals a different story. In 2004, Florinda reportedly called ‘Chespirito’s’ children “defects.” This comment, plus all the real and fictional tales from ‘Chespirito’s’ new TV show, might explain why the family keeps its distance now. This gap might be permanent.
What ‘Chespirito’s’ Children and Grandchildren Have Said About Florinda Meza
Roberto Gómez Fernández
Roberto Gómez Fernández is quite close to Florinda Meza. This is largely because he manages his father’s artistic legacy and inheritance, which also involves Florinda. He even credits her with helping bring his father’s shows back to Televisa.
In 2024, Roberto shared his appreciation. “She opened doors for me and welcomed me very well,” he said. “I thanked her, and I continue to thank her for what she did for me. In fact, I talk to Florinda often, I see her, and I really like it.”
Florinda, however, has been very critical of ‘Chespirito’s’ new TV show. Roberto Gómez Fernández and his sister, Paulina, produce the series. Florinda believes it is a “fictional melodrama,” not a true picture of her husband’s life. Roberto Gómez Fernández admits the show uses fiction to condense and tell the story better. Still, he says it is “very true” to reality.
Paulina Gómez Fernández
In 2017, Paulina Gómez Fernández spoke to ‘Suelta la Sopa’ on Telemundo. She explained that the link connecting them, her father, was gone. “I am not closed off, but I haven’t tried to talk to her either, because I don’t see a reason to,” she added.
Paulina also stressed that Florinda Meza has every right to sell or do whatever she wants with what she received from ‘Chespirito,’ including homes. “They are hers, and she is within her rights,” Paulina stated.
Regarding her parents’ divorce and any blame put on Florinda, Paulina was firm. She said “no woman would have ended a happy marriage.” She suggested that her parents’ relationship was likely already troubled before ‘Chespirito’ started dating Florinda. After the show ‘Chespirito, Sin Querer Queriendo’ aired, Paulina also thanked Florinda for the chances she got to work with her in television. “I learned a lot, she is a very talented woman,” Paulina shared.
Graciela and Cecilia Gómez Fernández
Both Graciela and Cecilia, ‘Chespirito’s’ daughters, also spoke about Florinda Meza before their father’s TV show came out. When a YouTube personality asked Graciela about the rumored disagreements with the actress, Graciela said she had “no idea” what they were.
Graciela also explained that they do not talk often because they live in different cities. “There is no problem, no conflict, just not a close relationship,” Graciela added. She finished by saying they were happy and lived a calm life. Her sister Cecilia agreed with this.
María Penella, ‘Chespirito’s’ Granddaughter
‘Chespirito’ had many grandchildren. Two of them, Andrés and María Penella, both children of Marcela Gómez Fernández, are becoming known in entertainment. María Penella, who works in theater, film, and TV, recently gave an interview on the podcast ‘Famosos Sin Censura.’ She said she feels affection for Florinda Meza, but it is not a family bond.
“Florinda is my grandfather’s wife, she is not my grandmother, and it was always like that,” María clarified. “We had that relationship with my grandmother (Graciela Fernández).”
The main reason for the distance between María and Florinda is simply a lack of communication. However, María is thankful for the love Florinda has shown them. She is also grateful for how Florinda took care of her grandfather in his final years. “Florinda was always very kind, truly,” Penella said. “I have affection for her. She took care of my grandfather for many years. I haven’t seen her in a couple of years now, but I always feel that gratitude for how much she cared for him.”
What ‘Chespirito’s’ children and grandchildren have shared shows there are no big fights or hard feelings. There are just stories from the past that cannot be changed. Most of them do not have much contact with Florinda Meza. Still, they respect her as a great actress and for her loving care of Gómez Bolaños until his very last breath.