Chuy Bravo of ‘Chelsea Lately’ Dead at Age 63

Actor Chuy Bravo who appeared on the late show Chelsea Lately died on Dec. 15 at the age of 63. The Mexican TV personality had just celebrated a birthday on Dec. 7. Entertainment Tonight reports that Bravo, born Jesús Melgoza, died in Mexico City after experiencing stomach pains. He was taken to the ER and passed away, but the official cause of death was not released. ET also reports that Bravo was cremated at a service on Sunday in Mexico.

Bravo was notably remembered for being Chelsea Handler’s sidekick on her late-night show. Both comedians kept in touch after the show ended in 2014. The comedian paid tribute to Bravo on her Instagram, saying, “I loved this nugget in a big way, and I took great pleasure in how many people loved him as much as I did and do,” Handler wrote.

Chuy was consistently warm, friendly, and welcoming. I never heard him express even a hint of skepticism or negativity; not even a frown or an eyeroll. The guy always beamed. He was a genuine bright spot in everyone’s life. #RIPCHUY #ChuyBravo https://t.co/6aYPpoHPRH

— Ryan Stout (@StoutRyan) December 15, 2019

Handler recalled the funny things he would do and that she’ll remember him by. “@chuybravo gave us so much laughter, and I’ll never forget the sound of his laughter coming from his office into mine. Or his ‘business calls’ with his’ business manager,’ or his shoe rack with all his children-sized shoes. I’ll never forget him coming to Christmas with my family one year in the Florida keys, and when my niece, who was 5 or 6 at the time — saw him, she ran in the other direction saying she was scared. My sister and I were mortified and were apologizing to Chuy, who told us, ‘it’s ok, lots of little kids get scared when they see big kids coming their way.’ I love you, Chuy!”

Fans on social media also paid tribute to the comedian and posting their favorite memories about him. Courtney Goodstein tweeted, “I remember many years ago going to the Chelsea Lately show and being so stoked to have caught one of ‘Chuy’s balls.’ I stayed up many nights watching him on television and laughing. #chuybravo #rip.”

Royce Christyn tweeted, “So sad to hear about @ChuyBravo ’s passing. One of my first dates ever with Solly @Hemuss was to see a Chelsea Lately taping, and Solly and I were thrilled to get to spend a few minutes with Chuy after the taping. He was a genuinely awesome guy 💙 #ChuyBravo.”

So sad to hear about @ChuyBravo’s passing. One of my first dates ever with Solly @Hemuss was to see a Chelsea Lately taping and Solly and I were thrilled to get to spend a few minutes with Chuy after the taping. He was a genuinely awesome guy 💙 #ChuyBravo pic.twitter.com/jqryMpwqei

— Royce Christyn (@ChristynRoyce) December 15, 2019

Back in 2007, Handler said the best thing about doing her show, day after day, was working alongside Bravo. “The worst part of doing the show is that I have to work five days a week, which I’m not accustomed to. I’m a stand-up comedian, so I usually would work twice a week, and it’s for like, an hour. The best part is that Chuy and I get to spend every day together,” she shared. “I love him!”