Cantinflas was a prolific and productive Mexican comedian/producer/writer/singer. He was married to Valentina Ivanova from 1936 until her death. He appeared in more than 55 films, including (as Passepartoute) Around the World in Eighty Days.


Despite the fact that Cantinflas died a millionaire several times over, and was one of the biggest stars ever in Spanish language films, he never forgot where he came from. Much of his money was given over to charitable work, including high-quality, low-income housing for Mexico City's poor. When he died, he was hailed as a national hero, and a protracted period of official mourning followed. Was once described as "the world's greatest comedian" by none other than Charles Chaplin. He is responsible for more than one word that is in the modern Spanish language dictionary, including the verb "Cantinflear," which roughly means to talk a lot but say nothing of substance.