Alexis Valdés Bids an Emotional Farewell to José Téllez, "El Chico Bombón": "I Love You, Brother"

The well-known Cuban actor and comedian, Alexis Valdés, paid a heartfelt tribute to his dear friend and fellow artist, José Ricardo Téllez Fernández, famously known as "El Chico Bombón," following his sudden passing. The touching farewell was shared on social media alongside images capturing pivotal moments from both his professional and personal life, particularly highlighting their collaboration in the film Un Rey en La Habana, where they portrayed two brothers.

Valdés reminisced about the years of friendship that bonded them since childhood in their neighborhood, tracing Téllez's journey from his early days on Cuban television to his success as a comedian and their shared experience in the popular movie that transformed both their lives. "I met you as a child, in the neighborhood, riding that bike they told you to pedal constantly to grow. You were my mother's student, my sister’s classmate, the peculiar guy from the neighborhood," Valdés expressed. With a nostalgic tone, he recounted how Un Rey en La Habana not only reunited them but also allowed them to share tours and joys in Spain.

Valdés's message also conveyed his gratitude towards Téllez for his kind nature, generosity, and unique charm. "You were always generous, easygoing, charming, respectful, decent. Everyone on the film crew loved you," he stated. However, he deeply regretted not having the chance to work with him again on the planned sequel of Un Rey en La Habana.

"José. The champion. The best of all. The most noble. The one who always laughed and was always liked," Valdés continued. "I met you as a child, in the neighborhood, riding that bike they told you to pedal constantly to grow. You were my mother's student, my sister’s classmate, the peculiar guy from the neighborhood. The one who was small but never backed down. You didn't let anyone bully you."

He recalled leaving Cuba for Spain, returning to Havana to do a TV show which became Téllez's first television experience, inviting him to join. After nearly a decade apart, Valdés wrote a film script that unknowingly would bring them back together. "It was a miracle," he said. Discussing the script with actor Antonio Arroyo in Santiago de Chile, Arroyo asked, "Who will play the brother?" When Valdés mentioned he hadn't decided, Arroyo suggested, "What about that little black guy, your friend?" The idea brought clarity and, with Téllez's presence and unique grace, the movie was enhanced.

They became the Kings of Havana, traveling across Spain showcasing the film and sharing countless laughs. "How could I not thank you, brother?" Valdés remarked. "You were always generous, easygoing, charming, respectful, decent. Everyone on the film crew loved you, both Cubans and Spaniards. You were so happy in Spain, starring in a movie. It was an immense pleasure to give you that opportunity."

After returning to Cuba, Valdés moved to Miami, launching his first show. For the second, he attempted to bring Téllez along, but plans fell through. "This year, we had planned to make the second part of Un Rey en La Habana by any means necessary... It's such a shame not to have you around longer in this physical and sometimes harsh life. But I know you remain in spirit. We don't die; we transition to a different state where we are only souls. To your beautiful soul, I send an eternal hug. I love you."

José Téllez was discovered deceased in his Miami apartment last Wednesday night at the age of 56. The news was confirmed by his close friends, who also shared their sorrow on social media. Authorities are investigating the cause of his death.

With this loss, the Cuban artistic community bids farewell to a remarkable comedian whose presence and talent left an indelible mark on both film and television. Valdés concluded his message with a poignant tribute: "To your beautiful soul, I send an eternal hug. I love you."

The legacy of "El Chico Bombón" will live on in the memories of those who enjoyed his art and cherished him as an incomparable friend.