Chelsea Handler’s former TV sidekick Chuy Bravo has died at the age of 63, his family confirmed on Sunday.
Chuy Bravo who was best known for his many appearances on “Chelsea Lately” passed away Sunday, according to his family.
Although no details were given as to the cause of death, the Mexican-American, Bravo Chuy was said to have been hospitalized on Saturday in Mexico City, where he’s been visiting family for the past month.
His family members say he came down with a terrible stomach ache Saturday and had to be rushed to an emergency room in town, where he stayed overnight. On Sunday, the family says they were told Chuy had passed away, TMZ reports.
The news comes only a week after the comedian wished him a happy birthday via instagram on Dec. 7. “Happy Birthday to my OG Nugget @chuybravo,” she posted, referencing her longtime nickname for him. “I love this picture because–not only does it look like Chuy just launched out of my peekachu, I look like a member of ZZ Top. Happy birthday Chuy, and thank you for 8 years of heavy petting,” she also added.
Chuy was born Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, Mexico on December 7, 1956. His birth name was Jesus Melgoza, and he came from a big family being the youngest of seven. The family packed and moved to the Los Angeles area when Chuy was 15, settling in the San Fernando Valley. He later graduated from Sylmar High School, then started pursuing a career in acting.
His big break came from Chelsea, who featured Chuy for 7 years on her own E! show from 2007 to 2014, during which time he served as her “sidekick” and general hype man. Chuy starred in over 1,000 episodes of “Chelsea Lately.”
He also starred in films such as “The Rundown,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” “The Honeymooners,” “The Sex Trip” and “Tiptoes,” among others.