The actor and comedian featured in Showmatch passed away this Tuesday after experiencing health issues
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This Tuesday morning, the Argentine entertainment world suffered a great loss: Salvador Maximino Ciliberto, better known as "Toti," passed away at 63 years old. A prominent actor and comedian from Showmatch, his departure marks the farewell to an irreplaceable humor that was a protagonist of Argentine television for years.
Larry de Clay and Pachu Peña expressed their sorrow on social media, bidding him farewell with deep words of affection and sadness. "I have no consolation. Fly high, brother. We will miss you all our lives," was the heartbreaking message from De Clay, who shared stages and laughter with him throughout his career.
The Last Goodbye to a Beloved Comedian
Ciliberto's face became synonymous with comedy and freshness on the small screen. Larry de Clay, visibly affected, recounted the process that led to his friend's passing. Despite having overcome a severe health crisis months ago, his health deteriorated rapidly in recent days.
Los sentidos mensajes por la partida de Ciliberto de sus colegas en redes sociales.
In the early hours of Monday, he suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest that cost him his life. The closeness he shared with Ciliberto, whom De Clay considered "my brother, the best friend of all," reflected the strong bond of friendship forged over years of work and shared laughter on Showmatch.
Pachu Peña also joined the expressions of grief on social media, acknowledging the void left by the departure of such a beloved colleague. The comedian's words demonstrate the deep respect and affection that existed among the coworkers, who, throughout their careers, experienced intense moments together both professionally and personally.
Marcelo Tinelli y Toti Ciliberto en Showmatch (Telefe).
Toti Ciliberto: a Comedian Who Fought His Demons
Ciliberto was known not only for his comedic talent but also for his courage in facing and overcoming various personal struggles. In September 2024, in an emotional interview, the comedian publicly revealed his drug addiction problems, especially cocaine, which marked a dark period in his life. Despite being at one of his best professional moments, the drug dependency led him through very difficult times. "I went through difficult times, where I had to do humor, illnesses of loved ones, like my mother dying, and me doing that. It was a complex thing for me," Ciliberto confessed, making clear the internal struggle he faced while maintaining his rising career.
Throughout his life, he also struggled with his relationship with food, which led him to undergo strict treatments to lose weight, managing to reduce 55 pounds. This part of his life was another demonstration of his ability to face obstacles and move forward despite personal difficulties. Ciliberto found important support in his environment, especially in his colleagues and friends, to overcome these challenges.
The Beginnings of a Comedy Icon
The origin of his passion for humor dates back to his youth. From a young age, Toti Ciliberto experienced bullying due to the marks that acne had left on his face. However, instead of giving up, he decided to make that situation his strength. He laughed at himself, and that self-critical and genuine humor became his personal trademark.
While working as a Physical Education teacher in San Martín, he began studying theater at the Parakultural, a key space for independent theater at the time. His life took a radical turn when, in 1992, he saw a casting call on television for Video Match, the program that Marcelo Tinelli would host. It was the beginning of a career that would lead him to become one of the most beloved and talented comedians on Argentine television.
In the program, Toti stood out with his character "Martín Fierro," a lovable gaucho who quickly won the audience's affection. His participation in Video Match marked the beginning of a career full of unforgettable moments, which solidified him as one of the most beloved figures in national humor.
Toti Ciliberto's departure represents not only the farewell to a great comedian but also the end of an era in which his unique style and human warmth conquered generations of Argentines. His legacy will endure in the laughter he left in every program and in the indelible mark he left on the hearts of all who knew and admired him.
