Chelsea Handler’s late-night sidekick Chuy Bravo passes away ‘suddenly’ at the age of 63
- The Mexican-American actor’s cause of death is unknown
- Bravo rose to fame as Handler’s sidekick on Chelsea Lately, where he appeared from 2007 to 2014
- He was a survivor of prostate cancer
- Handler honored Chuy for his birthday just weeks ago, calling him her ‘OG Nugget’
- Chuy was born Jesus Melgoza in Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, Mexico in 1957
- His film credits include 2005’s The Honeymooners and 2007’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End
- Bravo was a philanthropist, starting the Little Nugget Foundation in his hometown
- He founded the Bravo Academy to support Latinx people in entertainment
- The talent was also the face of Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant
Chelsea Handler’s right hand man Chuy Bravo has passed away at the age of 63.
The actor passed away ‘suddenly’ on Saturday night, according to Entertainment Tonight. No further details were offered.
Chuy rose to prominence on Handler’s late night show Chelsea Lately, where he appeared from 2007 to 2014.
Big loss: Chelsea Handler’s right hand man Chuy Bravo has passed away at the age of 63
Though there were few details about his death, Chuy has struggled with his health in the past.
In 2012 the 4foot3 funnyman revealed that he had survived prostate cancer to Latina Magazine. Luckily, a quick diagnosis and swift treatment quelled the disease.
This death will surely weigh heavy on Handler. Just last week, Chelsea honored Chuy on Instagram for his birthday.
Taking to social media December, the comic wrote: ‘Happy Birthday to my OG Nugget @chuybravo.’
Unexpected: Chuy passed away ‘suddenly’ according to sources. A cause of death has not been revealed. He’s seen in 2016 above
Short and sweet: Just last week, Chelsea honored Chuy on Instagram for his birthday, writing ‘Happy Birthday to my OG Nugget @chuybravo.’
‘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.’
Chuy – born Jesus Melgoza in Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, Mexico in 1957 – was the youngest of seven children.
Bravo’s family immigrated to the states in 1971, settling in California’s San Fernando Valley and later graduating from Sylmar High School.
He began acting in the early 90s and by the 2000s his career had blossomed into a string of solid gigs, leading to the 2005 film The Honeymooners as well at 2007’s Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.
Early days: Chuy – born Jesus Melgoza in Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, Mexico, – was the youngest of seven children, moving to the US in 1971. He’s seen back in June above
He was also a contestant on the 2013 celebrity diving competition Splash, which aired for one season on ABC.
In addition to his time on screen, he was the face of Chuy’s Tex-Mex restaurant, which has 102 locations throughout the US.
He was also a philanthropist.
Bravo started the Little Nugget Foundation in his hometown of Tangancicuaro to provide food and clothing for those struggling with alcoholism.
Giving back: Also a philanthropist, Bravo (above 2018) started the Little Nugget Foundation in his hometown of Tangancicuaro as well at the Bravo Academy to support Latinx people in entertainment
He had previously opened up about his own struggles with substances.
‘I have been through a lot in my life, but I’ve overcome my struggles and now I’m finally living my life,’ he told Latina in 2012.
Chuy was also focused on helping Latinx people with their show business careers, starting the Bravo Academy in LA around 2015.
He will be missed by family and friends in the entertainment community.
Living it up: ‘I have been through a lot in my life, but I’ve overcome my struggles and now I’m finally living my life,’ he told Latina in 2012. Pictured with Handler in 2011 above