# Argentine Comedian Jorge Montejo Dies at 68 in Tandil The actor famous for his iconic Paolo el Rockero character passes away from pneumonia. - **Source:** [Clarín](https://www.clarin.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/71bebec2-f740-4a15-9698-7cb81ac8909a ## Passing of an Icon Jorge Montejo, widely recognized for his comedic persona Paolo el Rockero, died Wednesday at age 68. He passed away at the Hospital Municipal Ramón Santamarina in Tandil, Argentina. Reports confirm he had been hospitalized suffering from pneumonia, marking the end of a career that defined Argentine humor for decades. ## Rise to Media Stardom Montejo achieved national fame during the 1980s through television appearances with Juan Alberto Badía. He became a household name on programs like Feliz Domingo, De carne somos, and VideoMatch. His disruptive, comedic style resonated with audiences, cementing his status as a prominent figure in the country's entertainment and television landscape. ## The Paolo el Rockero Persona The character Paolo el Rockero became iconic for his long hair, colorful headbands, and signature catchphrases like 'Uhhh, loco!' and '¿Entendés, chabón?'. This persona transitioned successfully from television to cinema, featuring prominently in the popular Bañeros film saga and Extermineitors, which solidified his lasting impact on Argentine pop culture history. ## Health Struggles and Recovery In his final years, Montejo faced significant health challenges, including psychiatric issues and a diagnosis of bipolar and manic-depressive disorder. In 2023, his son reported an incident where the actor escaped from a clinic. Despite these difficulties, he remained active in public discourse, sharing personal updates regarding his well-being. ## Battle Against Smoking Montejo openly documented his struggle with nicotine addiction on social media. In October 2024, he shared that he had quit smoking after decades of consuming 20 to 40 cigarettes daily. He noted significant physical improvements, including the cessation of a chronic, uncontrollable morning cough and increased stamina during daily activities. ## Final Years in Tandil The actor had returned to his hometown of Tandil in recent years to live under medical supervision. His death was confirmed by local outlets, including El Diario de Tandil, and later reported by national media figures. He spent his final period receiving care at the Hospital Municipal Ramón Santamarina before his passing. ## Cultural Legacy of Humor Montejo’s work represents a specific era of Argentine comedy that thrived in both cinemas and videoclubes during the 1980s and 1990s. His ability to blend character-driven humor with mainstream television formats allowed him to reach diverse generations, leaving a permanent mark on the collective memory of the Argentine viewing public. ## Reflecting on His Career Beyond the comedic catchphrases, Montejo’s life was characterized by a complex interplay between public success and private health battles. His journey from the stages of the 80s to his final days in Tandil highlights the human side of a performer who became an indelible part of the national entertainment identity. ## Sources covering this story - [Clarín — Actor Jorge Juan Montejo, Famous for 'Paolo el Rockero', Dies at 68](https://www.clarin.com/espectaculos/murio-68-anos-jorge-juan-montejo-actor-popularizo-personaje-paolo-rockero_0_NQgvrIsczq.html) - [La Nación — Comedian Jorge Montejo, Known as Paolo El Rockero, Dies at 68](https://www.lanacion.com.ar/espectaculos/murio-jorge-juan-montejo-el-recordado-paolo-el-rockero-nid12112026/) --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._