Aguirre Ruben is a name that brings smiles to millions of people across Latin America and beyond. Best remembered for his role as Professor Jirafales in the classic comedy show El Chavo del Ocho, he became a cultural icon for more than one generation. His tall figure, kind voice, and gentle humor made him stand out in a cast full of unforgettable characters.
Born in Saltillo, Mexico, Aguirre Ruben lived a life that blended both comedy and humanity. He wasn’t just an actor on the screen but also a person who carried warmth into the lives of his fans. Even years after his passing, his legacy continues through reruns of the shows he starred in and the fond memories shared by audiences.
Who is Aguirre Ruben
Aguirre Ruben, whose full name was Rubén Aguirre Fuentes, was one of Mexico’s most loved actors and comedians. His role in El Chavo del Ocho as the tall, kind-hearted schoolteacher “Profesor Jirafales” made him a household name. This character became a symbol of patience, discipline, and humor all at once. For many children growing up in the 1970s, 1980s, and even later, he was the teacher everyone wished they had.
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He wasn’t only part of El Chavo del Ocho. Aguirre Ruben also appeared in other shows created by Roberto Gómez Bolaños, like El Chapulín Colorado. Even if his roles there were smaller, his presence added charm and comedy to the screen. Over time, he became closely tied to the golden age of Mexican television.
Bio/Wiki of Aguirre Ruben
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rubén Aguirre Fuentes |
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1934 |
| Age (at Death) | 82 years old |
| Date of Death | June 17, 2016 |
| Place of Birth | Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico |
| Place of Death | Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico |
| Gender | Male |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Ethnicity | Hispanic / Latin American |
| Occupation | Actor, Comedian |
| Famous For | Playing Professor Jirafales in El Chavo del Ocho and roles in El Chapulín Colorado |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $1 million |
Real Name and Ethnicity
The real name of Aguirre Ruben was Rubén Aguirre Fuentes. While many people came to know him through his television characters, especially Professor Jirafales, his real name was tied to a proud Mexican heritage. Born in Saltillo, a city in northeastern Mexico, he grew up in a culture full of tradition, music, and storytelling. These roots would later influence his career in entertainment.
Aguirre Ruben was of Mexican ethnicity, and he always carried his cultural background with pride. His work in comedy reflected the everyday humor of Mexican life, which is why his shows felt so familiar and close to people. He didn’t just act; he represented a culture through his performances, making audiences feel connected to their own families and communities.
Mother, Father, and Sibling Information
Family life played a big role in shaping Aguirre Ruben’s personality. He was born on June 15, 1934, in Saltillo, Mexico, into a supportive and traditional Mexican household. While his parents’ names are not widely mentioned in public records, it is clear that his upbringing gave him the values of respect, discipline, and kindness that later defined his acting career.
Like many children growing up in Mexico during that time, Aguirre Ruben likely had strong connections with both his parents and extended family. Family gatherings, traditions, and cultural celebrations would have influenced the way he saw the world. These experiences also gave him the warmth and humor that he carried onto television screens.
Girlfriend/ Wife
When it comes to love, Aguirre Ruben shared a lasting and meaningful marriage. He married Consuelo de los Reyes in 1960, and their relationship stood the test of time. They were together for more than 50 years until his passing in 2016, which shows the strength of their bond and commitment.
Unlike many in the entertainment industry who face constant rumors, Aguirre Ruben kept his personal life private and respectful. He and his wife built a family together and raised children, creating a stable environment away from the spotlight. Their marriage was a big part of his happiness and support system.
Age, Height, Weight, Date of Birth and Figure
Aguirre Ruben was born on June 15, 1934, and he lived a long and full life before passing away on June 17, 2016, just two days after his 82nd birthday. Over those years, he left behind a legacy that continues to be remembered today.
One of the things that made him stand out on screen was his impressive height. Aguirre Ruben was 1.96 meters tall (about 6 feet 5 inches), which made him instantly noticeable whenever he appeared. This tall figure became part of his identity as Professor Jirafales, the teacher towering over his students with gentle authority.
Popularity and Its Reason
Aguirre Ruben became popular because of his role as Professor Jirafales in El Chavo del Ocho. The show itself was already a huge success across Latin America, and his character quickly stood out. Viewers loved the way he mixed seriousness with gentle humor. He looked strict as a teacher but always carried kindness in his heart, which made children and adults connect with him.
His tall height also gave him a unique presence. Whenever he appeared on the screen, people immediately noticed him. But more than looks, it was his ability to deliver humor in a respectful, soft-spoken way that made him unforgettable. Unlike louder characters in the show, Aguirre Ruben’s comedy style was more subtle, and that balance gave the program depth.
Career
The career of Aguirre Ruben spanned decades, but his greatest fame came from working with Roberto Gómez Bolaños, better known as “Chespirito.” In the 1970s, Aguirre Ruben joined El Chavo del Ocho, where he played Professor Jirafales, the teacher who always arrived with flowers and patience. The role became his lifelong identity and made him a household name in many countries.
Before fame, Aguirre Ruben studied agricultural engineering. However, destiny guided him toward television, first through smaller roles and later through the Chespirito comedy shows. His decision to move into acting proved to be one of the most important choices of his life, as it gave him international recognition.
Net Worth
When discussing Aguirre Ruben’s financial status, it’s important to remember that television actors in Mexico during the 1970s and 1980s did not always earn the huge salaries seen in Hollywood. Still, thanks to his long-running role in El Chavo del Ocho and appearances in other shows, he was able to build a comfortable life for himself and his family.
Estimates of Aguirre Ruben’s net worth vary, but it is generally placed at around $1 million at the time of his passing. This amount reflects both his acting career and the continued popularity of the shows he worked on. Even today, reruns of El Chavo del Ocho are broadcast in many countries, keeping his image alive.
Nationality and Religion
Aguirre Ruben was proudly Mexican. Born in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico, on June 15, 1934, he carried his national identity everywhere he went. His work in El Chavo del Ocho and other television shows reflected not only humor but also elements of everyday Mexican culture. This made audiences feel like they were watching their own neighbors, teachers, and friends on screen.
His nationality also gave him international recognition. Viewers across Latin America and even in countries outside the region came to love Mexican comedy through Aguirre Ruben’s work. He helped carry the charm of Mexican television far beyond its borders. In this way, he became a cultural ambassador without even trying.
Next Steps and Goals
Throughout his life, Aguirre Ruben set goals that went beyond acting. While he became famous as Professor Jirafales, he never limited himself to just that role. He wanted to entertain people but also inspire them with positive values. His character was not only funny but also respectful, showing children and adults alike how important patience and kindness can be.
In his later years, Aguirre Ruben aimed to continue being part of Mexican entertainment, even when his health started to decline. He gave interviews, attended events, and shared stories about his time on El Chavo del Ocho. His goal was always to remind people of the joy that television could bring.
Hobbies
- Spending time with his wife and children
- Attending cultural events in Mexico
- Reading books and learning new things
- Sharing memories and stories with friends
- Traveling to different parts of Mexico when possible
- Relaxing at home away from the spotlight
Interesting Facts About Aguirre Ruben
- Aguirre Ruben studied agricultural engineering before becoming an actor.
- He didn’t start his career in comedy—he first worked in television production.
- He was close friends with Chespirito (Roberto Gómez Bolaños), the creator of El Chavo del Ocho.
- His character, Professor Jirafales, became one of the most loved teachers in Latin America.
- He spent more than 50 years married to his wife, Consuelo de los Reyes.
- Even after fame, he preferred a quiet and family-centered life.
- Fans across the world still celebrate his birthday every year.
FAQs About Aguirre Ruben
Who was Aguirre Ruben?
Aguirre Ruben was a Mexican actor best known for playing Professor Jirafales in El Chavo del Ocho.
When was Aguirre Ruben born?
He was born on June 15, 1934, in Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico.
When did Aguirre Ruben die?
He passed away on June 17, 2016, in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, at the age of 82.
What was Aguirre Ruben’s height?
He was very tall—about 1.96 meters (6 feet 5 inches).
Who was Aguirre Ruben’s wife?
He was married to Consuelo de los Reyes from 1960 until his passing in 2016.
Did Aguirre Ruben have children?
Yes, he had children, including Verónica Aguirre and Arturo Aguirre.
What made Aguirre Ruben popular?
His role as the kind and funny teacher Professor Jirafales made him famous in Mexico and beyond.
Did Aguirre Ruben act in shows other than El Chavo del Ocho?
Yes, he also appeared in El Chapulín Colorado and other television programs created by Chespirito.
Conclusion
Aguirre Ruben was more than just an actor—he was a symbol of joy for millions of people. His character, Professor Jirafales, is remembered for kindness, humor, and patience. These qualities made him a role model not only on screen but also in real life.
From his early years in Saltillo to becoming one of the most loved faces on Latin American television, Aguirre Ruben showed how passion and talent can touch lives. His career, his family life, and his simple joys created a story that still inspires people today.
