A Pillar of Colombian Media
Colombian television is in mourning following the passing of Alfonso Lizarazo, an iconic figure whose career spanned over five decades and fundamentally shaped the nation’s entertainment landscape. Lizarazo, who was 87, died on Tuesday, August 4, in Barranquilla, where he had lived since retiring from public life.
Born in Bucaramanga, Lizarazo arrived in Bogotá at age 18 with aspirations that ranged from engineering to law. However, his trajectory shifted when he joined Caracol Television, initially working in the control room under general manager Julio Nieto Bernal. His transition to the microphone marked the start of a prolific career that included radio announcing and pivotal roles in the ‘Nueva Ola’ musical movement of the 1960s, where he helped launch the careers of artists like Ana y Jaime and Oscar Golden.
The Legacy of ‘Sabados Felices’
Lizarazo’s most enduring contribution to Colombian culture is the creation of the comedy program Sabados Felices in 1972. Serving as its director and host for over two decades, he turned the show into a national institution that has remained on the air for over 54 years. His work extended to other notable projects including Campeones de la Risa and Operacion Ja Ja, as well as the International Humor Festival.
Beyond his television success, Lizarazo was recognized for his philanthropic efforts. He spearheaded the campaign ‘Carry a Little School in Your Heart,’ which partnered with private companies to construct over 320 schools, libraries, and daycare centers across Colombia. During a 1994 tour for this initiative in Florida, Valle del Cauca, Lizarazo was kidnapped by an illegal armed group; he was released after five days in captivity, an event that highlighted the dangers faced by public figures in Colombia during that era.
Transition to Public Service
In 1998, Lizarazo stepped away from the entertainment industry to pursue a career in politics. Elected to the Senate of the Republic by popular vote, he served a legislative term until 2002. Following his time in government, he withdrew from the public eye, choosing to settle in Barranquilla. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the Colombian comedy community, with peers such as Carlos “El Mono” Sanchez and Pedro “Don Jediondo” Gonzalez praising his dual legacy as a pioneer of television and a dedicated social advocate.