Julio Frade

Julio César Frade Pintos (3 November 1943 – 19 September 2025) was a Uruguayan pianist, comedian, actor, and broadcaster. One of the most recognized figures in Uruguayan culture and entertainment, his career spanned almost seven decades. He was part of television programs such as Telecataplúm, Comicolor, Hupumorpo, Hiperhumor, and Decalegrón. Alongside colleagues like Ricardo Espalter, Enrique Almada, Berugo Carámbula, and Eduardo D'Angelo, he was considered one of the last exponents of Uruguay's "golden generation" of comedy.

Frade pursued a parallel career in music, performing with Astor Piazzolla in 1982, directing orchestras, and representing Uruguay in 26 editions of the OTI Festival. He served as musical director of Uruguayan television channels, as director of Canal 5, and as general manager of Radio Carve and Radio Oriental. For four decades, he hosted the radio program Frade con permiso. In 2012, he was named Illustrious Citizen of Montevideo. Frade died in Montevideo on 19 September 2025.

Early life and education Frade was born in Montevideo in 1944. Frade began studying piano at age four, made his professional debut at 14 with the orchestra of the Embassy cabaret, and at 17 received a scholarship to study jazz in New York. Lodging with a local family who bought him a piano two weeks later, he joined his school's jazz band and immersed himself in the city's scene. In September 2024, he performed a concert at the Nelly Goitiño Auditorium to mark his 80th birthday.

Personal life and death Frade retired from public life in 2025 after leaving his long-running radio program Frade con permiso, following a career of more than sixty years.