Mandolino

Armando Navarrete Navarrete (February 28, 1934 – May 14, 2014), better known as Mandolino, was a Chilean actor, singer and comedian. He was known in the United States, Chile, and in the rest of Latin America for his comedy sketches with Don Francisco on Sabado Gigante (Sabados Gigantes in Chile). Navarrete began his show business career as a singer in the Chilean musical group .

Early life Navarrete was born in Concepcion, Chile.

Entertainment career Navarrete first started out as a singer, joining Los Flamingos when the group was formed in 1955. were one of the first rock music bands in Chile; they moved to Argentina in 1959 to expand their fame, and returned to Chile in 1962 to host a television show named De Fiesta Con Los Flamingos, (Partying With Los Flamingos) co-hosted also by Enrique Maluenda. including after its move to the United States for Univisión.

Navarrete's Mandolino character was inspired by Martin and Lewis. He consulted Cantinflas for advice, who suggested to him that Mandolino wear loose pants on his sketches.

The Mandolino became popular in Chile and in the rest of Latin America. When, on April 12, 1986, Sabado Gigante began to be broadcast in the United States live from Miami on Univisión, Navarrete moved there. He remained on the show until 1991, when he was fired as a result of a fight between him and Kreutzberger.

Later life In 2011, Navarrete moved to Honduras along with his daughter Lidia. Navarrete began hosting a show there on Television Educativa Nacional called La Hora de Mandolino.

Death On May 14, 2014, Navarro died in Tegucigalpa from a heart attack in his sleep.