The Mystery Behind the Death of the “Witch of 71”: The Real Story That Marked Two Actors from El Chavo del 8

The Death of Doña Clotilde

Real story of Angelines Fernández

Tragedy among El Chavo del 8 actors

El Chavo del 8 became one of the most influential television series in Latin America, with a success that crossed borders for decades.

Created by Roberto Gómez Bolaños—known worldwide as Chespirito—the production turned into a cultural phenomenon that shaped multiple generations.

Countries such as Chile, Argentina, and Brazil embraced the show as their own, airing episodes repeatedly for years and cementing its characters as part of popular culture.

However, behind the humor and nostalgia surrounding television’s most famous neighborhood, several personal stories of the actors ended up marked by illness and tragedy.

The Spanish Actress Who Became the Witch of 71

Angelines Fernández Death Story Marked Two Actors – Photo: Mezcalent

One of the most memorable characters in the series was Doña Clotilde, known among the neighbors as “La Bruja del 71” (The Witch of 71).

The actress behind the role was Angelines Fernández, a Spanish performer who built a long career in Mexico after leaving her homeland.

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Her full name was María de los Ángeles Fernández Abad, and her story began far from television studios.

After living through the turbulent years of the Spanish Civil War and the rise of Francisco Franco, she decided to leave Spain in 1947 to seek a new life in Mexico.

From the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema to Chespirito’s Neighborhood

Once settled in Mexico, Angelines Fernández found opportunities during the rise of the country’s film industry.

During that time, she appeared in productions from the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and shared credits with major figures in the industry.

She also worked in tele-theater productions and radio programs broadcast on the famous station XEW, one of the most influential media outlets of the era.

Her arrival to El Chavo del 8 happened thanks to the recommendation of Ramón Valdés, who portrayed Don Ramón and maintained a close friendship with her.

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The Character That Won Over Latin America

Angelines Fernández Death Story Marked Two Actors-Photo: Mezcalent

With her portrayal of Doña Clotilde, Angelines Fernández created one of the show’s most distinctive characters.

The woman hopelessly in love with Don Ramón—constantly teased by the children of the neighborhood—became an essential part of the show’s humor.

The success of the series took the cast across several Latin American countries, where audiences welcomed them as true celebrities.

But behind that international recognition, the actress was facing a health issue that would eventually become fatal, a central element in Angelines Fernández death story.

An Illness That Marked Several Actors

For years, Angelines Fernández had a strong smoking habit, something common in many artistic circles at the time.

According to various accounts shared over time, the actress frequently smoked both at home and during workdays.

Over the years, doctors warned her about the consequences this habit could have on her health.

Despite those warnings, the actress continued smoking and eventually developed lung cancer.

The Final Chapter of the Witch of 71

On March 25, 1994, Angelines Fernández died as a result of the disease, closing the life story of one of the most beloved figures in the cast.

Over time, stories also emerged about her final wish, which was connected to her friendship with Ramón Valdés.

According to accounts shared after her death, the actress asked to be buried near her dear co-star.

Both now rest at Mausoleos del Ángel cemetery in Mexico City, a place that has become a destination for fans of the show.

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The Parallel Story of Don Ramón

Angelines Fernández’s death also revived memories of another tragedy within the show’s cast.

Ramón Valdés died years earlier, in 1988, at the age of 64.

The actor passed away after battling stomach cancer, which had been detected in the early 1980s.

For years, some accounts linked his illness to his heavy smoking habit, which he reportedly maintained even during the show’s recordings.

The coincidence of both stories eventually fueled various theories among fans of the series, who remember how two of its most beloved characters remained connected—even after death.