Cantinflas, born Mario Moreno in 1911 in Mexico City, rose from humble beginnings to become one of Mexico’s most beloved comedians. Starting as a circus performer, he developed his signature fast-talking, street-smart character, "el pelado", a witty underdog who outmaneuvered authority figures. His breakthrough came during Mexico’s Golden Age of Cinema, with films like Ahí Está el Detalle (1940), where his unique wordplay—so distinctive it led to the verb "cantinflear" being added to the Spanish dictionary—became legendary. His influence crossed borders when he starred in Hollywood’s Around the World in 80 Days (1956), earning a Golden Globe and international acclaim.

Beyond comedy, Cantinflas was a philanthropist and cultural icon, using his films to highlight social injustices and champion the working class. Charlie Chaplin called him “the greatest comedian alive,” and his influence extended to generations of performers and even animated characters like Speedy Gonzales. Though he had opportunities in Hollywood, he remained committed to Mexican cinema and his people. Decades after his passing, his films continue to bring laughter, and his legacy as Mexico’s king of comedy lives on.