Late comedian Enrique Espejo, known as Yuca, was recreated using artificial intelligence during the September 19 broadcast of JB Noticias on Panamericana Television.
The AI-generated version of the comedian surprised his former castmates by delivering an emotional and humorous farewell message produced under the direction of show creator Jorge Benavides. The tribute deeply moved members of the television ensemble during the broadcast.
Enrique Espejo was a veteran Peruvian comic actor who earned national recognition for his slapstick humor and physical comedy routines. For decades, he was a fixture on Peruvian television as a core cast member of sketch shows led by Benavides, becoming a familiar figure to viewers across the country under his popular nickname Yuca.
Panamericana Television is one of Peru's major nationwide broadcasting networks, where JB Noticias has long served as a flagship sketch comedy program known for its parodies of public figures and popular culture.
During the special broadcast segment, the digital avatar of Espejo addressed his former colleagues with lighthearted banter, recalling his long working relationship with the show's cast and production team.
In the virtual message, Espejo joked about a pay raise that Benavides had repeatedly denied him while they worked together on television. The comedian noted that he had passed away without ever receiving the salary increase he had requested.
Espejo also used the appearance to bid farewell to his fellow cast members, making a point to single out those who had failed to attend his wake following his death.
Farewell to Family and Local Friends
Beyond his television colleagues, the AI recreation extended farewell messages to individuals from the comedian's personal life, expressing affection for his family and long-time neighborhood companions.
The message included specific references to his daily life in Peru outside the studio. Espejo sent greetings to his friends at Firefighter Park, making special mention of bench number eight. He also bade farewell to the waiter at the Maquizapa establishment who regularly prepared his calientitos, a traditional Peruvian warm beverage crafted with hot tea and citrus.
To conclude the segment, Espejo offered a final humorous remark directed at his family, including his daughters and his son Giovani. The comedian said he did not believe his children would end up fighting over an inheritance because he had left nothing behind for them to split.
Tribute After a Prolonged Illness
The broadcast tribute came shortly after Espejo died at the age of 75, following a long struggle with severe medical complications that began in March 2025.
The comedian suffered a severe fall that resulted in a serious skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. The accident required intensive care treatment in the hospital, and despite ongoing medical care, he never fully recovered before his death in September.
Show producer Jorge Benavides had officially announced Espejo's passing on September 11 through a message published on his Instagram account.
Reflecting on Espejo's long career in Peruvian entertainment, Benavides stated on social media that the comedy show was never the same after Espejo had to step away from television due to his health. Benavides added that Espejo possessed a natural talent for improvisation and was always able to bring laughter to viewers simply by stepping onto the stage.
