Peruvian television host Rodrigo González broke down in tears during an interview as he recalled watching his grandfather die before his eyes as a child.
The presenter, widely recognized across Peruvian television by the nickname Peluchín, spoke about the childhood trauma during an appearance on the Efecto Kintsugi podcast hosted by actor Carlos Carlín. González, who co-hosts the daily entertainment show Amor y Fuego, was eight years old when the fatal incident took place inside his grandfather's home.
González explained that the tragedy marked his first encounter with death and remains one of the most painful moments of his life. He shared detailed memories of his final conversation with his grandfather, named Pablo and known affectionately to the family as Yoyo, along with the morning ritual he still observes in his honor.
González has spent years working at the forefront of Peruvian entertainment broadcasting, building a reputation for discussing celebrity news and media controversies. Carlín, an established Peruvian actor and media personality, uses his podcast to conduct in-depth interviews focusing on emotional recovery, drawing its name from the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramic vessels with gold lacquer to highlight resilience.
Childhood tragedy during a boxing broadcast
González told Carlin that the death happened on June 12, 1989. The young boy and his grandfather lived in the same apartment building and maintained a close daily relationship, frequently spending time together in the grandfather's flat.
On that afternoon, eight-year-old González was sitting in his grandfather's living room watching a televised boxing match with him. The relaxed atmosphere changed when his grandmother entered the room to check whether her husband had taken his medication, having noticed that he appeared agitated and unwell.
The grandfather stood up to take his prescribed pill, unaware that these would be his final moments alive. González recalled that his grandfather gave him an affectionate pat on the leg and told him that he would return in a moment after swallowing his medicine.
Seconds later, the peace of the apartment was interrupted when his grandmother began crying out in panic from another room. González remembered hearing her call out Pablo's name repeatedly, pleading with him to respond and show signs of life.
The eight-year-old boy froze in shock at the unfolding emergency before rushing out to seek help from other family members in the building. When emergency physicians and an ambulance crew reached the apartment, his grandfather was already dead.
González said doctors told the family that nothing could be done to revive him. Visibly moved while speaking on the podcast, the presenter described watching his grandfather take his final breaths, recalling the deep sadness of seeing someone he loved slip away in his presence.
Keepsake of the Virgin Mary
Following the tragedy, González's grandmother invited him to choose a personal possession belonging to his grandfather to keep as a remembrance. Although family members suggested practical items such as shirts or neckties, the young boy selected an image of the Virgin Mary that his grandfather kept for morning prayers.
González explained that his grandfather was a devout believer who began every day by praying before that picture and making the sign of the cross. The young boy had watched this daily habit throughout his childhood and felt the devotional image best represented his grandfather's character.
The presenter revealed that he still keeps the religious image in his home. Each morning before starting his daily activities, González carries out the same ritual, crossing himself before the image just as his grandfather used to do.
González said this daily gesture keeps the memory of his grandfather alive, paying continuous tribute to a relative who stood out as one of the most influential and beloved figures of his childhood.
Family reactions to coming out
During the conversation, González also reflected on a major milestone in his adult life, discussing how his parents handled the news when he spoke to them about his sexuality. The television host noted that his parents had contrasting reactions to his announcement.
González explained that his father received the news with calm and immediate understanding, which made that discussion easier to navigate. In contrast, his mother found the revelation much more difficult to handle and required considerably more time to adjust to it.
The presenter said his mother initially reacted with shock and disbelief, exclaiming that it could not be true. González said his father became his first source of acceptance, while recognizing that each family member needed their own timeline to process the conversation.
Reflecting on the discussion, González noted that he has learned over time that people require their own space to understand personal revelations. Describing himself as an inquisitive person who places high value on fairness, he said patience had helped him manage complex family relationships.
The interview revealed an unusually candid and emotional side of the entertainment host, showing how early loss and family dynamics continue to influence his outlook decades later.
