Chilean Actor Leonardo Perucci Dies in Costa Rica at 87
Leonardo Perucci, the Chilean actor, theater director, and television presenter who starred in Chile’s first-ever telenovela, died on Tuesday at the age of 87, according to his daughter Valeria Perucci in reports by Teletica.
He also possessed Costa Rican nationality, where he was recognized by several generations of spectators, and his passing was confirmed by Chile Actores, which highlighted his contributions to Chilean theater and his participation in early television productions.
Medical Intervention Prior to Death
Perucci underwent a cardiac catheterization on Monday, November 9, to treat an arterial blockage.
Medical teams placed a stent during the procedure. BioBioChile noted that his condition remained delicate due to subsequent respiratory issues, and his wife, writer Arabella Salaverry, had confirmed he was in grave condition before his death.
Rises Through Chilean Telenovela Fame
Born in Antofagasta on December 13, 1938, Perucci began his artistic career at age 19, according to sources. He became a prominent romantic lead in early Chilean television.
His major breakthrough occurred in 1967 when he starred in Los días jóvenes on Canal 13. During his career he participated in 14 Chilean telenovelas, which included the 1970 version of Martín Rivas alongside appearances in Los Días Jóvenes.
Fallece Leonardo Perucci, reconocido actor chileno que protagonizó la primera teleserie nacionalhttps://t.co/WuVVN21yof
Exile and Career in Costa Rica
Following the 1973 military coup in Chile, Perucci lived in Cuba before relocating to Costa Rica in 1979, initially expecting the move to be temporary. Instead, he permanently settled there and built a successful career, coming to be based in what he considered his second homeland where he radicó in the 1980s.
In Costa Rica, he joined the National Theater Company and gained widespread recognition as the host of the television program Fantástico, which ran on Teletica from 1985 to 1995. His television work there also included hosting Fabulosos Sábados and Giros. His artistic work in the country also encompassed theatrical plays such as Fuenteovejuna, Pedro y el capitán, and La visita de la vieja dama, as well as roles in films like Caribe and Buscando a Marcos Ramírez.
In June 2025 he received the Medalla Universidad Nacional as recognition for his contribution to the performing arts and culture. Throughout his life he had four children: his first son, Camilo, with actress Peggy Cordero, and three children with Arabella—Andrea, Valeria, and Leo.
Return to Chilean Television
Perucci returned to Chile during the 2000s to act in several prominent Canal 13 productions. His later credits on Chilean television included roles in Hippie, Brujas, Descarado, and Papi Ricky.