Julio Monsalve, Chilean Comedy Icon, Confronts Critical Health Crisis

Julio Monsalve, popularly known as “Peñeteñe”, is a veteran Chilean comedian who rose to fame as half of the Millenium Show duo with Mario Moreno “El Turrón”. The pair won the Silver and Gold Gaviotas at the 2001 Viña del Mar Festival, cementing their place in Chilean popular culture.

In a recent appearance on the TV program “Todo Va a Estar Bien”, Monsalve disclosed a worsening health situation. He said he suffers from multiple ailments, including diabetes, cataracts and other unspecified diseases, and that he will need a corneal transplant to preserve his vision. The surgery is estimated to cost 2.8 million Chilean pesos, and he still faces a series of medical exams before it can proceed.

Monsalve also mentioned that his former stage partner “El Turrón” continues to battle serious cardiac problems, having suffered a major heart attack in 2023.