Leonardo Perucci dies: the Chilean actor who came to Costa Rica for 20 days and ended up becoming a figure on national television

Leonardo Perucci died on November 10, 2026, at the age of 87, after facing health complications that required a cardiac procedure. Credit: Social media Leonardo PerucciThe actor, theater director, and former television host Leonardo Perucci died this Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at the age of 87, after facing health complications that required a cardiac procedure. The artist, born in Antofagasta, Chile, on December 13, 1938, built a career spanning more than six decades in the performing arts, of which nearly 47 years were spent in Costa Rica, the country where he established his residence, raised a family, and gained recognition as the host of the program Fantástico on Channel 7. Perucci underwent a catheterization on Monday, November 9, due to a blockage in his coronary arteries. During the procedure, specialists placed a stent to facilitate blood flow. Although the intervention was completed successfully, his condition remained delicate, mainly due to respiratory complications. His wife, the actress and writer Arabella Salaverry, had confirmed hours before his death that he was in serious condition. The artist met his wife, the actress and writer Arabella Salaverry, during the production of Fuenteovejuna, shortly after his arrival in Costa Rica. Credit: Social media Leonardo PerucciBefore becoming a familiar face on Costa Rican television, Perucci had built a career in his native country. He began acting at age 19 and graduated as a professional actor in 1963 from the Theater Academy affiliated with the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Between 1965 and 1973, he appeared in 14 telenovelas, becoming one of the performers of Chilean television. However, the coup d'état of September 11, 1973, which led to the dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet, changed the course of his career. The actor had left Chile to participate in international activities and decided not to return after the military coup. He subsequently settled in Cuba, where he remained for approximately five years, working in theater and furthering his training in stage direction. In 1979, he arrived in Costa Rica with the intention of staying only 20 days. During that visit, he was given the opportunity to star in the play Fuenteovejuna by the National Theater Company, under the direction of Atahualpa del Cioppo. It was during that production that he met Arabella Salaverry, who would later become his wife. The theater project and his new personal relationship contributed to his decision to settle permanently in Costa Rica. The Chilean actor arrived in Costa Rica in 1979 for a stay of just 20 days, but decided to settle in the country after joining the National Theater Company. Credit: Social media Leonardo PerucciIn 1982, Perucci began appearing on national television, but his greatest recognition came in 1985, when he took over as host of Fantástico, one of Teletica's entertainment programs. The show remained on the air until 1995 and featured figures such as Rodrigo Sánchez, Laura Peña, and Marianela Herrera. Later, the actor also participated in programs such as Fabulosos Sábados and Giros, on Repretel, maintaining his presence on national screens. In parallel, he remained involved in theater through productions such as Pedro y el capitán, La visita de la vieja dama, and Amadeus. He also appeared in the Costa Rican films Caribe and Buscando a Marcos Ramírez. In addition to acting, he worked as a theater director and university professor, sharing his experience with new generations of artists. Perucci achieved popularity as the host of Fantástico, a Teletica program that aired between 1985 and 1995. Credit: Social media Leonardo PerucciAlthough Costa Rica became his place of residence, Perucci maintained professional ties with his native country. During the 2000s, he temporarily returned to Chile to participate in Channel 13 productions such as Hippie (2004), Brujas (2005), Descarado (2006), and Papi Ricky (2007). His career also included works such as Los días jóvenes, premiered in 1967 and considered one of the first telenovelas of Chilean television. For his cultural contribution, he received honors such as the National University Medal, an award granted by the National University of Costa Rica. After news of his death became known, television figures, theater colleagues, and cultural institutions shared messages remembering his career. The family reported that the wake will be held this Wednesday, November 11, beginning at 4:00 p.m., at the Funeraria del Magisterio. A mass is also planned for Thursday, November 12, at the San Juan Bosco church. Perucci died after nearly five decades of artistic activity in Costa Rica, where he developed much of his professional career and established his home with Arabella Salaverry.