The performer, known for comedy shows with Alberto Olmedo, died in 2003 at 66; LA NACION recounts his career, health problems and financial hardship.
Javier Portales, born Miguel Ángel Álvarez, was a prominent figure in Argentine popular culture for three decades. His work with Alberto Olmedo on television programs including No toca botón brought him broad recognition. His final years, however, were marked by hardship: on October 14, 2003, he died at age 66 at Ramos Mejía public hospital, with only his son Javier Ángel beside him.
Portales began his career in radio in Rosario and, after moving to Buenos Aires, appeared in popular television projects including Operación Ja Ja. He worked in theater and performed in productions of Shakespeare and Chekhov. In 1999, the Argentine Actors Association presented him with the Podestá Award for his contribution to the profession.
According to LA NACION’s account, a contentious divorce from his first wife, Delia, and a subsequent lawsuit seriously damaged his finances. Press reports said the actor had to surrender 17% of future income. The article also describes estrangement from his son after Portales began a relationship with Marina Gacitúa.
His health problems began after a fall at his country home, which caused a herniated disc and reduced mobility. He later suffered three heart attacks and two strokes, leaving him with severe quadriplegia. He traveled to Cuba for physiotherapy in 1997, but, the outlet reports, the results were limited.
Portales’ son Javier Ángel told posdatadigital.press that his father’s final years were painful. Continuing medical expenses, including insulin for diabetes and basic hospital supplies, exhausted the actor’s savings. Without work and suffering from depression, Portales lived at home under his son’s care. His story stood in stark contrast to his earlier fame; a statue on Corrientes Avenue is among the reminders of his career.