Lovers of humor and television culture learned sad news yesterday: José Palomo, who achieved fame as the protagonist of one of the most remembered television memes and shared on social networks thanks to the phrase “sa matao Paco”, died on last weekend.
News that his followers received with disbelief, since few knew that José was ill in his last years, as his son, Pedro Palomo, confirmed shortly after. “The cancer has won the battle, but wherever he is, my father will be proud of all the love.”
After a few hours, the son of the legendary protagonist of Back and Back wanted to share a note of affection with all those who have sent him their condolences. Assuring that José himself is the one who speaks through him, he takes the opportunity to thank everyone.
“My father has given me strength to be able to talk to you,” Pedro Palomo began by saying. “Thank you for the great respect for my father that all the people and the media have had at all times, we are very grateful to the entire family. Only what is forgotten dies,” he concluded.
With his “sa matao Paco”, José Palomo Mellado became one of the protagonists of the meme universe after his appearance on the LaSexta program Vuelta y Vuelta, in 2010. In the docureality, his appearance went unnoticed, but it was years later when the scene was repeated on the TV3 comedy program Any more questions? when his legendary phrase became viral.
In the viral video, you can see José, a Racing de Vallbona fan, giving instructions to his friend Paco when, in the middle of the game, he loses the ball on an embankment. Due to lack of aid from the city council, according to José’s complaint to the camera, the locals have to recover the ball themselves.
That is why José begins to give instructions to his friend to look for the ball, because “the ball is worth 20 euros.” Suddenly, Paco trips and disappears into the bushes. “Sa matao Paco,” says José, laughing.
A moment that has passed down to posterity, being shared by several generations. “This is Spanish culture, it should appear in the history books,” says a user on social networks.
The comedy program itself wanted to share some words of affection after learning of the death of José, whom they consider “a very dear person.”
“Today we learned that José Palomo, the author of the famous phrase “Sa matao Paco” and a very dear person, has left us. Our deepest condolences, on behalf of the entire APM team. A huge hug to the family” .
