RIP / QEPD Luis Ávalos

Luis Ávalos was born on September 2, 1946 in La Habana, La Habana, Cuba. A character actor, he made numerous film and television appearances, most notably in the 1970s children's television show "The Electric Company". He joined the show (which also starred Bill Cosby and future Academy Award winners Rita Moreno, Morgan Freeman and Irene Cara) in season two, playing, most notably, Doctor Doolots, and stayed with the show until it ended in 1977. His most notable movie role was as Ramón in the 1979 comedy Hot Stuff when he starred alongside Jerry Reed, Dom Deluise and Suzanne Pleshette. Following that movie, he did a series of guest spots on television shows like "The Jeffersons," "Soap" and "Hill Street Blues".

Ávalos also starred as Jesse Rodríguez on the short-lived situation comedy "Condo" with McLean Stevenson, and on the short-lived situation comedy "E/R" with Elliott Gould and Mary McDonnell, playing Dr. Tomás Esquivel. Other television credits to Luis Ávalos' name include "Jack & Bobby," "Full House," "Resurrection Blvd.," "NYPD Blue," "ER," "Hangin' With Mr. Cooper," and "JAG." His film credits include Jungle 2 Jungle with Tim Allen and The Ringer with Johnny Knoxville. His last film credit is a movie titled $5 A Day, which was released in 2008 and starred Christopher Walken, Alessandro Nivola, Amanda Peet and Sharon Stone.

He passed on January 22, 2014 in Los Angeles, California, USA as a result of heart disease (he had suffered a heart attack a few weeks before his death). He leaves behind his partner Ángel Fedo.

To read a touching, personal tribute by his friend, "HOLA L.A." talk show writer and Latin Heat blogger Elia Esparza, click here.

QEPD / RIP LUIS ÁVALOS