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How did Juan Joya Borja die? Comedian behind Spanish Laughing Guy meme dies at 65: 'His laugh will live on'

Popularly known as 'El Risitas' or 'The Giggles,' fans took to Twitter to mourn the comedian's loss

Comedian Juan Joya Borja, popularly known as 'El Risitas,' died in Seville, Spain. The comedian was 65 years old and is reported to have been suffering from a long illness. He was hospitalized for the same in 2020.

The moniker 'El Risitas' or 'The Giggles' came about when a clip of Borja featured on a variety talk show went viral. The clip showcased the comedian narrating a funny incident to the host, which caused him to burst out into laughter over his own story. 

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Dot Esports reported that Borja was admitted to the Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville in on April 28 afternoon, on account of his failing health, however, there is no mention of what said the illness was, other than the fact that he was facing vascular issues. The comedian had been in and out of hospitals since September 2020 and allegedly had to get his leg amputated on account of said illness. 

Who was Juan Joya Borja?

Borja was born on April 5, 1956, in Seville, Spain. Throughout his life, he worked multiple odd jobs, such as cooking and unloading cement.

He made his first TV appearance in 2000, on a show known as 'El Vagamundo,' where he spoke about various life situations alongside his partner 'El Peíto' or 'el Cuñao.'

The story behind 'El Risitas'

Borja earned his nickname when he was featured on a show called 'Ratones Coloraos' in 2007. While being interviewed by the host, Jesus Quintero, Borja was talking about a job he had as a young man, where he had to clean moldy pans at sea.

As the story goes, he tied the pans to a stick left them there, only to discover the next day that the tide had swept most of them away. Borja found his own story so funny while narrating it, that he couldn't help but burst out into laughter, causing the host to laugh as well. 'Ratones Coloraos' uploaded the segment to their YouTube page and it quickly gained popularity among the Spanish audiences.

The clip became a meme in 2014, when people began using the video but adding their own story or narratives to it, but the context remained the same -- Borja trying to get through a story while laughing the entire time. He was also the face of the 'KEKW' emote on Twitch, the streaming platform for gamers. 

Condolences poured in through Twitter, seeing that the loss of the comedian was truly felt. "RIP KEKW guy (a.k.a El Risitas). You're iconic laugh brought many laughs to me and my friends. 5 April 1956 – 28 April 2021," tweeted a user. "What unfortunate news... Juan Borja Better known as "El Risitas" and on Twitch as "KEKW" has passed away... Thank you for the years of laughter, Rest In Peace," added another.

"Just now found out about El Risitas passing. Rest in Peace, your legacy will live on for all of us <3 #RIP," tweeted a user. "If I can be honest I personally don’t use the “KEKW” emote that much on Twitch but I know majority of every Twitch streamers are honoring the lost of Spanish Comedian & of course the famous emote Juan Joya “El Risitas” Borja aka KEKW guy. Te extrañaremos para siempre #ripkekw," said another.

"Okay, legit on the verge of tears, heard that El Risitas passed away. I will forever remember his laughter, his comedy, and the true joy he brought to everyone he told stories to. Bless this man," said another. "RIP to the wonderful Juan Joya Borja aka 'El Risitas', the man with the best laugh who brought us the wonderful KEKW emote and memes! We will continue to carry your laugh through chat!" chimed in a user.  "Another legend. Your laugh will live on," stated one fan. 

Support and messages continue to pour in for the late comedian, all of which celebrate his iconic laugh and legacy, while mourning his loss.