Introduction
Chuy Bravo, born Jesús Melgoza (December 7, 1956), is a Mexican-American actor and entertainer. He was the sidekick of host Chelsea Handler on the talk show Chelsea Lately during its run from 2007 to 2014. On the show, he usually relayed comedic relief and was the topic of many of her jokes.
Early life
Melgoza was born in Tangancicuaro, Michoacán, the youngest of seven children. He immigrated to the United States at age 15, moving to the San Fernando Valley. He graduated from Sylmar High School.
Acting career
Bravo began acting in the early 1990s. He appeared in the films The Honeymooners (2005) and Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007).
Splash
In 2013, Bravo was a competitor on the celebrity diving reality competition show Splash on ABC. However, he suffered a freak injury prior to the competition's first round, breaking his heel, and was forced to withdraw. On the show Bravo said that he was very disappointed about his injury and that he wanted to show the world and a "special someone" (presumably Handler) that he was not lazy; he vowed to return for the second season of Splash if he was asked back and if the series were renewed (it was not).
Personal life
Chuy has dwarfism, and is 4 feet 3 inches (130 cm) tall.
In 2012, Bravo revealed that he survived prostate cancer, that was treated quickly after it was diagnosed. He also said he is a recovering alcoholic and was nearly homeless at one point in his life. "I have been through a lot in my life," he said, "but I've overcome my struggles and now I'm finally living my life."
Bravo started The Little Nugget Foundation in his hometown of Tangancicuaro to provide food and clothing for those struggling with alcoholism. Bravo has also started The Bravo Academy in Los Angeles, stating to have a focus on the Latin community in Hollywood. The Academy's purpose is to help its talents participate in different projects in Television, Cinema and Theater.