‘Al Fondo Hay Sitio’ Star Reveals Health Concerns, ‘Forced’ Return of Beloved Series

LIMA, Peru – David Almandoz, the actor celebrated for his portrayal of Pepe Gonzales in the long-running Peruvian television series Al Fondo Hay Sitio, has opened up about his departure from the show and his reservations about its recent revival. Almandoz, a mainstay of the series since its 2009 debut, cited both the physical toll of aging and a growing disconnect with the production as key factors in his decision to step away.

“We’re getting old,” Almandoz reflected, noting the stark contrast between the youthful cast of the first season and their present-day selves. “If you watch the first episode, we were kids. I started the series around 30 years old.”

A Commercial Decision?

The actor didn’t shy away from expressing his belief that the show’s return to television was largely driven by commercial interests. He pointed to the unsuccessful launch of a spin-off series, De Vuelta al Barrio, as a catalyst for bringing back the original. “It was a decision by management to revive something that had proven successful,” Almandoz explained. “De Vuelta al Barrio didn’t work, so they brought back Al Fondo Hay Sitio.”

The pressure to maintain a consistent schedule while prioritizing personal well-being also played a significant role. Almandoz described a feeling of “disgust” with his work, admitting he felt compelled to continue despite a lack of enjoyment. “I started to not enjoy it. I was doing everything because I had to do it. I felt like a dead man,” he shared in a recent podcast interview.

Health Concerns and a Culture of Pressure

This lack of fulfillment quickly morphed into concerns about his health. The demanding production schedule fostered a culture where taking sick days was discouraged. “We had a saying that might sound a little funny, but it’s the reality: ‘forbidden to get sick.’ You couldn’t get sick,” Almandoz revealed. “When do you address these health issues? If you don’t address those medical concerns, they worsen, and you could die.”

This sentiment highlights a broader issue within the entertainment industry, where demanding schedules and pressure to perform can often come at the expense of an individual’s well-being. According to a 2023 report by the International Labour Organization, workers in the creative sector are particularly vulnerable to stress, anxiety, and depression due to precarious employment conditions and long working hours. The report emphasizes the need for improved labor standards and mental health support within the industry.

Almandoz characterized the revival of Al Fondo Hay Sitio as a “worn-out formula” that continues to draw a large audience despite its age. The series remains a flagship program for América TV, demonstrating the enduring power of nostalgia and familiar characters in the Peruvian television landscape.

While acknowledging the show’s continued success, Almandoz’s candid remarks offer a glimpse behind the scenes of a beloved television institution and raise important questions about the sustainability of long-running productions and the well-being of the performers who bring them to life.