(Video / Panamericana Television)
In the 80s and 90s, Laughter and Salsa was the comedy program that caused laughter in Peruvian homes. Broadcast by Panamericana Televisión, this iconic program debuted on March 12, 1980 and remained on the air until 1999, where it gave unforgettable moments with sketches such as The minibus driver, Holy Patience y Choclito’s gang. Its success lay in a diverse cast that mixed the experience of established comedians with the emerging talent of new figures. One of these faces was Elmer Alfaro, known for his endearing character of ‘Machucao’, who managed to earn a special place in the hearts of the public.
Today, decades after having been part of that television phenomenon, the life of ‘Machucao’ has taken an unexpected turn. Far from the spotlight and the stage, Elmer Alfaro has found success in a totally different field: as a notary public in the United States. Its history, marked by drastic changes and perseverance, is an example of reinvention that surprises and generates admiration. How did you go from making thousands laugh in Peru to building a new life abroad? Here we tell you.
The comic actor, known for his role in Risas y Salsa, left television to start a new life in the United States. Photo: El Bocón
Elmer Alfaro, born in Trujillo, began his path to fame when he arrived in Lima at a very young age. Although his mother initially did not support his desire to become an actor, the young Alfaro followed his passion and, against all odds, entered the Merchant Marine school. It was there where he discovered his true vocation for acting by joining the institution’s theater group, which led him to be part of the renowned group ‘Histrión’, where he would meet people who would change his life, such as Adolfo Chuiman, Rodolfo Carrión and Analí Cabrera.
His debut on television took place on the iconic show ‘Risas y Salsa’, where his character, ‘Machucao’, quickly won the affection of the public. In this highly successful comedy show, Alfaro shared the screen with other talented actors, and together they made an entire generation laugh with their unforgettable sketches. ‘Machucao’ was the faithful companion of ‘Manolo’, a rogue played by Adolfo Chuiman, and, although always fearful, the character stood out for his loyalty and his comical interventions. This role would be the one that consolidated him as a popular figure on Peruvian television.
(Facebook / Machucao Comedy Show)
At one point in his career, when Elmer Alfaro was enjoying some success as a comic actor, an opportunity arose to travel to the United States. Initially, his idea was to spend just a couple of months, work and then return to Lima, but life had other plans. Due to unforeseen events, the actor was forced to stay in the North American country and decided to bring his family to begin a new stage in his life, under what would be known as the ‘American dream’.
At first, things were difficult, as is common for many migrants. Alfaro began doing humble jobs, such as washing dishes and bathrooms, but also found a small niche selling traditional Peruvian sweets, such as manjar blanco chancaquitas. As time passed, his ingenuity and perseverance led him to a new career path: he rented a wall to take photos of migrants who needed consular procedures. This is how he began to gain confidence and, little by little, he was offered to become a notary, a position of great trust in the United States.
(Facebook / Notary Elmer Alfaro)
The step to the notary’s office was not easy, but Alfaro did not hesitate to accept the challenge. After passing the necessary courses, Elmer Alfaro officially became a notary public in the United States, a radical career change. His new job was to provide notarial services, including the apostille of documents, a crucial service for those migrants who needed to legalize documents without having to go to the consulates. This service is framed within Law No. 29445, in force since 2009, and allowed Alfaro to gain the trust of the Peruvian community in New Jersey.
Success as a notary was just the beginning of his reinvention. His work allowed him to have economic stability, but he never lost sight of his origin or his roots. Despite having found a path in the United States, Elmer Alfaro maintains his connection with Peru and does not rule out, in the future, getting involved in politics to defend the rights of migrants, a group with which he deeply identifies.
Although he now lives in the United States, Elmer Alfaro does not forget his roots or the career that made him famous in Peru. Over the years, he has seriously considered getting involved in Peruvian politics. His purpose is to defend migrants, those who, like him once, left their country in search of a better future. The experience of having emigrated and restarted his life has given him a unique perspective on the difficulties of those seeking to improve their conditions in a foreign country, and he is willing to make his contribution from a political sphere.
