Following the death of series star, Freddie Prinze in 1977, 12-year-old Gabriel Melgar took on the role of Raul Garcia, dubbed "The New Chico" in the press. He would appear in all 23 season four episodes alongside series regulars Jack Albertson, Scatman Crothers, and Della Reese, with Charo playing his aunt in five episodes, and Julie Hill, his adopted sister. After the show ended Gabriel pretty much left acting as his time on Chico and the Man was not a positive one, enduring so much hatred for the role. He became a soldier in the army and is now a disabled veteran. In recent years, he became a Diagnostic Imaging Service Engineer. Today, Gabriel Melgar, one of the few living members of the cast of Chico and the Man, turns 60-years-old.

Happy birthday!!!!

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Happy (belated) birthday to one of the last surviving cast members--I'm not entirely certain on the current whereabouts of either Isaac Ruiz (Mando) or Bonnie Boland (Mabel)--of Chico And The Man. Despite the turmoil that was brewing behind the scenes throughout season four (following Freddie Prinze's tragic death), I'm delighted to hear that Gabriel Melgar has finally found some peace.