Alfonso Lizarazo's little-known history in politics: how he passed through Congress

The death of Alfonso Lizarazo, a legendary television presenter and director who led Sábados Felices for over two decades, has reignited memories of a traumatic episode in his life, the 1994 kidnapping by members of the sixth front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The incident occurred during a charity campaign in the municipality of Florida, in the Valle del Cauca department, and marked one of the darkest moments in Lizarazo’s career. His passing has prompted widespread reflection within Colombia's entertainment industry, with many recalling both his contributions to media and the harrowing experience he endured at the hands of armed rebels. In April 1994, Lizarazo was part of a group traveling from Florida after completing a day of activities under the Lleva una escuelita en tu corazón campaign, which aimed to raise funds for building and equipping schools in rural areas. After finishing events that included a friendly football match and a comedic performance, the team prepared to return to Bogotá. Most of the cast traveled in a bus, while Lizarazo and four companions, including Miguel Ángel Sandoval, president of the Lions Club in the area, and Diego Germán Carabalí, the municipal comptroller, were in a private Mazda 626. Three kilometers outside the town center of Florida, the vehicle was stopped by an illegal roadblock set up by FARC fighters. The guerrillas allowed the bus carrying the rest of the cast to continue its journey but detained Lizarazo’s car upon realizing he was inside. When the group arrived at the airport, they discovered Lizarazo was missing. They immediately informed the National Police and military forces, prompting a large-scale operation in the rural area. Hours later, authorities found the abandoned car in the El Llanito sector. Colleagues made public appeals to the captors, emphasizing that Lizarazo’s presence in the region had been solely for charitable and entertainment purposes. Born on December 29, 1940, in Bucaramanga, Lizarazo began his professional career in radio before transitioning to television. He gained national recognition through his work on Sábados Felices, a show he created and directed for Caracol Television starting in January 1972. Under his leadership, the program became a platform for generations of comedians and linked entertainment with community initiatives. Through the Lleva una escuelita en tu corazón campaign, Lizarazo and his team contributed supplies and infrastructure to more than 250 rural schools across the country. Beyond his role in media, Lizarazo also ventured into politics. In the late 1990s, with support from the Movement for Democratic Reconstruction, a political faction associated with the Liberal Party and historically aligned with the ideas of Carlos Lleras Restrepo, he ran for the Senate. According to his own account, the idea came from a conversation with journalist Francisco Santos, who encouraged him to run for office. Despite having no prior political experience, Lizarazo won a seat in the Senate for the term 1998–2002, serving alongside President Andrés Pastrana Arango. However, he chose not to seek re-election after his term ended in 2002. After leaving the Senate, Lizarazo returned to his work in television and continued promoting social causes, particularly through the Una escuelita en tu corazón initiative. Reflecting on this effort years later, he emphasized the importance of education for communities, stating, “A town without schools is a town without a future.” As he aged, he gradually stepped back from mainstream media but remained a revered figure in Colombian entertainment history. Following his retirement from active involvement in the media, Lizarazo lived a quieter life, maintaining connections with colleagues and fans. His legacy continues to resonate throughout the entertainment world, with many remembering not just his contributions to comedy and broadcasting, but also the resilience shown during his time in captivity. The circumstances surrounding his kidnapping remain a poignant chapter in his story, one that has resurfaced in the wake of his death, reminding all who knew him of the challenges he faced and the strength he displayed.