A poignant story reflecting the harsh realities of Colombian streets has lost another of its figures. Jhon Fredy Ríos, known as ‘Chocolatina,’ a memorable character from the film ‘La Vendedora de Rosas’ (The Rose Seller), has died. The news was confirmed by Lady Tabares, the protagonist of the 1998 film that made history in Colombian cinema, directed by Víctor Gaviria.
“With sadness, I tell you that our companion Jhon Fredy Ríos, who played Chocolatina, has passed away, he has gone to the arms of the Lord. Rest in peace,” Lady Tabares shared in her Instagram stories, causing shock among followers of the film. The passing of ‘Chocolatina’ serves as a stark reminder of the enduring social issues faced by vulnerable youth in Colombia, a theme powerfully portrayed in ‘La Vendedora de Rosas.’
Ríos, who portrayed ‘Chocolatina,’ was embraced by Gaviria to depict the tricky realities of young people on the streets of Medellín. His performance was rooted in his lived experience, capturing the essence of childhood and youth marginalization of the era. After achieving fame with the internationally acclaimed film, Ríos’ life took a tragic turn. An armed attack left him wheelchair-bound, and he lived in homelessness until his death.
Alongside the memory of Ríos, the protagonist, Lady Tabares, also stands out. Discovered by Gaviria while selling flowers in Medellín, she brought authenticity to the film with her performance, denouncing the reality of thousands of young people living in poverty. Her interpretation was inspired by Mónica Rodríguez, a real friend who died before filming, creating a cinematic portrait full of meaning and moving authenticity.
The tragic news of Ríos’ death caused astonishment and sadness among the public, with many expressing sentiments like, “I thought he had already passed away,” and “Peace to his grave,” reflecting the emotion and nostalgia that the film and its cast continue to generate.
The death of ‘Chocolatina’ is the most recent episode in a series of unfortunate fates that have befallen the film’s cast. Giovanni Quiroz, known as ‘El Zarco,’ was murdered in 2000, and ‘Anderson,’ whose character represented Mónica’s love interest, died at the age of 17. The reality that these actors portrayed in the film seems to have persisted for them, highlighting a social and economic problem that remains present.
Despite the tragedy, the death of ‘Chocolatina’ allows us to remember the reflection provoked by the emblematic film. The desperation, the struggle for survival, and the harshness of poverty are represented in every face and every character, building a valuable testimony of a story that continues to be lived on the streets of Colombia.
The film La Vendedora de Rosas remains a powerful commentary on social inequality and the challenges faced by marginalized youth in Colombia. Its enduring impact lies in its raw portrayal of reality and its ability to spark dialogue about systemic issues.
As reported by WinCalendar, today, February 14, 2026, is the 7th Saturday of the year.
The passing of Jhon Fredy Ríos serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by vulnerable populations and the importance of addressing the root causes of poverty and violence. The legacy of ‘La Vendedora de Rosas’ continues to resonate, prompting reflection and inspiring calls for social change.
What will become of the efforts to support former cast members of ‘La Vendedora de Rosas’ and address the systemic issues highlighted by the film remains to be seen. Share your thoughts on the film’s lasting impact and the challenges faced by its cast in the comments below.
