Raymond Arrieta’s Father Passes Away

The Puerto Rican entertainment community is mourning the death of Ramón Arrieta Nieves, the father of renowned comedian and philanthropist Raymond Arrieta. Known affectionately as Don Millo or Millito, Arrieta Nieves passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.

The news was delivered during a somber broadcast of the Telemundo program Raymond y sus amigos on the evening of April 14, 2026. The show, which typically opens its Tuesday 8:00 p.m. Broadcasts with joy, instead began with the announcement of the loss of the comedian’s father.

Fellow comedian and colleague Jorge Castro informed the viewing audience that Raymond Arrieta would not be appearing in that evening’s edition of the program. Castro described Don Millo as a foundational presence in Arrieta’s career, which has spanned four decades.

Don Millo was a foundational figure in Raymond’s 40-year career, noting that he was not only a father but a “accomplice” and a driving force behind the comedian’s success in the industry.

Jorge Castro

Health Struggles and Final Days

The passing of Ramón Arrieta Nieves followed a period of declining health. In late March 2026, Raymond Arrieta had made a public appeal for prayers for his father, stating that he was facing a delicate health crisis.

This recent struggle followed a previous battle with cancer in 2022. During that period, Arrieta shared that a tumor had been successfully removed from his father’s body.

Don Millo was regarded by colleagues and the public as a pillar of support for Raymond Arrieta. His relationship with his son was frequently visible to the public, including appearances during the Da vida walks, underscoring a shared sense of humor and a deep familial bond.

The Career and Philanthropy of Raymond Arrieta

Raymond Arrieta, born Ramón Emilio Arrieta Vázquez on March 26, 1965, in Hato Rey, San Juan, has established himself as a central figure in the Puerto Rican psyche. His trajectory in the entertainment industry began in various local shows, gaining significant popularity in the 1990s through a series of successful comedy programs featuring various personifications.

Since 2007, Arrieta has hosted the mid-day variety show Día a Día on Telemundo alongside Dagmar. Beyond television, his work extends to radio hosting and theater. His early interest in performing was sparked in the third grade at Academia Nuestra Señora de la Providencia, where he volunteered to play a character created by comedian Shorty Castro.

Arrieta is equally recognized for his extensive philanthropic work. Following the 2008 cancer diagnosis of his friend and co-host, Dagmar, Arrieta began performing a yearly charity walk across the island to raise awareness and funds. This initiative, known as the Caminata Da Vida, has earned him numerous recognitions, including honors from the Senate of Puerto Rico.

Community and Industry Reaction

The loss of Don Millo has resonated deeply across Puerto Rico, reflecting the cultural trust Arrieta has built over his career. Colleagues from Día a Día expressed their gratitude for the man who raised the comedian, with some describing him as the great champion and moral compass for his son.

Dagmar Rivera, Arrieta’s long-time co-host and partner in philanthropic efforts, reacted to the news by stating that Don Millo fue para mi como un padre, meaning he was like a father to her.

During the broadcast of Raymond y sus amigos, Jorge Castro emphasized that the work and professionalism of the cast on that evening were dedicated to the memory of Ramón Arrieta Nieves, whom he described as a wonderful being.