Elmer Sepúlveda’s first time on stage was in December 2012. After several auditions, he was finally chosen for an episode of the popular comedy show, “Sábados Feliz,” on Canal Caracol.
A few days before, Hassam, a comedian on the show, gave him advice that would change his life: “If you suffer from Parkinson’s, just stand there and tell your story. Learn to make fun of yourself. That will make you different from the rest, unique.”
Friends encouraged him to try out for the show. “You are very funny,” they said, suggesting he pursue television. “But I thought that was for professionals,” Elmer replied. “Why would I do that?”
In the end, he did. His proposal impressed Hassam, one of the judges and his mentor in the art of making people laugh. Since then, few call him by his first name. Instead, they call him Mister Parkinson, a name he adopted 12 years ago. He was named the best joke teller in the country after reaching the final several times in 2023.
“When I first saw him, I thought he was drugged by his acting. When I asked him, he replied, laughing, that he was indeed drugged, but because of the medicines he had to take to control the symptoms of his illness. At that moment, I understood that he could carry a deeper message in his performances,” recalls Hassam.
Fame doesn’t interest Elmer. Even when children in his hometown of Villa Anita, in southern Bogotá, ask for autographs and jokes, he secretly hopes they see him as more than just a comedian. He hopes they see him as someone who has learned to make fun of a disease that affects 220,000 Colombians, according to data from the Colombian Association of Neurology.
He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the atypical age of 13. Doctors were surprised, as it typically affects people over 50. “I was a normal kid. Suddenly, I started having problems with motor skills and balance, and my voice was not understood. I ended up bedridden, I was only 16 at the time. They told me it was juvenile Parkinson’s,” Elmer tells SEMANA.
He spent 13 years in this condition. At 26, he arrived at El Tunal Hospital, carried by his mother and aunt. A doctor told them about a medicine that could improve his quality of life and partially restore his mobility.
Parkinson’s is a disease affecting the nervous system and nerves, potentially impacting various areas of the body controlled by the nerves.
“They had gone to the waiting room, and at some point, the doctor comes out and says, ‘Elmer, come here’. I was looking for my mother and my aunt to help me… but the doctor challenged me to do it on my own, and I managed it. I have never been bedridden again. It was like being born again, a miracle,” says Mister Parkinson.
With a degenerative disease, finding work and becoming productive was a challenge. He tried his luck at a drilling company, but it didn’t work out. It was then that this 40-year-old man from Bogotá founded a life project based on humor.
Today, Elmer travels the world giving humorous lectures on self-improvement, demonstrating that “the sky is the limit.”
He never sounds like a victim. Bullying? Sure, he admits. But he explains that his best shield against mockery “was to bully myself and make others laugh. When you can steal a smile, you disarm anyone, you generate empathy. People feel good with you.”
For Sepúlveda, life’s challenges and years spent bedridden have made him “emotionally strong. If I could overcome that, I can handle anything, nothing can knock me down now,” he says.
With his weapon of humor, he won over Esmeralda Páez, his girlfriend of 12 years, “who has been with me through thick and thin,” he says.
Humor opened unexpected doors, such as participating in the World Parkinson’s Congress, held every two years and led by Michael J. Fox. Diagnosed with the disease at 26, Fox has made it his mission to find a cure.
“Michael and I tried to go in the car from Back to the Future to find a cure, but the car wouldn’t start,” Elmer jokes.
They met in Portland, USA, in 2017. Recognizing Elmer’s story, Fox invited him to perform in English for the thousands of attendees at the congress. Sepúlveda also met Brian Grant, a former Lakers player who had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and Mohamed Ali’s daughter, who also dealt with the disorder later in life.
He understood the challenges those with Parkinson’s face. “Many people, out of ignorance, think having Parkinson’s means having cognitive problems. But no. It takes us a little longer to process information, but we are at the peak of our mental capacities. I even drive a car. People are surprised, they think that’s not possible.”
Through his own story, Elmer shows other patients that “when you learn not to fight the disease, you become friends with it, and everything becomes more bearable. The problem is when you become an enemy of difficulties.”
Mister Parkinson: From Bedridden to Best Joke Teller in Colombia
Elmer Sepúlveda’s journey to becoming Colombia’s best joke teller is one that defies expectations and inspires. Diagnosed with juvenile Parkinson’s at 13, he faced years of challenges and setbacks. But through humor, resilience, and a positive outlook, he transformed his life, inspiring others and proving that laughter truly is the best medicine.
From Bedridden to Stage Lights
The first time Elmer Sepúlveda took the stage, it was a defining moment. The year was 2012, and he was a participant in Sábados Feliz, a renowned Colombian comedy show. He had been encouraged by friends who recognized his innate sense of humor, urging him to pursue a career in comedy. And while he initially dismissed their suggestions, believing it was a field for professionals, he eventually decided to take the leap.
This was no ordinary comedian, however. Elmer, who now calls himself Mister Parkinson, embraced his unique perspective and turned his diagnosis into a source of strength and laughter. Inspired by the advice of fellow comedian Hassam, he learned to make fun of his condition, turning his challenges into opportunities to connect with audiences.
A Life Defined by Humor
Elmer’s journey began with a stark reality. He spent 13 years bedridden, grappling with the physical limitations of juvenile Parkinson’s. A disease that typically strikes after the age of 50, it manifested unexpectedly in his youth, impacting his motor skills, balance, and speech.
But when he was 26, a breakthrough occurred at El Tunal Hospital. A doctor introduced a medication that significantly improved his quality of life, restoring his mobility and giving him a second chance. This pivotal moment marked a turning point, breathing life back into Elmer’s dreams and aspirations.
Despite the daunting challenges, Elmer remained undeterred. He channeled his experiences into humor, using it as a shield against bullying and a way to connect with others. He learned that humor could disarm negativity, generate empathy, and forge profound connections.
Sharing His Story on the World Stage
Elmer’s talent and resilience reached the world stage when he attended the World Parkinson’s Congress in 2017. There, he met Michael J. Fox, the iconic actor who, like him, lives with Parkinson’s. Fox was deeply moved by Elmer’s story and recognized his ability to inspire others.
The encounter led to Elmer performing his show in English for thousands of attendees at the congress. This was a testament to his determination and ability to transcend language barriers and share his message of hope and humor with the world.
Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Others
Elmer’s story highlights the power of perspective and resilience. He learned that confronting challenges head-on, even those as daunting as Parkinson’s, could be transformed into opportunities for growth, humor, and human connection. His journey is a testament to the enduring spirit that resides within us all, the ability to find laughter in the face of adversity, and the power of humor to bring people together.
Key Takeaways:
- Embrace your uniqueness. Your differences can be your greatest strength, and humor is a powerful tool for self-acceptance and connecting with others.
- Find your passion. It can be a source of inspiration, motivation, and purpose in the face of challenges.
- Don’t let life’s difficulties define you. You have the power to overcome obstacles and create a positive impact on the world, even in the face of adversity.
Elmer Sepúlveda’s Legacy
Mister Parkinson continues to inspire, not only through his comedic performances but also through his humorous lectures on self-improvement. He travels the world, spreading his message of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of laughter.
He embodies the spirit of overcoming life’s challenges and making a difference through humor, leaving an indelible mark on all who meet him. His story is a reminder that laughter can be the most powerful antidote to adversity, helping us rediscover joy, strength, and the indomitable spirit within us all.
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