Santiago, Chile – Chilean comedian Juan Carlos “Palta” Meléndez, currently touring Chile with a series of performances, recently revealed a surprising turn in his life: he’s working as a driver for a member of the Saudi royal family. The unexpected career move came to light during an interview on Radio Bío Bío’s “Expreso PM” program, offering a glimpse into a life far removed from the stage.
Meléndez explained that his relocation to Spain five years ago was initially driven by personal reasons. His wife, a Spanish national, wished to return home to be closer to her parents, prompting the family’s permanent move to Europe and a subsequent necessitate for Meléndez to find new professional opportunities. This led to his current, rather unusual, employment.
According to Meléndez, the job came about entirely by chance. He now works sporadically as a chauffeur for a member of the Saudi royal family, specifically in the Marbella area. The opportunity arose when the regular driver for the royal family member fell ill just as the individual was arriving in Marbella. A Chilean acquaintance working in the area urgently contacted Meléndez, mistakenly believing he possessed experience in security detail.
The encounter with the Saudi delegation was, by all accounts, a jarring experience. Meléndez recounted receiving instructions from a woman representing the royal family and arriving in the early hours of the morning at the Marbella Club, where he was met with a significant international security presence. The stress of the situation was considerable, and, remarkably, Meléndez revealed he even suffered a detached retina while driving. “I drove with one eye for about three days,” he joked, adding that he ultimately recovered without lasting consequences.
The comedian’s story highlights the unpredictable paths life can capture, even for those accustomed to the spotlight. While known for his humor and stage presence in Chile, Meléndez has found himself navigating a very different world in Spain, one that involves navigating the complexities of international security and serving a high-profile client. The shift represents a significant change for the performer, who continues to balance his driving duties with his ongoing comedy career.
The Festival Viña del Mar 2026 is currently underway, with the final day of performances scheduled for February 27th. According to reports, the event will feature a diverse lineup of musical artists and comedians, including a Chilean-Ecuadorian comedian closing out the festival. RPP and Teletrece are reporting on the final day’s events, which will be broadcast live on television and via streaming.
As Meléndez continues to navigate his dual life as a comedian and chauffeur, his story serves as a reminder that career paths can be unpredictable and that opportunities can arise in the most unexpected places. The next confirmed event for Meléndez is his continued series of performances throughout Chile, with details available through his official channels.
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