Cantinflas, Mexican Actor, Comedian

MEXICO CITY - Cantinflas, Mexico's most famous comic actor, has died of lung cancer at his home in the capital, his son said. He was 81.

Cantinflas, whose real name was Mario Moreno, died yesterday after making 49 films over a half-century. He was best-known abroad for his role as the devoted servant Passpartout, opposite David Niven in "Around the World in 80 Days."

In addition to his career in comedy, he was heavily involved in charitable works.

Cantinflas started out as a prize fighter in his teens, but even in the ring he was so funny that a talent scout lured him away to work in a circus tent show.

He got his start as a comedian when he stepped in for an ailing master of ceremonies.

Cantinflas is a meaningless name he invented to keep his parents from knowing he was in show business, then considered a shameful

occupation.