Queer astrologer and psychic Walter Mercado will conquer television once again. The flamboyant and flirtatious TV icon will get the full biopic treatment for an as-of-yet unannounced network.
Puerto Rican-born Mercado began his career as a dancer and actor in Spanish language theater and local television. His life underwent a massive shift in 1969 when he stepped in at a moment’s notice to replace a no-show guest on a Telemundo talk show. For 25 minutes, he improvised his way through an astrological forecast dressed in wild, colorful robes. Viewers responded so well to the segment that the network invited him to become a regular on the program.
As they say, a star was born.
Related: Filmmakers Cristina Costantini & Kareem Tabsch on the fluid magic of Walter Mercado
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Mercado spent the next 50 years as a staple of Spanish-language television, offering predictions and life coaching to his viewers, signing off with his signature phrase “Mucho, mucho amor.” He also became as notorious for his flamboyant dress and genderfluid demeanor as much as for his astrological vision.
Privately, he would refer to himself as sometimes a man, sometimes a woman, and remained coy when it came to the subject of sex. A 2020 documentary, Mucho Mucho Amor: The Legend of Walter Mercado, featured interviews with the icon discussing his career as well as his views on sexuality and gender. He filmed scenes for it just prior to his death in 2019 at age 87.
Now, Mercado will conquer television yet again, courtesy of the new biographical series. Theodore B. Gekis, who manages Mercado’s estate, will produce alongside 3Pas Studios’ Eugenio Derbez, Ben Odell, and Sonia Almanza Gambaro.
“Although Walter has passed on, his message about self-empowerment, self-acceptance, and our interconnectedness with the universe lives on in humankind and need to be celebrated daily,” Gekis told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement.
“Love, spirituality, generosity, and goodwill are universal and become more and more relevant with each passing day. Walter was a man ahead of his time, and the time has come for the rest of us to catch up with him.”
A distributor, title, cast, and release date have yet to be announced for the project. In the meantime, have a look at the trailer for Mucho Mucho Amor, and prepare to fall in love with Mercado’s radiance.
QJ201
would be a hoot to have Ricky Martin do the role
johncp56
Tella not so vallia Never saw his show, but i,m interested, yes Ricky Martin would be good