Celebrity
Iconic Star Don Francisco says adios to ‘Sábado Gigante’ after 53 years
Published
10 years agoon
By
Willie David
MIAMI (AP) — Spanish-language TV host Don Francisco ended a 53-year career Saturday night, offering a last, emotional show in which President Barack Obama and his wife praised him by video and a constellation of Latin American pop stars thanked him for advancing their careers.
Don Francisco, whose real name is Mario Kreutzberger, praised his production team and fellow performers for making the show such a long-running success. “Sábado Gigante” was seen in millions of households in the U.S. and Latin America and holds the world record for the longest-running variety program with the same host. “A show is not done by one person,” Don Francisco said as he bade farewell to his audience. “It is done by a team, by many people, many of whom you do not see, you do not know who they are, but they work hard, they put their hearts into it and their talent into it.” Some of the celebrities who made brief appearances include Enrique Iglesias, Gloria Estefan, Shakira, Marc Anthony, and Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles. Iglesias reminisced about being scared and nervous during his first appearance on the show, and thanked Don Francisco for helping him reach success.
View gallery FILE – In this Feb. 3, 2012, file photo, Chilean born … FILE – In this Feb. 3, 2012, file photo, Chilean born host of the Univision network variety show &qu … Marc Anthony appeared by video and recalled being on the show for the first time in 1993. “That was a very important moment for me,” Marc Anthony said, “because I was young and insecure and I felt as if I had graduated, and then I was surprised to find out that my father was there.” Colombian pop singer Juanes thanked Don Francisco “for giving me all your support, in good times and bad, I thank you and your entire team.” Spanish opera singer Placido Domingo and pop star Shakira also sent him best wishes via video. Jorge Ramos, the Univision journalist who recently made headlines after being thrown out of a news conference with Donald Trump, praised Don Francisco for being not only entertaining but also informative.
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Florida Republican, handed Don Francisco a congressional merit award. Puerto Rican singer Daddy Yankee appeared via video link from his concert at Madison Square Garden. Among the staff, there were mixed feelings about saying goodbye. “Obviously there is sadness in the team because an era is coming to an end, but we should be happy and proud of everything we’ve achieved through this show,” said Cristian de la Fuente, one of the show’s regular performers.
Don Francisco was joined onstage by his brother, his wife, his children and several grandchildren. After the show, Don Francisco told a group of reporters that he would continue to work in media, but gave no details. “I never thought we would get this reaction. It’s very emotional to see that this show had such an impact, that we showed to the very last day how professional we are,” he said.
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ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Ananda Lewis, the charismatic MTV VJ and talk show host, passed away on June 11, 2025, at the age of 52, after a courageous battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her sister, Lakshmi Emory, confirmed the news, sharing that Ananda passed away peacefully in her Los Angeles home.
Born on March 21, 1973, in San Diego, California, Lewis rose to prominence in the late 1990s as a VJ on MTV, hosting shows like Total Request Live and Hot Zone. Her engaging personality and insightful interviews made her a beloved figure among viewers, and she earned accolades such as an NAACP Image Award for her work on BET’s Teen Summit.
Beyond her television career, Lewis was a passionate advocate for social issues. She launched The Ananda Lewis Show in 2001, addressing topics like domestic violence and breast cancer, aiming to provide a platform for meaningful conversations. Her commitment to authenticity and social impact resonated with many, and she continued to use her platform to inspire and educate.
In 2020, Lewis publicly disclosed her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer and later revealed that it had progressed to stage 4. Despite medical advice recommending a double mastectomy, she chose alternative treatments, later expressing some regret about that decision. Throughout her illness, Lewis remained vocal about cancer awareness, encouraging women to prioritize their health and live authentically.
Ananda Lewis leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to her values. Her influence extended beyond the entertainment industry, inspiring countless individuals to embrace authenticity and advocate for positive change.
Her passing marks the loss of a significant figure in entertainment who also became a voice for health advocacy. Her legacy includes a strong commitment to authenticity and social impact, and her estimated financial worth was around $8 million.
Ananda Lewis’s impact on television and her dedication to social causes have left an indelible mark on the industry and the hearts of many.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) –Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most memorable actors, has passed away at the age of 65. Known for his dynamic range and unmistakable voice, Kilmer captivated audiences with his standout performances in a career that spanned over four decades.
A Career Full of Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s breakout role came in the 1980s with Top Gun (1986), where he portrayed the cocky and charming fighter pilot, Iceman. The film catapulted him into stardom alongside Tom Cruise, and it remains one of the most iconic films in Hollywood history. Kilmer’s portrayal of Iceman left an indelible mark on pop culture, with his line “I am dangerous” becoming an enduring catchphrase.
Beyond Top Gun, Kilmer’s career featured a diverse range of roles, from playing the suave rock star in The Doors (1991) to the legendary Batman in Batman Forever (1995). He brought depth to each of his characters, making them memorable even in smaller roles, such as his comedic turn in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). His performances were often praised for their intensity, wit, and ability to disappear into his roles.
A Life Beyond the Screen
Kilmer’s life was marked by both triumph and personal struggles. Despite his fame, he was known for his private nature and his journey battling throat cancer. In recent years, Kilmer’s health struggles became widely known, as he had to undergo a series of surgeries that left him with a diminished ability to speak. However, he continued to embrace his craft and the fans who loved him, most recently appearing in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a sequel to the film that first made him a star.
The documentary Val (2021) offered fans a rare, candid look into his life, showcasing not only his successes but also his personal battles and the deep affection he had for his craft. Through this film, Kilmer shared never-before-seen footage from his personal archive, allowing fans to see the man behind the roles.
A Legacy That Will Live On
Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for Hollywood. He leaves behind a legacy of timeless performances that will continue to resonate with generations of fans. From the depths of his dramatic portrayals to the highs of his action-packed roles, Val Kilmer’s impact on cinema is undeniable. His unforgettable presence and voice, once a hallmark of his performances, will be greatly missed by fans and colleagues alike.
Val Kilmer is survived by his children and countless fans who cherished him throughout his illustrious career. His contributions to film will continue to inspire new audiences for years to come, reminding us of the power of storytelling and the ability of one man to shape the very fabric of cinema.
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Kareen Kennedy is the Assistant Editor for Florida National News
kareen.kennedy@floridanationalnews.com
Celebrity
LPGA Pros Shutout Celebs at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions “Break The Glass” Challenge
Published
12 months agoon
January 28, 2025By
Mike Brodsky
ORLANDO, Fla. (Florida National News) – Some big names in sports, entertainment, and music can be found with golf clubs in hand at The Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions at Lake Nona Golf & Country Club, this weekend. About 50 celebrities will compete for a $500,000 purse, while LPGA Tour players try to grab their share of $2 million in prize money.
Today, LPGA pros Megan Khang, Alexa Pano, and Bailey Tardy took on celebrities Landon Donovan, Major League Soccer legend, Michael Peña, award-winning actor, and Kira Dixon, Reporter and Miss America 2015 in the annual “Break The Glass” challenge. The LPGA pros shutout the celebs 3-0. You can watch the action here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DFYsQKbyiAi/?igsh=YzZlNG9rNXhvbnRy. (And be sure to follow Florida National News on Instagram and Facebook.)
Lydia Ko returns to defend her title, after adding an Olympic gold medal and membership in the LPGA Hall of Fame to her resume since last year’s tournament. Actors Don Cheadle and Larry The Cable Guy, NBA stars Blake Griffin and Ray Allen, and Pro Football Hall of Famers Marcus Allen and Charles Woodson are just some of the celebs hitting the links Thursday, 1/30 through Sunday, 2/2. Tickets and more information are available online at http://www.HGVLPGA.com.
